Let’s take a closer look at some of the latest fantasy-relevant information coming out of NFL training camps.
RB Travis Etienne, JAC
The only thing holding Etienne off an inter-producer breakout season is the Jaguars’ coaching staff if they restrict their touch. He has been a star at Jacksonville’s training camp, adding to his fantasy value. The Jaguars will not play Etienne in their first exhibition game, so their draft pace will stall for at least another week.
fantasy tech: Looking at the early RB2 inventory of this draft season, Etienne is a player with an explosive ceiling, while Locke is not. Weak-knees will buy into Leonard Fournet and James Connor’s 2021 stats, with buyer’s remorse as the season unfolds. I fully expect Etienne to be in the top 10 this year, and only see the success of James Robinson in 2020 (seventh in back-scoring in PPR formats). The theme here is to fight for him in the draft.
RB Alvin Kamara, no
While researching the Saints for 2022, I ranked him as if he would play a full season of the game despite rumors of a possible six-match suspension. I didn’t think it was fair to downgrade his approach until the NFL dropped the ball on his punishment. His hearing was pushed back 60 days, meaning Kamara would not face any news about his suspension until October.
fantasy tech: I’m curious about the composition of the Saints’ new receiving corps this year, inviting a rebound season by Kamara. I avoided him in the early draft season while waiting for his suspension update. Despite changes to its testing, Kamara is not a safe bet in 2022. They should help teams out of the gate while possibly being a losing investment while the most important fantasy weeks are on the line. New Orleans doesn’t have flashy handcuffs, making it more challenging to negotiate connecting Kamara. For anyone willing to gamble, his suspension could be pushed back to 2023 if his trial is further delayed.
WR Drake London, ATL
London continues to turn heads, as training camps for the Falcons begin the first week in August. His size (6’4″ and 215 pounds) and hands create wins in tight one-on-one coverage, setting the stage for multiple looks in the red zone. Atlanta nears team with Kyle Pitts for top goals He has no choice but to get the ball early and often while competing. Depending on his chance, he may have the best route to succeed in this year’s rookie class achievers.
fantasy tech: Quarterback play for the Falcons is a work in progress, but London should have no problem filling their fantasy bucket based on their 2022 price point (WR4). As a result, I raised their estimates earlier this week.
WR Eliza Moore, NYJ
When it begins in September, Moore will undoubtedly be in the Jets’ top wideout with an explosive surge if Zack Wilson plays up to his expected potential in his second season in the NFL. Moore has the speed and agility to shine across the field.
fantasy tech: If Moore repeats his 2021 mid-season success this year, he should have no problem doing better than my sleeper prediction. Their draft price in early August is mid-tier WR3, offering the WR2 upside down based on my previous estimates.
WR Michael Thomas, no
Once Thomas took the field at training camp, his fantasy value began to rise. His movements showed no sluggish effort from his ankle issues in the last two seasons. New Orleans will gradually increase his reps in practice, but they won’t push him into sporting action until Week 1.
fantasy tech: Thomas looks to be the biggest wild card in the 2022 draft. If New Orleans gets back on its way, it has the potential to deliver first round value. With each information and video footage, fantasy drafters will get a better feel for their health. Thomas is a home run swing with a resume to support any fight in the draft if news of his recovery remains positive.
WR Alan Robinson, LAR
Robinson’s signing looks like a big win for the Rams, based on initial training camp news. He has several excellent seasons on his NFL resume, and Robinson now lives in the best offensive position of his career. Van Jefferson’s (knee) injury opens up more goals, and Los Angeles don’t have another viable wideout to capture WR3, unless they decide to re-sign Odell Beckham Jr. Recovering from a torn ACL.
fantasy tech: Robinson plans to become WR2 in PPR formats this season. His scoring needs to improve to reach higher level in fantasy league. I respect his overall game, but I can’t make a case for him to be more productive than the many wide receivers in front of him.
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player injury news
Falcons WR Brian Edwards Quit practicing on Monday with a shoulder problem that seemed minor.
Ravens RB JK Dobbins And gus edwards Stay in PUP list. Of the two, Dobbins is in the most position to be ready for the first week.
At the end of July, QB who bur Had surgery to fix the problem of the appendix. They should have no problem getting ready for week 1. WR t higgins March remains limited in practice with his recovery from a torn labrum requiring surgery.
Brown WR Amari Cooper There was a minor injury to the ankle on Monday.
Cowboys WR . have lost James Washington With a broken leg for several weeks. WR Michael Gallup PUP is on the list with slow recovery from his torn ACL. Don’t expect Dallas to be ready for the opening weekend.
Denver WR. have lost Tim Patrick For the weather on Tuesday with a torn ACL. His lost goals should move into the Broncos’ top two wideouts, while KJ Hamler Opportunity is also available.
Packers WR Christian Watson had surgery earlier this summer, putting him behind schedule to compete for the starting job in Week 1. As a result, he got into the PUP list at the end of July.
Major WR sky moore Quit practicing on Tuesday with hip problem. There is no clear information about the timetable of his return.
Knee injury that required surgery was sidelined van jefferson This week. I hope he misses the start of the regular season while creating a window for Los Angeles to add another wideout.
Raiders TE Darren Waller Practice missed this week with no update on the injury. The Raiders are likely not to be in the starting lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Jaguars.
The Vikings had several players (Rb.) dalvin cookrb Alexander Matison and tee Irv Smith) suffered a hand injury in the training camp. Smith had surgery on his thumb this week. Minnesota expects him to be ready for Week 1.
Giants WR sterling shepard The PUP sits on the list as the Achilles recovers from injury. His position for the opening weekend is unclear.
jets rb Michael Carter He injured his ankle during practice on Tuesday. Initial reports suggest that the issue is minor.
Pittsburgh has three players with questionable tags – RB Nazi Harris (feet), WR Chase Claypool (shoulder), and TE Pat Freermuth (hamstrings). All players should prepare for the first week with minimal time left for Harris and Claypool.
Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Practice remains limited, but she avoided the PUP list, giving her a chance to prepare for Week 1.
titans hope robert woods To return for the first weekend of the season. He has been out since last November with a torn ACL.
due to hamstring problem in early june Antonio Gibson slip in the draft. Washington has been watchful of them since the start of the training camp.
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