Courtesy of Footballguys.com
DAL - TE Rico Gathers could start?
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers is a candidate to step up as the team's starting tight end, according to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.
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The Cowboys have a collection of TEs on the roster right now, and Gathers is at the top of the list. He'll compete with guys like Blake Jarwin and rookie Dalton Schultz.
PHI - RB Darren Sproles to have a large role?
Source: NJ.com - Eliot Shorr-Parks
Philadelphia Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) will have a big role in the offense, despite being 34 years old and coming off of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, in the opinion of Eliot Shorr-Parks, of NJ.com. Sproles was not signed to be a feel-good story, according to Shorr-Parks, and it would not be a surprising to see the veteran near or even atop the depth chart.
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Keep this in mind late in your fantasy drafts. Sproles is quite capable as a receiver and could get 50-plus catches if healthy and things line up for him to have this large role in 2018. Jay Ajayi should be the team's leading ball-carrier, but Sproles can be featured as a runner in space and receiver out of the backfield.
IND - WR Ryan Grant expected to start at WR?
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Indianapolis Colts WR Ryan Grant is the favorite over Chester Rogers to start opposite T.Y. Hilton, based on the one-year, $5 million contract Grant signed in free agency, according to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.
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That would make sense, but the competition is open and we won't see until training camp how things shake out. Grant is perhaps better suited to play outside, while Rogers may be best suited to play in the slot. With Andrew Luck back in action, the Colts passing game should have more life in 2018.
PIT - TE Vance McDonald expected to start
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Vance McDonald reportedly 'made a huge impression down the stretch' and is considered the favorite to start over Jesse James, according to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.
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James is more of the all-purpose tight end, while McDonald is more of the receiving option. McDonald needs to stay healthy and prove that he can be more than a flash in the pan for the Steelers. Fantasy owners who want a TE2 with upside should consider McDonald late. McDonald is currently going undrafted in 12-team PPR leagues.
PHI - RB Jay Ajayi played limited role in postseason
Source: NFL.com - Gregg Rosenthal
Philadelphia Eagles RB Jay Ajayi played fewer than half the team's snaps in the playoffs, according to NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.
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Without LeGarrette Blount, the Eagles are looking for more opportunities in the backfield. That means Ajayi is up next, but the Eagles have a cramped backfield. We'll likely see him as the main ball-carrier, but we could see someone like Darren Sproles as their primary receiving back.
NO - Deon Yelder deal includes guaranteed money
Source: Baton Rouge Advocate - Nick Underhill
Updating a previous report, New Orleans Saints TE Deon Yelder's contract includes $90,000 in guaranteed money.
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Some out there think the Saints got a steal in adding Yelder as a priority free agent after the 2018 NFL draft. He was a prep basketball star and has only one year of production at Western Kentucky. Like most basketball converts, Yelder knows how to use his body to shield defenders away from the ball and he can play 'above the rim' on passes tossed up high. Also, like most inexperienced basketball converts, Yelder's route running leaves a lot to be desired. We'll be monitoring him in super deep dynasty leagues.
PHI - RB Donnel Pumphrey faces uphill climb
Source: NJ.com - Eliot Shorr-Parks
Philadelphia Eagles RB Donnel Pumphrey (hamstring) missed the 2017 season with a torn hamstring and will be fighting for a roster spot this summer. NJ.com's Eliot Shorr-Parks believes it is silly to write off Pumphrey after just 26 preseason carries, because the 2017 rookie looked dynamic at times in practice and bulked up, per reports. Even still, Pumphrey faces an uphill battle to make the final roster.
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The FBS all-time leading rusher is only 179 pounds. Even if he's gained weight, Pumphrey simply lacks the body armor to hold up to the NFL beating. That being said, if he works as a part-time player then there's enough ability to be worth consideration. The Eagles are stacked at the running back position and that certainly hurts Pumphrey's chances of making the team. He can play slot receiver, so perhaps that extra bit of versatility will keep the 2017 fourth-round pick on the roster.
Source: footballguys.com