Courtesy of Footballguys.com
NE - QB Tom Brady suspended
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has been suspended four games for his involvement in the deflated-football incident in the AFC Championship. In addition, the Patriots will lose their 2016 first-round pick, a 2017 fourth-round pick and will be fined $1 million, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The league did not show favorites here, and this penalty is larger than some expected. Brady will likely appeal the four-game suspension, and that could reduce his sentence to two or three games. With Brady out, second-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo will be the starting quarterback.
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DAL - WR Dez Bryant to return punts?
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant may return punts in 2015, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. With the loss of former WR Dwayne Harris, the Cowboys are in need of a new punt returner. Jones said that WR Cole Beasley will probably be the first option, but that Bryant could also be used since he returned punts in college and has done so in his professional career.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bryant is too valuable to the offense to be used regularly as a punt returner. Whether he's playing on a new long-term contract or on his one-year franchise tender, Bryant is likely to be making around $14 million in 2015. That's too much money to risk injury as a return man.
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PHI - WR Riley Cooper may not start in 2015
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Philadelphia Eagles WR Riley Cooper may not have a starting job this season with the drafting of WR Nelson Agholor.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We like Agholor as a starter from day one, and he's a player fantasy owners need to be monitoring closely. The rookie is much more naturally talented than Cooper, and his quickness/speed combination should make him a dangerous weapon for the offense. Agholor's current ADP is WR51 (11.09), and it could rise as we get closer to the start of the regular season.
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CHI - Kevin White showing versatility
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Chicago Bears WR Kevin White has spent time at all three receiver positions during rookie minicamp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's good to see the Bears already moving White around the formation to find the best matchups. He's an incredible talent with the speed to take the top off the defense. White is quick off the line of scrimmage, and he doesn't lose speed out of his breaks. He'll be a great weapon for the Bears opposite Alshon Jeffery.
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TB - Jameis Winston learning quickly
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston was praised by head coach Lovie smith for his ability to learn the playbook. 'He's been cramming like it's a final exam, and he's doing a good job of it,' Smith said. 'We've seen marked improvement from the moment we gave him his playbook. Jameis is a bright guy. He'll be able to get it all.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Winston is an alpha male with all the confidence in the world. He wants to be the best in the league, and it looks like he's taking the transition to the pros like a professional. The Bucs have a nice group of weapons around their young quarterback. There will be some struggles for Winston this year, but we're excited to see him develop.
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SEA - Tyler Lockett to have big role?
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett was used all over the field during rookie minicamp and was praised by head coach Pete Carroll. He is in line to return punts and kicks and see action in the passing game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We love this addition for the Seahawks. Lockett is a smaller but explosive receiver with a dash of Antonio Brown (Steelers) to his game. He's got the quickness to get open underneath, he's fearless over the middle and Lockett can score anytime he touches the ball. The nature of the offense is to run the ball early and often, but Lockett will make the passing game more dangerous.
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BAL - Breshad Perriman signs with BAL
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Baltimore Ravens WR Breshad Perriman signed to an undisclosed contract Monday, May 11.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Perriman is a big, fast receiver who can get off the line of scrimmage quickly and cleanly. He does a good job of tracking deep passes and should give the Ravens a fine starter opposite Steve Smith.
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WAS - Robert Griffin to make strides in '15?
Source: The Washington Post - Mike Jones
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III should be comfortable enough with the offense to improve this season, according to head coach Jay Gruden. 'Everything should come a lot more natural for [Griffin], and hopefully, we see that transition from year one to year two in this system with the terminology and knowing where to go with your footwork and anticipation of getting the ball out quicker,' Gruden said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's a make-or-break year for Griffin. Washington picked up his fifth-year option so they can keep him around in 2016....if he plays up to his potential this year. Fantasy owners should consider Griffin a QB3 with QB1 upside if he can get his career back on track. His current ADP is QB25 (14.08) in 12-team PPR leagues.
