Courtesy of Footballguys.com
MIN - OL Coach Tony Sparano Dies
Source: ESPN - Courtney Cronin
ESPN reported Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano has died unexpectedly at the age of 56, the team announced Sunday afternoon.
"I am at a loss for words with Tony's sudden passing. Tony loved the game of football and his players. More importantly, he was a strong man of faith who treasured his family. My heart is with the Sparanos today. As an organization we will support them in whatever ways we can," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Our condolences to Family and Fans and Friends of Coach Sparano. Peace and Grace.
CHI - RB Jordan Howard to play every down?
Source: NFL.com - Jeremy Bergman
Chicago Bears RB Jordan Howard 'can play all three downs,' according to head coach Matt Nagy. 'We're going to do that,' Nagy said. 'We're going to use him and we're going to use other guys on first and second down when we need to.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Howard isn't going to get as many heavy workload games under Nagy and Tarik Cohen will have a larger role, but the offense will also be improved - maybe vastly improved - and Howard could have more scoring drives to finish and more production per touch. He is a heavily debated pick in the third round, but this note helps the idea that he won't be pigeonholed as an early down back.
SEA - RB Chris Carson the top back in Seattle?
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson is the No. 1 running back on the depth chart entering training camp, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We think this is mostly July talk. We expect Rashaad Penny to take over but for now, Carson is the guy on paper.
NYG - Saquon Barkley agrees to terms with NYG
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
New York Giants RBs Saquon Barkley agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $31.2 million with the New York Giants on Sunday, July 22, according to a source. The deal will contain a fifth-year team option and includes a signing bonus worth a reported $20.76 million.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Barkley instantly becomes one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. He should get all of the work he can handle, especially as a receiver out of the backfield, and have a chance to justify his first-round ADP.
DEN - RB Devontae Booker to open season as starter?
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos RB Devontae Booker has 'good command' of the offensive playbook and become a competent pass protector, according to Mike Klis of 9News, who added Booker is expected to start the season opener over Royce Freeman against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Booker should be the favorite to start Week 1 with his experience in the offense, but Freeman has more to offer as an inside runner and is capable in all aspects of a running back's job. Freeman's higher ceiling justifies his earlier ADP, but maybe not the large gap. Booker should be a very cheap early season flex as long as his ADP doesn't trend up.
CHI - More freedom for QB Mitchell Trubisky
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Chicago Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky is going to be allowed to 'cut it loose' more often this year, according to head coach Matt Nagy.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Trubisky had some great moments last year when he was allowed to do more, but the Bears offensive staff didn't allow him to get into a groove. Jared Goff had a breakout year with a more creative staff and retooled offense in 2017, and that could happen for Trubisky this year. Trubisky opens with the Packers defense and might be an option for quarterback streamers to start the season.
BAL - QB Joe Flacco showing off athleticism
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco is 'moving and grooving better than he has in several years,' according to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Flacco had a serious knee injury recovery and then back issue to work through during the last two camps. This year, it appears he is at full speed, and first-round pick Lamar Jackson is already impressing to put pressure on him. Flacco could have an 2017 Alex Smith-like resurgence if he can harness these factors.
BAL - Lamar Jackson impressing coaches
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has shown 'accelerated improvement' and is 'way ahead of the curve now,' according to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If Jackson doesn't play this year, it will only be because the Ravens are winning and Joe Flacco is playing well. On a team with a less-established starter, Jackson would be on the fast track to playing and shaking up fantasy leagues a la Deshaun Watson. Keep him on your radar.
HOU - D'Onta Foreman could be ready for opener
Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson
The Houston Texans are hopeful that RB D'Onta Foreman (Achilles') will be fully recovered from a torn Achilles' tendon by the start of the regular season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There isn't a running back who came all the way back to top physical form after suffering an achilles injury. Foreman's size/speed combination made him a potential heir to early down work in the Houston backfield, but his future contributions are up in the air. Lamar Miller has a limited ceiling, but could still be a fine discount RB2 with the uncertainty around Foreman.
