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Hi Folks,
Welcome to Friday. Camps are kicking off everywhere and not a moment too soon. We've got a boatload of content for you plus all the news and notes you need. Let's get to it.
J
The lifeblood of what we do are our Detailed Stat Projections. Our David Dodds has another new set of projections ready for you. Enjoy.
Our Footballguys Staffers have new sets of cheatsheet rankings ready for you. Dig in.
You need to know where players are likely to be drafted by the owners in your league. Our Average Draft Position (ADP) data is the best resource out there to give you that info.
The same Average Draft Position data but this time factored for Point Per Reception (PPR) scoring.
For the guys that love the old school VBD Excel App, we've got an updated version ready for you loaded with all the new projections.
With a new set of detailed stat projections, comes a new Draft Dominator. It's simply the most powerful software on the market to help you Dominate Your Draft. This thing wasn't hard to name.
I'm tying this email on my Macbook Air. You know we won't forget our Mac guys for the Draft Dominator. We've got a brand new version of the Draft Dominator for Mac ready too.
Make our projection work for you in the way you want to see them. Our latest Projections Dominator is ready for download.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom talks about Defensive Team By Committee.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey face off on Mike Wallace.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey face off on Frank Gore.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey face off on Earl Bennett vs Alshon Jeffery.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom talks about his Master Plan.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom talks about Player Movement.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom talks about Swinging For The Fences.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Cecil Lammey talks about Quarterbacks.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Cecil Lammey talks about Running Backs.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Cecil Lammey talks about Wide Receivers.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Cecil Lammey talks about Tight Ends.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Cecil Lammey talks about Rookie QBs.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Cecil Lammey talks about Rookie RBs.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Sigmund Bloom talks about Rookie WRs.
Another episode of Footballguys TV is ready. In this one, our Cecil Lammey talks about Rookie TEs.
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most indepth looks you'll find on players anywhere. In this one, we focus on Sam Bradford.
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most indepth looks you'll find on players anywhere. In this one, we focus on Andre Johnson.
Our Footballguys Player Spotlights are some of the most indepth looks you'll find on players anywhere. In this one, we focus on Antonio Gates.
The Minnesota Vikings are expected to place RB Adrian Peterson (knee) on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start training camp.
Footballguys' view: This is no change from what we expected. Peterson can come off of the camp PUP list at any time. Don't let this news change your value of him this year in fantasy drafts.
Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman could potentially supplant RB Willis McGahee as the team's primary back this season. Whether or not he becomes the starter, Hillman will have a chance to play often, as both a rushing and receiving threat. 'He's explosive,' head coach John Fox said of Hillman. 'We like what we've seen so far. We targeted him and we think he will be able to help us.'
Footballguys' view: Our Cecil Lammey has been reporting this for months. Willis McGahee will be the starter to open the season as John Fox is loyal to veterans, but Hillman is the back that fits better in a Peyton Manning-led offense. He is a great sleeper to stash on your bench in PPR leagues.
The Denver Broncos will limit QB Peyton Manning's throws during the course of training camp. With Manning coming off a missed 2011 season that included a fourth neck surgery, it's expected he will do more in the coming practices than he will later into the preseason and into the regular season.
Footballguys' view: This is another sign that Manning won't be quite the same quarterback we remember from Indianapolis this year. He shouldn't be taken in fantasy drafts at the spot that his previous production dictates.
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant probably won't be convicted of the misdemeanor or suspended by the NFL for a domestic dispute with his mother.
Footballguys' view: Bryant is lucky to not have charges pressed against him, as that might have set Roger Goodell in motion. He is surely right at the lip of the plank at this point, making any further incidents trigger a suspension from the league for making the shield look bad.
Unhappy with his contract, Jacksonville Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew will not report to training camp Thursday, July 26, according to league sources. Jacksonville can fine Jones-Drew $30,000 each day of training camp that he misses.
Footballguys' view: That's some expensive rest for a veteran. Jones-Drew can probably afford it, but we expect him to show soon. You'll want to take Rashad Jennings late in draft if you take Jones-Drew early before he reports just in case.
Buffalo Bills WR Stevie Johnson (groin) said he is around 90 percent at this point but does not expect to be limited during training camp. 'I am still about the same (as OTAs),' Johnson said. 'About 90-plus (percent). I never really say a hundred because nobody is perfect here. But I feel good about it. I do not feel anything in my groin so I am pretty good.'
Footballguys' view: Johnson was the target of a ton of targets from Ryan Fitzpatrick today as the two are re-establishing their on-field chemistry. Stevie Stylez is a PPR value in the 5th or 6th now that his groin is in better shape than it was last year.
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (Achilles') said he will not start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Footballguys' view: This is a great sign for his ability to assume a large workload after he serves his two-game suspension to begin the season. We still can't say if he has lost anything from the injury until we see him in the preseason.
The Detroit Lions are hoping RB Jahvid Best (concussion) is cleared to participate in the first training camp practice but are not sure it will happen. Head coach Jim Schwartz said the team will be cautious with Best when he does receive clearance.