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HOU - Jaelen Strong's conditioning a concern
Source: Houston Chronicle - Brian T. Smith
Houston Texans WR Jaelen Strong needs to improve his conditioning, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. O'Brien added that his rookie class as a whole needed to improve their conditioning.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That last sentence is important to highlight...O'Brien was calling out all the rookies on the roster. Strong is a larger receiver, and he reminds us of a young Marques Colston. Too bad the Texans quarterback situation is one of the worst in the league. Strong gives the Texans a nice starting option opposite DeAndre Hopkins.
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STL - Todd Gurley preparing mentally
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
St. Louis Rams RB Todd Gurley (knee) isn't able to participate in group drills just yet as he recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but he's still making other preparations. 'I'm just gaining mental [repetitions], basically just making sure I know what's going on.' Gurley said he listens to play calls, goes through plays by himself and watches the team during walkthroughs in order to improve his knowledge of the playbook.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It won't take Gurley long to get up to speed at the pro level. We could see him eased in as training camp hits with the idea that he'll be near 100 percent by the start of the regular season. Gurley can begin his rookie season splitting time with second-year back Tre Mason, but he has superstar potential and he could be the bellcow back for the Rams in the near future.
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- RB Ahmad Bradshaw pleads no contest
Source: The Associated Press
Free-agent RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Colts) pleaded no contest and paid a fine to settle a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession in Ohio. He paid $351 in fines under the plea agreement, and his Ohio driving privileges were suspended for six months. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league will review Bradshaw's case 'under our policies.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This isn't going to help Bradshaw latch on with a team. It's a young man's game, and teams found plenty of talented running backs in the draft. Bradshaw's season was cut short last year in Week 11 with a broken leg. On the open market, Bradshaw has drawn zero interest.
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NE - TE Fred Davis agrees with New England
Source: ESPN.com
Free-agent TE Fred Davis (Redskins) agreed to a one-year deal with the New England Patriots Monday, May 11.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Well that was quick. Davis was just reinstated by the league last week, and now he finds himself with the defending Super Bowl champs. Davis was out of the league last year after repeated violations of the substance abuse policy, a DUI and a domestic incident. It's an interesting move for the Patriots as they are jam packed at the position. Behind starter Rob Gronkowski, they have Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui and Tim Wright. Rookie A.J. Derby, a sixth-round pick, is also on the depth chart. Davis is no guarantee to make the final roster.
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SEA - Want to keep QB Tarvaris Jackson
Source: The Seattle Times - Jerry Brewer
Free-agent QB Tarvaris Jackson (Seahawks) may be brought back by the team in 2015. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters the team wants to bring Jackson back and is interested in continuing negotiations.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jackson should be brought back to give the team valuable depth behind Russell Wilson. He knows the offense like the back of his hand, and Jackson is a good backup quarterback.
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DAL - Other WRs affecting WR Dez Bryant contract
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant's contract talks have been slowed by more than just issues between Bryant and the Cowboys, executive vice president Stephen Jones said Wednesday, May 6. 'I think a lot people want to naturally assume it's a Dez Bryant-Cowboy issue,' Jones said. 'I think it's a bigger issue than that right now. There's three or four young receivers in this league other than Dez that are going to be looking for long term contracts.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bryant situation is similar to the Demaryius Thomas situation in Denver. Both are franchise tagged, and neither has signed their tender yet. The deadline to get a new long-term contract done with franchise players is July 15th. We don't expect either wide receiver to get anything done until we get much closer to that deadline. Any long-term contract struck by one could be used as a guideline for the other. Both could sign deals with an annual average salary over $14 million.
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HOU - S D.J. Swearinger leaves Texans
Source: Instagram
Houston Texans SS D.J. Swearinger announced on Instagram that he and the team parted ways Monday, May 11.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Things change pretty quickly around here. Swearinger was a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft but he couldn't make a positive impression with the Texans. Swearinger failed to make plays against the run or the pass, and that's why no team was willing to trade for him. Now that he's on the open market, there might be a few teams interested in giving Swearinger a look.
