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| Mark Bradley underwent minor surgery on his knee earlier this month, but Bears receivers coach Darryl Drake doesn't anticipate the operation to keep Bradley from starting for the team in Week 1. "They went in there and cleaned it out. Nothing serious," Drake said to the Chicago Tribune. "He'll be OK." |
Our View: Bradley is expected to be the team's No. 1 wideout this year with the departure of Bernard Berrian, but he doesn't carry much fantasy potential.
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| Owner Jerry Jones has said that Pacman Jones could see some time at receiver for the Cowboys, assuming he gets reinstated. "I think potentially we could get some of those offensive plays that Adam 'Pacman' Jones ran over at Tennessee - he had 15, 20 of them, got in the slot. That could help us there too," Jones told the Dallas Morning News. |
Our View: Pacman is certainly a good enough athlete to see some time at receiver, but we'll see if this comes to fruition. Either way, he's obviously not going to contribute in fantasy at receiver.
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| Ryan Grant feels that progress is being made in contract talks with the Packers and is optimistic that a deal could be done by training camp, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "I'd say that things are going good," Grant said. "We're on track. There's good communication. I'm here, so that means that there's very good communication. I'm taking care of my part. Everything else is between my agent and upstairs." |
Our View: Grant has declined to sign his $370,000, one-year tender as an exclusive rights free agent in hopes of getting a new deal. He rushed for 956 yards as the primary rusher in 10 games last season.
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| Ernie Sims is coming back from offseason shoulder surgery, the Detroit News notes. The linebacker battled a shoulder ailment for most of the second half last year, but he never missed any practices or games. He's not participating during mini-camp but should be going full-bore in training camp. |
Our View: Sims is a tackle machine who holds plenty of value in IDP leagues. We'll track his progress in training camp to make sure the shoulder holds up.
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| In their report on the Packers Wednesday OTA practice, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel notes that DeShawn Wynn appears to be in "so-so shape". The paper also observes that Wynn appear to not be in tip-top shape last year, either, but coach Mike McCarthy said he was fine. |
Our View: Wynn likely sits at third or fourth on the Packers depth chart right now. He's not a given to make the team.
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| Owner Jerry Jones told the Dallas Morning News that Terry Glenn is ready to go, but the Cowboys are holding the veteran out of OTAs as a precaution. Glenn is coming back from a pair of knee surgeries that kept him out of basically all of the 2007 season. "I assume, and I think he does too, that he'll be fine come training camp," Tony Romo said of Glenn. "I think he'll surprise you with just his level of play." |
Our View: Glenn's situation is definitely worth following closely, not only because he can be a factor in fantasy if his knees hold up, but also because his status directly affects Patrick Crayton's value.
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| Tony Scheffler is wearing a boot on his foot and will be out around four weeks after experiencing recurring soreness in the foot he broke during last year's passing camp, according to the Denver Post. Scheffler participated in the Broncos' first offseason workout Monday, but has not been on the field since. |
Our View: Scheffler enjoyed a solid season in 2007 despite his ailing foot, as he hauled in 49 receptions for 549 yards and five touchdowns over 12 games. He topped 100 yards once and emerged as quarterback Jay Cutler's favorite target. Hopefully he will heal favorably and put his foot problem behind him.
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| Tony McDaniel has agreed to a contract extension, according to Jaguars.com. He is entering his third year after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Details of the extension were not disclosed. |
Our View: He only registered five tackles in 2007, and will merely serve as depth for the Jaguars in 2008.
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| Ricky Williams reportedly looked really good during the Dolphins' OTA today, according to the Sun-Sentinel. The Sentinel even mentioned that it wouldn't be a stretch to see Williams start a game or two this season. |
Our View: Williams performed at the OTA without pads, and he has a long way to go to prove he can be an effective rusher in the NFL again. The team has commented that he could be handed a significant role in the Dolphins' rushing attack this season, but that remains to be seen as well.
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| Jonathan Vilma is doing well, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Coach Sean Payton commented, "Vilma's doing well. He's participating in half a practice. He's not taking part in any of the team reps, but he's working in the individual and seven on seven sessions. I have been encouraged with his progress. There have not been any setbacks. It's been real positive."