Footballguys' view: That Best is still not cleared for contact this long after the 2011 season is a sign of just how fragile he is. Best has proven RB1 upside in PPR leagues, but his season (and maybe career) could end on any hit. He's not worth considering until at least the fifth or sixth round.
The Seattle Seahawks are scheduled to work out free-agent WR Braylon Edwards (49ers) Thursday, July 26.
Footballguys' view: This could be an attempt to replace the released Mike Williams or a hedge against Sidney Rice's string of injuries continuing in 2012. The Seahawks have an interesting group of wide receivers, but not very much experience after Rice.
New York Jets QB Tim Tebow could have any of the following roles this upcoming season: backup/wildcat quarterback; punt protector; red zone quarterback, in addition to working on the kickoff team.
Footballguys' view: This seems to indicate that perhaps Tebow wasn't signed to push Mark Sanchez, but instead to replace Brad Smith. If Sanchez plays like he did in the last three games last season, we'll still see Tebow get the nod out of necessity.
Minnesota Vikings QB Christian Ponder said his confidence was shaken last season, particularly after a Week 14 game in which he threw three interceptions and fumbled twice in a loss to the Detroit Lions. 'That definitely hurt my confidence,' Ponder said. 'Without the mistakes in Detroit, I probably wouldn't have lost my confidence.'
Footballguys' view: We appreciate his honesty, but this isn't a great sign for Ponder's long-term upside. The NFL is brutal and will give him reasons to question himself every week. He is lucky that the Vikings don't have an experienced backup to push him in training camp. The team could turn to Joe Webb if Ponder collapses this year. If that happens, Webb would be worth rostering, and maybe starting in fantasy leagues, because of his running ability.
Cleveland Browns WR Josh Gordon came clean regarding a third failed drug test after transferring from Baylor to Utah. 'Yeah, there was a failed test,' Gordon said. 'But definitely something I want to get past. Coming out here, I have a new experience, a new foundation to get started, and I don't really plan on looking back in the past anymore. I only look toward my future.'
Footballguys' view: It is troubling that Gordon would lie about the test when he had nothing to gain from it, reiterating his stance on it after the Browns took him in the supplemental draft. He still has a decent shot to play a big role this year, making him worth a late-round flyer in very deep leagues. He is worth a second-round rookie pick in dynasty leagues.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said restricted free-agent WR Mike Wallace should be signed and in camp. 'Obviously, we have a desire for him to be here,' Tomlin said. 'We want him to be part of this thing, both short-term and long-term. We've been in negotiations with him. He's not here today. That's unfortunate for him ... I want the player here. One thing experience has taught me is this is bigger than all of us. It's bigger than Mike, it's bigger than me. So I mean that when I say it's unfortunate for him that he's not here.' Wallace has refused to sign the Steelers' $2.472 million restricted free-agent tender.
Footballguys' view: Wallace is playing a dangerous game here, with the Steelers installing a new offense led by an offensive coordinator is who is known to be very hard on his wide receivers. He is looking like a shaky pick at his current fourth-round ADP. The Steelers haven't lowered his tender like AJ Smith did to Vincent Jackson, even though it's within their rights. Wallace should sign it and show up as soon as possible if he knows what is good for him.
Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan said RB Tim Hightower (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, July 26, but is making good progress in his rehab from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Footballguys' view: Shanahan wouldn't commit to Hightower as the starter once he's healthy, which leaves us with no presumptive starter in Washington after Evan Royster took the first snaps in camp today. The Redskins running game should be highly successful, but it's impossible to tell who the back to own is right now.
The Oakland Raiders will not overwork RB Darren McFadden during training camp, even though he is 100 percent recovered from a serious foot injury last season. McFadden must reacquaint himself with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's zone-blocking scheme; however, working him too much in camp does not make sense.
Footballguys' view: McFadden is an obvious injury risk, but he is also as talented as any back in the league. This is good news for his owners unless we find reason to think that it is related to his foot not being completely healed yet.
New York Jets OL Jeff Otah (knee) did not pass his physical Wednesday, July 25, and if he does not pass it in the next week, he might be headed back to the Carolina Panthers. The team placed Otah on the active/physically unable to perform list after failing the physical. He battled knee problems during his tenure with the Panthers, which is why he played just four games over the past two seasons. A league source said the trade was contingent on Otah passing his physical with the team in the next seven days, or he heads back to Carolina.
Footballguys' view: The Jets right tackle position is a liability right now, and it doesn't look like Otah will be able to solve it.
Philadelphia Eagles TE Brent Celek (knee) left practice early Thursday, July 26, after suffering a mild knee sprain. He said he will be fine after practice.
Footballguys' view: If Celek doesn't need an MRI, we can breathe easy. He's so cheap in drafts that this shouldn't affect his stock.
Washington Redskins WRs Leonard Hankerson (hip) and Joshua Morgan (leg) and OG Kory Lichtensteiger (knee) went full speed during practice Thursday, July 26.