BAL - Hayden Hurst confident
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Baltimore Ravens TE Hayden Hurst said he knows there is pressure on him to produce immediately, but he has 'a lot of confidence' in his football ability.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hurst was a first-round pick, but he isn't the physical marvel that 2017 first-round trio OJ Howard, David Njoku, and Evan Engram presented, and he's not an elite two-way tight end. There's a lot of targets at tight end up for grabs for the Ravens, but Hurst should go undrafted in fantasy leagues and only get interest with a hot start. Third-round pick Mark Andrews is also very capable as a receiver and should figure into the tight end picture immediately.
BAL - WR Breshad Perriman under pressure
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Edward Lee
Baltimore Ravens WR Breshad Perriman said he has some nervousness as he enters a 'make-or-break year,' but he is trying to avoid putting extra pressure on himself.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Perriman has a rare/length speed combination, but injuries and inconsistency have him squarely on the roster bubble. He would likely catch on elsewhere considering some of the weak wide receiver depth charts around the league, but the Ravens aren't exactly stacked at wideout and can use his speed, so if he can't make it there, it's probably time to close the book on Perriman in dynasty leagues.
CHI - WR Kevin White staying busy
Source: Chicago Tribune - Rich Campbell
Chicago Bears WR Kevin White was targeted 'way more frequently' during practice Sunday, July 22, than he was all of last summer, according to Rich Campbell of The Chicago Tribune.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
White actually has a chance to win the outside receiver job opposite Allen Robinson this year, and has a fresh start with a new coaching staff. He's not worth a late round pick, but could find his way onto early season waiver wire lists if he stays healthy and finally plays up to his considerable physical gifts.
NE - Sony Michel agrees to terms
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
The New England Patriots agreed to terms with RB Sony Michel on a four-year contract Sunday, July 22, with an option for a fifth year, according to a source. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The final unsigned rookies should start to get their deals done with training camps opening around the league. Michel has a chance to be the most productive back in one of the most productive backfields in the league, and deserves more buzz among rookie back in redraft leagues.
Source: footballguys.com
MIN - OL Coach Tony Sparano Dies
Source: ESPN - Courtney Cronin
ESPN reported Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Tony Sparano has died unexpectedly at the age of 56, the team announced Sunday afternoon.
"I am at a loss for words with Tony's sudden passing. Tony loved the game of football and his players. More importantly, he was a strong man of faith who treasured his family. My heart is with the Sparanos today. As an organization we will support them in whatever ways we can," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Our condolences to Family and Fans and Friends of Coach Sparano. Peace and Grace.
CHI - RB Jordan Howard to play every down?
Source: NFL.com - Jeremy Bergman
Chicago Bears RB Jordan Howard 'can play all three downs,' according to head coach Matt Nagy. 'We're going to do that,' Nagy said. 'We're going to use him and we're going to use other guys on first and second down when we need to.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Howard isn't going to get as many heavy workload games under Nagy and Tarik Cohen will have a larger role, but the offense will also be improved - maybe vastly improved - and Howard could have more scoring drives to finish and more production per touch. He is a heavily debated pick in the third round, but this note helps the idea that he won't be pigeonholed as an early down back.
SEA - RB Chris Carson the top back in Seattle?
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson is the No. 1 running back on the depth chart entering training camp, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We think this is mostly July talk. We expect Rashaad Penny to take over but for now, Carson is the guy on paper.
NYG - Saquon Barkley agrees to terms with NYG
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
New York Giants RBs Saquon Barkley agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $31.2 million with the New York Giants on Sunday, July 22, according to a source. The deal will contain a fifth-year team option and includes a signing bonus worth a reported $20.76 million.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Barkley instantly becomes one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. He should get all of the work he can handle, especially as a receiver out of the backfield, and have a chance to justify his first-round ADP.
DEN - RB Devontae Booker to open season as starter?