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Our View: He is recovering from knee surgery, but it sounds like he will be ready to go without limitations for the start of the new season.
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| Justin Harrell underwent minor back surgery earlier in the off-season and that is why he is absent at the start of the Packers' OTA, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Coach Mike McCarthy said, "He's fine, he's doing well. He can probably be back sooner rather than later. Anytime a young player misses time, it's not to his benefit. But he'll be fine. We're probably being more cautious with the 80 roster spots and other things."
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Our View: Harrell was behind the curve as a rookie in 2007, and didn't find his way onto the field until late in the season. He will work behind starters Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly when he is ready to return, and will battle Colin Cole for the top backup spot at defensive tackle.
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| Braylon Edwards sustained a hip pointer in practice as he landed awkardly when cornerback Daven Holly attempted to break up a pass, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Edwards remained inside to workout on Wednesday, but Holly could be lost for the season, as he reportedly sustained ligament and cartilage damage in his knee. |
Our View: Edwards is listed as day-to-day. We will keep you posted when more details are revealed on his status.
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| Daven Holly injured his knee during practice and there is fear that he could be out for the 2008 season, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Team GM Phil Savage said, "It doesn't look good." The knee injury reportedly includes ligament and cartilage damage. |
Our View: The team is already trying to replace Leigh Bodden (who departed to join the Lions), and now they must deal with the likely loss of another starting cornerback. The team is thin at the position, and Brandon McDonald is going to fill in for Holly.
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| Browns' GM Phil Savage has stated that free agent cornerback Ty Law has too high a price tag right now to consider, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Daven Holly injured his knee in practice and Savage noted that it "doesn't look good." |
Our View: Law is close to coach Romeo Crennel as they spent time together in New England, but he isn't likely coming to Cleveland. Lito Sheppard is also considered too high to replace Holly if he is ultimately lost for the season. Savage added that it might take a couple of players to replace Holly.
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| Mark Bradley is not in action because he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this month, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Bradley’s had two ACL reconstructions and the team is calling him questionable for the start of training camp, but he is determined to be ready, and said, "Oh yeah. I’ll be ready for training camp. It was just some scar tissue." |
Our View: Bradley worked as the number five receiver in 2007, but the team somehow promoted him to number one. Bradley vows to return, but the team believes his return for the beginning of training camp July 23 is questionable. Brandon Lloyd is working with the starters in his place.
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| Danieal Manning switched positions from safety to cornerback, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He is working with the starters as the inside nickel back. |
Our View: The former second round pick has shuffled between cornerback and safety a few times before. The low-profile defensive back made a favorable fantasy impact in 2007, with 79 tackles (68 solo) and two interceptions. It remains unclear what role he will ultimately hold this season, and it is too early to put a value on his fantasy stock for 2008.
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| Daven Holly sustained an apparent knee injury in a drill during workouts Wednesday at the Browns training complex, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. |
Our View: The Browns are very thin at the cornerback position, and cannot afford to lose Holly. He was expected to compete with Brandon McDonald to replace Leigh Bodden, who was shipped out of town to Detroit in the off-season. Eric Wright is the other starting cornerback as of now. We will keep you posted on the severity of Holly's injury.
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| Cedric Benson is reportedly running fine on his surgically repaired ankle, according to the Chicago Tribune. He ran with the first-team starters during Wednesday's OTA. |
Our View: The starting job is still Benson's to lose, but he should get tough competition from rookie Matt Forte, who the team is also very high on.
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| Dolphins' coach Tony Sparano stated that Jason Taylor will not be attending any OTA with the team, nor will he be at training camp, according to the Miami Herald. Sparano said, "I'm going to tell you what I know about Jason Taylor and that's all I'm going to say about this. I know Jason Taylor will not be attending any off-season training activities with the team. I know he will not be at any of our minicamps. And I know he will not be at training camp."
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Our View: Gary Wichard (Taylor's agent) told the Dolphins that Taylor will not report for training camp unless he is traded. He wants to play for a winner and he doesn't think the Dolphins are that team. He is 33-years old and wants to win a championship.