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Source: footballguys.com
NE - QB Tom Brady suspended
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady has been suspended four games for his involvement in the deflated-football incident in the AFC Championship. In addition, the Patriots will lose their 2016 first-round pick, a 2017 fourth-round pick and will be fined $1 million, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The league did not show favorites here, and this penalty is larger than some expected. Brady will likely appeal the four-game suspension, and that could reduce his sentence to two or three games. With Brady out, second-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo will be the starting quarterback.
Back to Top
DAL - WR Dez Bryant to return punts?
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant may return punts in 2015, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones. With the loss of former WR Dwayne Harris, the Cowboys are in need of a new punt returner. Jones said that WR Cole Beasley will probably be the first option, but that Bryant could also be used since he returned punts in college and has done so in his professional career.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bryant is too valuable to the offense to be used regularly as a punt returner. Whether he's playing on a new long-term contract or on his one-year franchise tender, Bryant is likely to be making around $14 million in 2015. That's too much money to risk injury as a return man.
Back to Top
PHI - WR Riley Cooper may not start in 2015
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Philadelphia Eagles WR Riley Cooper may not have a starting job this season with the drafting of WR Nelson Agholor.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We like Agholor as a starter from day one, and he's a player fantasy owners need to be monitoring closely. The rookie is much more naturally talented than Cooper, and his quickness/speed combination should make him a dangerous weapon for the offense. Agholor's current ADP is WR51 (11.09), and it could rise as we get closer to the start of the regular season.
Back to Top
CHI - Kevin White showing versatility
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Chicago Bears WR Kevin White has spent time at all three receiver positions during rookie minicamp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's good to see the Bears already moving White around the formation to find the best matchups. He's an incredible talent with the speed to take the top off the defense. White is quick off the line of scrimmage, and he doesn't lose speed out of his breaks. He'll be a great weapon for the Bears opposite Alshon Jeffery.
Back to Top
TB - Jameis Winston learning quickly
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston was praised by head coach Lovie smith for his ability to learn the playbook. 'He's been cramming like it's a final exam, and he's doing a good job of it,' Smith said. 'We've seen marked improvement from the moment we gave him his playbook. Jameis is a bright guy. He'll be able to get it all.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Winston is an alpha male with all the confidence in the world. He wants to be the best in the league, and it looks like he's taking the transition to the pros like a professional. The Bucs have a nice group of weapons around their young quarterback. There will be some struggles for Winston this year, but we're excited to see him develop.
Back to Top
SEA - Tyler Lockett to have big role?
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett was used all over the field during rookie minicamp and was praised by head coach Pete Carroll. He is in line to return punts and kicks and see action in the passing game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We love this addition for the Seahawks. Lockett is a smaller but explosive receiver with a dash of Antonio Brown (Steelers) to his game. He's got the quickness to get open underneath, he's fearless over the middle and Lockett can score anytime he touches the ball. The nature of the offense is to run the ball early and often, but Lockett will make the passing game more dangerous.
Back to Top
BAL - Breshad Perriman signs with BAL
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Baltimore Ravens WR Breshad Perriman signed to an undisclosed contract Monday, May 11.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Perriman is a big, fast receiver who can get off the line of scrimmage quickly and cleanly. He does a good job of tracking deep passes and should give the Ravens a fine starter opposite Steve Smith.
Back to Top
WAS - Robert Griffin to make strides in '15?
Source: The Washington Post - Mike Jones
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III should be comfortable enough with the offense to improve this season, according to head coach Jay Gruden. 'Everything should come a lot more natural for [Griffin], and hopefully, we see that transition from year one to year two in this system with the terminology and knowing where to go with your footwork and anticipation of getting the ball out quicker,' Gruden said.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's a make-or-break year for Griffin. Washington picked up his fifth-year option so they can keep him around in 2016....if he plays up to his potential this year. Fantasy owners should consider Griffin a QB3 with QB1 upside if he can get his career back on track. His current ADP is QB25 (14.08) in 12-team PPR leagues.
