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Hi Folks,
Good Wednesday to you. Another day of big content on the site as we've got more impact rookies for you and our Matt Waldman has started a really fun mini series within his Gut Check column where he's looking at players that might drive you crazy this year. Those are always fun...
Plus we've got the news and notes you need so let's get to it.
J
Our Impact Rookie Series continues as Matt Waldman looks at TE Coby Fleener.
Our Impact Rookie Series continues as Jeff Tefertiller looks at WR Nick Toon.
Our Matt Waldman is back with another in his Gut Check series. This one is called "The Insanity Series: Players That Will Drive You Mad in 2012". Check it out to see if Brandon Lloyd will have you pulling your hair out this year.
Our Matt Waldman is back with another in his Gut Check series. This one is called "The Insanity Series: Players That Will Drive You Mad in 2012". Check it out to see if Adrian Peterson will have you pulling your hair out this year.
Our Impact Rookie Series continues as Jene Bramel looks at DL Fletcher Cox.
Our Impact Rookie Series continues as Jene Bramel looks at DB Harrison Smith.
Our Impact Rookie Series continues as Jene Bramel looks at LB Nick Perry.
Judd Zulgad, from 1500 ESPN, reports Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier hinted that RB Adrian Peterson could begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform List. "He's moving around without any hitch, he's doing a lot of good things," Frazier said. "What you don't know is how he's going to be when you put pads on and someone comes and they dive at his ankle or they look as if they're going to grab his knee. That you can't predict. But based on where he is today, everything is moving in the right direction. I don't know if we'll put him on the practice field anytime soon when we get to Mankato. But everything indicates there's a very good chance he may be ready for that Jacksonville game. We're still far enough out that you really can't say that right now."
Footballguys' view: No question the Vikings are going to play it safe with their superstar RB. We should see his touches limited in training camp and the preseason as they prepare Peterson for the regular season. Even when the regular season begins we could still see Peterson limited in the first few weeks. This would have the team looking to backup RB Toby Gerhart.
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees said he won't sit out the season in light of his contract situation with the team. 'I would never sit out a football season,' Brees said on 'Outside the Lines.' 'I love this game too much, I love my team too much, but obviously there's a lot that can happen between now and then, so let's just hope we can get a long-term deal done ... Over the last month, (talks have) picked up. There was a dry spell there for a bit.'
Footballguys' view: No surprise here. The two sides should come to an agreement on a new contract for Brees before the July 16th deadline. Getting Brees back at the facility for training camp will be a calming influence in what has been a tumultuous offseason for the Saints.
The Minnesota Vikings are confident WR Percy Harvin will attend training camp next month after a recent report that he was threatening to hold out and request a trade. Harvin has two years left on his rookie deal and will make $915,000 in base salary this season. The Vikings are concerned about Harvin's reckless style of play, which leaves him prone to injuries. 'His snaps may go up, but his touches, I don't know about that,' head coach Leslie Frazier said. 'We do want to keep him on the field more (because) people defend us different when he's not on the field. So we'd like to keep him on the field more. But his style, he is a reckless guy, he doesn't hold anything back and it's always 100 miles an hour. So you have to be careful of not overusing him and you have to be mindful of that.'
Footballguys' view: Harvin is going to work out with QB Christian Ponder before the start of training camp, and we don't see him missing any time with the team in August. Some felt Harvin's problems with the team had to do with his somewhat limited role in the offense. That's an easy fix, and the Vikings are more than excited to use him more this season. Last year Harvin was on the field for 58% of the snaps, yet still finished as the 7th best WR in fantasy football. Increased playing time could lead to increased production and Harvin may finish as a top 5 wideout this year.
Indianapolis Colts RB Delone Carter (thumb) said Monday, June 25, that he expects to be ready for training camp. He tore a ligament in his thumb on the right hand during organized team activities (OTAs) in April, and he had surgery. 'I don't feel like it's a big setback because we don't have pads on yet,' Carter said. 'The only thing I feel is setting me back is not really getting out there and running routes with the defense, having to do it on my own. It's different with a defender over you.'
Footballguys' view: If healthy Carter will compete with Donald Brown to be the team's starting RB in 2012. Brown has a big edge over Carter right now and is considered the favorite to win the job. New head coach Chuck Pagano believes Brown can be a full time RB in this league. If Brown wins the job Carter can still be used effectively as a short-yardage and goalline runner for the Colts.
New York Jets WR Santonio Holmes is owed $15 million in guarantees over the next two seasons, so he isn't going anywhere anytime soon. However, the team needs him to step up and act like a No. 1 receiver in 2012. He has gone 25 consecutive games without a 100-yard receiving game.
Footballguys' view: Holmes needs to elevate his play in 2012. QB Mark Sanchez needs quality targets and may have to force feed Holmes the ball this year. Rookie Stephen Hill makes for a great downfield target, but Holmes needs to be the primary weapon in the passing game. Holmes is currently coming off the board at WR39 near the beginning of the 9th round in standard 12-team leagues.
New York Jets RB Shonn Greene enters the final year of his rookie contract, and this season is seen as a crossroads. The team is hopeful he'll revert to the back he was during the 2009 postseason.
Footballguys' view: It's a make or break season for Greene in 2012. He's failed to produce at a high level, and the Jets ground game has turned from one of the best in the league to one of the worst over the last few years. We feel Greene will be looking elsewhere for employment in 2013, and don't recommend him as anything more than a RB3 this year in fantasy terms.
New York Jets WR Jordan White (foot) hopes to start running soon. He was not wearing a walking boot, and he was no longer using crutches as of Monday, June 25.
Footballguys' view: White has been sidelined since May 21st with a fractured metatarsal bone in his left foot. He was named a Biletnikoff Award semi-finalist and Associated Press All-American after hauling in 140 catches for 1,911 yards last year in college at Western Michigan. The Jets lack playmakers at the WR position behind Santonio Holmes and rookie Stephen Hill. Perhaps White can emerge into a quality slot WR in the near future.
Buffalo Bills general manager Buddy Nix said Monday, June 25, that the team hopes to sign FS Jairus Byrd to a long-term extension. Byrd is entering the final year of his contract.
Footballguys' view: Byrd is one of the best Safeties in the league, and is always around the football. He has high football intelligence, and does a good job of diagnosing plays as they unfold in front of him. Byrd can also be relied on to make plays in coverage.
Detroit Lions CB Aaron Berry was arrested Saturday, June 23, on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was also arrested on two counts of causing accidental damage to an unattended vehicle or property and another two counts of failure to stop and give information to law inforcement. Berry was uncooperative with officers and refused a breathalyzer test. Berry was released and is awaiting arraignment.
Footballguys' view: The offseason of arrests continues for the Lions, as this incident makes the sixth arrest for a player this year. Jim Schwartz clearly needs to get control of this team as these discipline problems are getting out of hand. Berry is in line to start for the team at Right Cornerback in 2012.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading for letting us be a part of your fantasy football season. Have a great day and we'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J