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| Justin Durant is currently working as the starting strong-side linebacker, but will get competition from Clint Ingram for the job, according to Jaguars.com. Ingram is working as the number four linebacker as of now. |
Our View: Durant started in eight games as a rookie in 2007, and the team likes his athleticism to handle the strong-side role. Durant made 49 tackles (40 solo) last season, with one sack and one interception.
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| Linebacker Channing Crowder is reportedly still hindered by the knee injury that ended his 2007 campaign, according to the Sun-Sentinel. |
Our View: If he can make a solid recovery, he would have a chance to start on the inside following the departure of Zach Thomas to Dallas. Crowder made 77 tackles (60 solo) prior to going down in 2007, and his fantasy value would rise as a starter on the inside, but again, it all rides on his health.
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| Ronnie Brown tested his surgically repaired knee during Wednesday's OTA, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Brown made sharp cuts on the knee, but he still has a long way to go before regaining his edge from 2007, when he racked up 991 total yards (with 39 receptions) prior to going down after only seven games played. |
Our View: It was a positive day for him, but Brown's fantasy value for 2008 will remain in limbo, especially with news that a time-share with Ricky Williams is being considered.
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| Kendall Simmons underwent arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder on May 14 to remove loose particles that were causing him pain, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He said, "It's something I tried to hold off and be stubborn about it and get through it. I didn't want to miss any games this year because of stubbornness. It will give me a chance to recover from it."
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Our View: Simmons is projected to start at right guard this season, and is merely adequate, but the team lacks depth behind him, and hopefully he will be ready in time for training camp.
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| Jason Allen hasn't been running with the starters at free safety during the early OTA practices, according to the Miami Herald. Allen will get first-team snaps, but he is in a tight battle to keep the job he held last year. |
Our View: He will be challenged by Renaldo Hill, Chris Crocker, and Keith Davis. Allen registered 62 tackles (55 solo), one forced fumble, and three interceptions in 2007.
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| Yeremiah Bell is recovering favorably from his ruptured left Achilles injury, as he is moving well during practice, according to the Miami Herald. He is not quite 100 percent yet, but is reportedly very close. |
Our View: The coaches like Bell, and he will likely be the starting strong safety, barring any setbacks in his recovery. Bell could be the most talented defensive back on the Dolphins' roster.
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| Matt Roth could be on the bubble to hold his roster spot under the new regime in Miami, according to the Miami Herald. Roth, who was a second-round draft pick of failed coach Nick Saban in 2005, is going to have to impress during the coming minicamps and into training camp to keep his roster spot. He started nine games last year.
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Our View: Roth was a disappointment in 2007 as he only registered three sacks with 44 tackles (35 solo), and is neither big nor quick enough to make an impact in the new 3-4 defense.
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| Shaun McDonald will reportedly have a smaller role in the Lions' aerial attack this season under new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto, according to the Detroit Free Press. Mike Martz has left town to join San Francisco and McDonald stated, "I don't think Mike Furrey and myself will be as much of a focal point as we were in that offense (under coordinator Martz). But I can definitely see where I'm going to fit in there and see some of the routes that they've got. It's going to be a good year, I think." Furrey and McDonald will have smaller roles but still significant ones, according to Colletto. Three- and four-wide receiver sets remain in the playbook, and Colletto added, "All that part of the game is still there. It's just the numbers of plays are going to be diminished greatly. Those two guys are still going to figure in what we're doing. We want to be able to change constantly."
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Our View: Colletto has simplified the playbook and plans to run more than Martz did. He also plans to throw to his big outside targets, Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Colletto also plans shorter drops for his quarterbacks, meaning the ball could come out quickly to the slot receiver. With that said, McDonald still thinks the slot will remain a factor for the Lions game. McDonald led the Lions with 79 receptions in 2007, with 943 yards and six scores, but his numbers could potentially take a hit in 2008.