Back to Top
HOU - Jaelen Strong's conditioning a concern
Source: Houston Chronicle - Brian T. Smith
Houston Texans WR Jaelen Strong needs to improve his conditioning, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. O'Brien added that his rookie class as a whole needed to improve their conditioning.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
That last sentence is important to highlight...O'Brien was calling out all the rookies on the roster. Strong is a larger receiver, and he reminds us of a young Marques Colston. Too bad the Texans quarterback situation is one of the worst in the league. Strong gives the Texans a nice starting option opposite DeAndre Hopkins.
Back to Top
STL - Todd Gurley preparing mentally
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
St. Louis Rams RB Todd Gurley (knee) isn't able to participate in group drills just yet as he recovers from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but he's still making other preparations. 'I'm just gaining mental [repetitions], basically just making sure I know what's going on.' Gurley said he listens to play calls, goes through plays by himself and watches the team during walkthroughs in order to improve his knowledge of the playbook.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It won't take Gurley long to get up to speed at the pro level. We could see him eased in as training camp hits with the idea that he'll be near 100 percent by the start of the regular season. Gurley can begin his rookie season splitting time with second-year back Tre Mason, but he has superstar potential and he could be the bellcow back for the Rams in the near future.
Back to Top
- RB Ahmad Bradshaw pleads no contest
Source: The Associated Press
Free-agent RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Colts) pleaded no contest and paid a fine to settle a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession in Ohio. He paid $351 in fines under the plea agreement, and his Ohio driving privileges were suspended for six months. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league will review Bradshaw's case 'under our policies.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This isn't going to help Bradshaw latch on with a team. It's a young man's game, and teams found plenty of talented running backs in the draft. Bradshaw's season was cut short last year in Week 11 with a broken leg. On the open market, Bradshaw has drawn zero interest.
Back to Top
NE - TE Fred Davis agrees with New England
Source: ESPN.com
Free-agent TE Fred Davis (Redskins) agreed to a one-year deal with the New England Patriots Monday, May 11.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Well that was quick. Davis was just reinstated by the league last week, and now he finds himself with the defending Super Bowl champs. Davis was out of the league last year after repeated violations of the substance abuse policy, a DUI and a domestic incident. It's an interesting move for the Patriots as they are jam packed at the position. Behind starter Rob Gronkowski, they have Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui and Tim Wright. Rookie A.J. Derby, a sixth-round pick, is also on the depth chart. Davis is no guarantee to make the final roster.
Back to Top
SEA - Want to keep QB Tarvaris Jackson
Source: The Seattle Times - Jerry Brewer
Free-agent QB Tarvaris Jackson (Seahawks) may be brought back by the team in 2015. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters the team wants to bring Jackson back and is interested in continuing negotiations.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jackson should be brought back to give the team valuable depth behind Russell Wilson. He knows the offense like the back of his hand, and Jackson is a good backup quarterback.
Back to Top
DAL - Other WRs affecting WR Dez Bryant contract
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant's contract talks have been slowed by more than just issues between Bryant and the Cowboys, executive vice president Stephen Jones said Wednesday, May 6. 'I think a lot people want to naturally assume it's a Dez Bryant-Cowboy issue,' Jones said. 'I think it's a bigger issue than that right now. There's three or four young receivers in this league other than Dez that are going to be looking for long term contracts.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bryant situation is similar to the Demaryius Thomas situation in Denver. Both are franchise tagged, and neither has signed their tender yet. The deadline to get a new long-term contract done with franchise players is July 15th. We don't expect either wide receiver to get anything done until we get much closer to that deadline. Any long-term contract struck by one could be used as a guideline for the other. Both could sign deals with an annual average salary over $14 million.
Back to Top
HOU - S D.J. Swearinger leaves Texans
Source: Instagram
Houston Texans SS D.J. Swearinger announced on Instagram that he and the team parted ways Monday, May 11.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Things change pretty quickly around here. Swearinger was a second-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft but he couldn't make a positive impression with the Texans. Swearinger failed to make plays against the run or the pass, and that's why no team was willing to trade for him. Now that he's on the open market, there might be a few teams interested in giving Swearinger a look.
Back to Top
Source: footballguys.com
