Plenty of training camp items affecting early fantasy drafts
Training camps have begun and the information is starting to stream in!
From retirements, early camp reports and new signings, the first couple of days of camps are having an effect on the early drafts.
Here are a few camp items that have caught my eye:
TAMPA BAY: The Buccaneers made a splash signing veteran WR Julio Jones to a one-year deal on Tuesday, and Jones is healthy and already heavily involved in the offense, according to The Athletic’s Greg Auman.
But the biggest surprise though was WR Chris Godwin being cleared to practice at the beginning of camp after his season ended last year with an ACL tear.
WR Mike Evans and WR Russell Gage owners are shaking their heads after selecting the duo in early drafts. Evans’ second- to third-round draft capital has dwindled as the veteran has never been a big PPR guy, while Gage has probably been bumped down to the third or fourth option in the Bucs' WR pecking order.
Fantasy draft outlook
Godwin – up 1 round or 2
Evans – down 2 rounds
Gage – late round add only
Jones – 10th round or later until role becomes more apparent
SEATTLE : RB Chris Carson announced his retirement after a neck injury from last season forced him to end his career. Then WR D.K. Metcalf signed a three-year, $72 million contract with $58.2 million guaranteed.
In the quarterback battle, newly acquired QB Drew Lock was the taking snaps with the second team, while holdover QB Geno Smith was with the starters. Smith may have a better rapport with Metcalf and WR Tyler Lockett, but Smith was underwhelming in his starts last season.
With Carson’s retirement, RB Rashaad Penny became the frontrunner with second-round pick RB Ken Walker only in the mix with RB DeeJay Dallas and RB Travis Homer for the back-up job.
Fantasy draft outlook:
Metcalf – no change, third round or later
Lockett – down 1 round or 2
Penny – up 2 rounds
Walker – late draft handcuff only
NEW ENGLAND: Second-year RB Rhamondre Stevenson’s role appears to be expanding for the Patriots.
After overcoming early season fumbles, Stevenson was a solid back-up to starting RB Damien Harris last season.
He has been seen taking snaps with the first-team unit and currently being used on third downs, according to camp reports.
Fantasy draft outlook
Harris – no change, fifth round or later
Stevenson – up to sixth or seventh round
ATLANTA: Fifth-round RB Tyler Allgeier continues to impress the Falcons’ coaching staff and may be starting to carve himself a role in the offense.
The former BYU standout rushed for 1,601 yards and 23 touchdowns during his senior season, and the 5-11, 220 pound back may be in line to relieve some of RB Cordarrelle Patterson’s workload, especially in the backfield.
Patterson had a break-out season at the age of 30 last year, rushing for career-high 618 yards and catching 52 passes for 11 TDs.
The Falcons must replace 182 touches vacated by Mike Davis, and it appears the new coaching staff wants to keep Patterson as healthy as possible, giving Allgeier an early season chance to shine.
Fantasy draft outlook
Patterson – no change, fifth round or later
Allgeier – 10th round or later but be ready to draft him earlier if reports continue to be positive
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