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos RB Devontae Booker has 'good command' of the offensive playbook and become a competent pass protector, according to Mike Klis of 9News, who added Booker is expected to start the season opener over Royce Freeman against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Booker should be the favorite to start Week 1 with his experience in the offense, but Freeman has more to offer as an inside runner and is capable in all aspects of a running back's job. Freeman's higher ceiling justifies his earlier ADP, but maybe not the large gap. Booker should be a very cheap early season flex as long as his ADP doesn't trend up.
CHI - More freedom for QB Mitchell Trubisky
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Chicago Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky is going to be allowed to 'cut it loose' more often this year, according to head coach Matt Nagy.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Trubisky had some great moments last year when he was allowed to do more, but the Bears offensive staff didn't allow him to get into a groove. Jared Goff had a breakout year with a more creative staff and retooled offense in 2017, and that could happen for Trubisky this year. Trubisky opens with the Packers defense and might be an option for quarterback streamers to start the season.
BAL - QB Joe Flacco showing off athleticism
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco is 'moving and grooving better than he has in several years,' according to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Flacco had a serious knee injury recovery and then back issue to work through during the last two camps. This year, it appears he is at full speed, and first-round pick Lamar Jackson is already impressing to put pressure on him. Flacco could have an 2017 Alex Smith-like resurgence if he can harness these factors.
BAL - Lamar Jackson impressing coaches
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has shown 'accelerated improvement' and is 'way ahead of the curve now,' according to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If Jackson doesn't play this year, it will only be because the Ravens are winning and Joe Flacco is playing well. On a team with a less-established starter, Jackson would be on the fast track to playing and shaking up fantasy leagues a la Deshaun Watson. Keep him on your radar.
HOU - D'Onta Foreman could be ready for opener
Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson
The Houston Texans are hopeful that RB D'Onta Foreman (Achilles') will be fully recovered from a torn Achilles' tendon by the start of the regular season.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
There isn't a running back who came all the way back to top physical form after suffering an achilles injury. Foreman's size/speed combination made him a potential heir to early down work in the Houston backfield, but his future contributions are up in the air. Lamar Miller has a limited ceiling, but could still be a fine discount RB2 with the uncertainty around Foreman.
BAL - Hayden Hurst confident
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Baltimore Ravens TE Hayden Hurst said he knows there is pressure on him to produce immediately, but he has 'a lot of confidence' in his football ability.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hurst was a first-round pick, but he isn't the physical marvel that 2017 first-round trio OJ Howard, David Njoku, and Evan Engram presented, and he's not an elite two-way tight end. There's a lot of targets at tight end up for grabs for the Ravens, but Hurst should go undrafted in fantasy leagues and only get interest with a hot start. Third-round pick Mark Andrews is also very capable as a receiver and should figure into the tight end picture immediately.
BAL - WR Breshad Perriman under pressure
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Edward Lee
Baltimore Ravens WR Breshad Perriman said he has some nervousness as he enters a 'make-or-break year,' but he is trying to avoid putting extra pressure on himself.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Perriman has a rare/length speed combination, but injuries and inconsistency have him squarely on the roster bubble. He would likely catch on elsewhere considering some of the weak wide receiver depth charts around the league, but the Ravens aren't exactly stacked at wideout and can use his speed, so if he can't make it there, it's probably time to close the book on Perriman in dynasty leagues.
CHI - WR Kevin White staying busy
Source: Chicago Tribune - Rich Campbell
Chicago Bears WR Kevin White was targeted 'way more frequently' during practice Sunday, July 22, than he was all of last summer, according to Rich Campbell of The Chicago Tribune.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
White actually has a chance to win the outside receiver job opposite Allen Robinson this year, and has a fresh start with a new coaching staff. He's not worth a late round pick, but could find his way onto early season waiver wire lists if he stays healthy and finally plays up to his considerable physical gifts.
NE - Sony Michel agrees to terms
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
The New England Patriots agreed to terms with RB Sony Michel on a four-year contract Sunday, July 22, with an option for a fifth year, according to a source. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The final unsigned rookies should start to get their deals done with training camps opening around the league. Michel has a chance to be the most productive back in one of the most productive backfields in the league, and deserves more buzz among rookie back in redraft leagues.
Source: footballguys.com