Footballguys' view: Morgan lined up outside along with Pierre Garcon, and Santana Moss was in the slot with the first team. Hankerson is currently the fourth wide receiver, but this competition should be hot throughout training camp and preseason. The number two receiver for the Redskins is definitely worth rostering.
The Baltimore Ravens have placed OT Bryant McKinnie on the Reserve/Did Not Report list. Head coach John Harbaugh said McKinnie is dealing with a personal issue and is not sure when he will report to training camp.
Footballguys' view: Michael Oher will take over at left tackle for the time being. Right tackle could be manned by Marshal Yanda, leaving another hole at guard until this situation gets resolved. No matter how they deal with it, the Ravens need McKinnie back and effective as soon as possible.
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie agrees with QB Carson Palmer's assessment that the team has a shot of reaching the playoffs this upcoming season. 'I think after being around these guys the whole offseason, being around the coaching staff and the players, I definitely think we have the makeup of being a playoff team,' McKenzie said. 'I feel what Carson is saying, as far as where we're headed. We're headed in the direction to where we can get there ... everybody seems to be on the same page. We just need to keep progressing. We can make this happen.'
Footballguys' view: This is only true because the Raiders play in a division that was won with an 8-8 record last year. Head coach Dennis Allen, McKenzie and Palmer are still at least a year away from making this team a real contender.
Arizona Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb said that former NFL LB Willie McGinest got it wrong when he said that the locker room wants QB John Skelton over him. Kolb added that when talking about McGinest's report with teammates, they treated it like a joke. 'One of my offensive linemen was laughing about it,' Kolb said. Skelton acknowledged that McGinest's comments had the players talking, but in his opinion both quarterbacks are viewed equally. 'Some of the guys mentioned it in the locker room,' Skelton said. 'I don't know anything about that. I don't know where he got that from. From what it seems, all things are equal both in the locker room and on the field.'
Footballguys' view: What is Kolb supposed to say? He knows he needs to improve to win over the coaches and his teammates, that's the bottom line.
The emergence of Oakland Raiders WRs Juron Criner and Rod Streater enabled the team to trade WR Louis Murphy to the Carolina Panthers. The move also opens up a roster spot and cap space.
Footballguys' view: Criner could push Darrius Heyward-Bey if Heyward-Bey reverts to his shaky pre-2011 form. Streater was underused at Temple, but he shined in the spring and should be considered the favorite to win the number five wide receiver job.
Indianapolis Colts RBs Delone Carter and Vick Ballard will push RB Donald Brown for snaps during training camp. RB Mewelde Moore is also a candidate to be a third-down option.
Footballguys' view: Donald Brown has done little to earn incumbent status or distinguish himself from this unimpressive group. None of the above might be the best answer to which Colts back to draft this year.
Washington Redskins TE Chris Cooley (knee) has been a mainstay with the team, but his backup job to TE Fred Davis, and potentially his roster spot, is being threatened by converted wide receiver TE Niles Paul heading into training camp and the preseason.
Footballguys' view: Cooley has no fantasy value left. He can be dropped in all dynasty leagues.
New York Giants RBs Andre Brown, Da'Rel Scott and Danny Ware have done little to distinguish themselves in the race for the primary backup job to RB Ahmad Bradshaw. They'll have rookie RB David Wilson pushing them for the job in training camp and the preseason.
Footballguys' view: Brown is trying to come all the way back from an achilles tear, Scott is a change of pace speed back, and Ware is at third-down back at best. First-round pick David Wilson shouldn't have any trouble overcoming them.
Dallas Cowboys C Bill Nagy could win a starting job on the offensive line in training camp and the preseason. The team signed OG Nate Livings and OG Mackenzy Bernadeau (hip), and project them as starters. But Bernadeau has struggled coming back from hip surgery, and Livings hasn't been impressive. Nagy was a promising prospect this time last year, impressing coaches with his technique and intelligence. The only knock on Nagy was that he needed to improve his strength.
Footballguys' view: The Cowboys have big questions at both guard positions. If they aren't settled by the time the season starts, it could be a reason to break ties against Demarco Murray and Tony Romo.
The Atlanta Falcons have released LB Lofa Tatupu.
Footballguys' view: Tatupu had a shot to win the team's middle linebacker job, but a torn pec sidelined him for the season and might have ended his career.
Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis reported to training camp noticeably lighter than he was at the end of last season. Lewis wouldn't give away an exact weight, but he said he is much lighter than 240 pounds. He added that this is the lightest he has been at the start of training camp in his 17 years in Baltimore. Last season, Lewis played at around 260 pounds.
Footballguys' view: Lewis is adjusting to the more pass-heavy NFL he plays in now. He's still a value in IDP drafts as everyone keeps guessing wrong when they expect him to drop off because of age.
New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis has reported to training camp Thursday, July 26, for a physical, according to sources.
Footballguys' view: Revis rattles his saber about a holdout just about every year, but he didn't plan on following up on the veiled threats to stay away from camp for more money this year.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Friday.
Friday thought - do something unexpectedly nice for someone today. Let me know how it goes.
We'll see you tomorrow with the update.
Peace,
J