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| Rookie Bruce Davis (UCLA) will miss the rest of the Steelers' OTA because of an agreement between the NFL and NCAA that limits a player to one minicamp with a pro team while his school is still in session, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Davis will miss all of the offseason workouts except for the minicamp. |
Our View: Final exams end at UCLA June 13. Davis was a force as a defensive end in college, but the Steelers could move him to OLB due to a lack of size and bulk (6-2 240 pounds). Most of the time players fail when switching from DE to OLB, but Davis is a great athlete and will have a chance to make a successful transition in Pittsburgh.
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| Rashard Mendenhall still hasn't recovered from a hamstring injury he sustained during the Steelers' mandatory minicamp earlier this month, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. The rookie rusher said, "I feel good. We're taking it day-by-day. We want to make sure everything's OK." |
Our View: Mendenhall is projected to be the primary backup to Willie Parker this season, and could see plenty of carries in their anticipated two-back 'Pony' system, but he still needs to get healthy and get enough reps, namely through training camp, to hold on to the number two role.
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| Aaron Smith isn't fully recovered yet following biceps surgery, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Coach Mike Tomlin said, "He's hitting the sled, participating in individual drills." |
Our View: Smith holds little fantasy value as an IDP defensive end, and holds more value to the Steelers' defense.
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| Hines Ward returned to Steelers' practice on Tuesday following off-season knee surgery, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Ward participated in his first official workout during the team's second OTA, taking the field for a scheduled number of reps. Coach Mike Tomlin said, "We're cautious about the number of reps. We rep counted him a little bit." |
Our View: He had knee surgery after playing on torn ligaments (the PCL and MCL), that occurred in the third game against the 49ers. Ward still managed to put together a solid campaign with 71 receptions for 732 yards and seven scores over 13 games. He could slip down draft boards for this season, and could be a steal, if he proves to be fully healthy.
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| Antoine Winfield is back to participating in almost all of the team football activities following off-season surgery, according to the Star Tribune. |
Our View: Winfield is an elite IDP cornerback when healthy, and his fantasy stock is back on the rise.
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| Brian Calhoun looked solid in drills on Tuesday, according to MLive.com. He missed most of the last two seasons with the same knee injury, and coach Rod Marinelli said, "I think what we're doing really fits him well. That's what he did well in college. He's got good vision, he really does, and he can cut well. He's really healthy. He's comfortable in what we're doing, he's not just a third-down back, he's a back. I think he sees it and it's wide open."
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Our View: Calhoun has good hands too, and could emerge as the Lions' third down back for this season. He could be involved some on first and second downs as well, if he continues to garner praise from the Lions' coaching staff.
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| Dewayne White will start on the right side at defensive end this season, and Coach Rod Marinelli predicts big things for him, according to MLive.com. Marinelli anticipates double-digit sacks, and added, "I try never to limit a man. Is that pressure? Dang right. Am I going to apply it? You bet. White was right there last year until he got hurt. I mean, he had almost six sacks after the first eight games and then he tore that muscle in his arm and that slowed him down. He's got it and he's game savvy. He's got to go do it now. We've got to be able to work it out where we get him locked up one-on-one. But, at that right end you're playing against a money player, too."
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Our View: White played hurt last season, but still registered 43 tackles (33 solo), 6.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception, and one touchdown. He could rank as a strong sleeper for 2008, assuming he can stay healthy.
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| Eric Moulds' agent called the Dolphins, as the team is thin at receiver beyond Ted Ginn, Derek Hagan, and Ernest Wilford, according to FanNation.com. The agents of several other free agent receivers called the Dolphins as well. Koren Robinson and Chris Henry were mentioned among the receivers. |
Our View: If Moulds was added, he would compete with Tab Perry and David Kircus for a backup spot on the depth chart.
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| Tight end coach Mike Pope said he heard that Jeremy Shockey is coming along well as he recovers from a broken leg, according to the Star Ledger. He is running in the sand pits in Miami to strengthen his legs. Pope added, "He gets hurt, but he's a quick healer because he pushes himself." |
Our View: Jeremy Shockey is still an elite tight end, and could generate strong numbers this season if he stays in New York and can also stay on the field. Eli Manning broke out down the stretch last season, and the Giants' aerial attack was unstoppable.
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