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Despite taking a brief pause in contract negotiations during NFL draft weekend, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team and wide receiver Justin Jefferson continue to make progress. "We continue to have great dialogue with their representatives," Adofo-Mensah said. "The process is still ongoing. We did say, 'Hey, [let's pause] a couple days.' The draft's coming. They have players they represent. We have our process." The two sides have been discussing a new deal for more than a year, with the GM saying previously they got "unbelievably close" to a deal last summer. Despite going on Injured Reserve in 2023 with a hamstring injury, Jefferson still went over 1,000 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns. Sooner than later, he's going to become the league's highest-paid wideout.

From RotoBaller

Despite the Atlanta Falcons shockingly taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night, veteran QB Kirk Cousins' position as the team's starting signal-caller of the foreseeable future has not changed, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Minnesota signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed, in free agency in March. Morris said Cousins doesn't have to look over his shoulder, and that there is no QB controversy at all. Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, said there was frustration and confusion coming from his camp because the team didn't use their first-round pick to improve the team in 2024. Cousins will be Atlanta's starter in 2024, but perhaps the Falcons are just giving themselves some extra insurance with Cousins coming off an Achilles tear.

From RotoBaller

The Minnesota Vikings drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in this year's NFL draft for him to be their future starter, but the team is poised to err on the side of methodical caution with their young signal-caller. "We're not going to rush his development," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. "We're just going to do what's best for the Vikings in the short and long term." McCarthy will be required to hit specific benchmarks in his development, and head coach Kevin O'Connell will have full authority to make the decision on when he thinks McCarthy is ready to start. It's a big reason the Vikings spent $10 million to sign veteran Sam Darnold as a bridge starter. McCarthy just turned 21 in January and played in an offense at Michigan that had him throw an average of 22.1 passes per game in 2023, fewer than 93 other college QBs.

From RotoBaller

Former Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants wide receiver John Ross, whose 4.22-second 40-yard dash was the NFL scouting combine record until Xavier Worthy broke it earlier this year, will take part in the Philadelphia Eagles' rookie camp this week on a tryout basis, according to sources. Ross had retired last year but is now attempting to make a comeback. The 28-year-old speedster ended up being a bust after the Bengals took him with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft out of Washington. Ross last played for the G-Men in 2021 and had 11 catches for 224 yards and one touchdown in 10 games (one start). In his five years in the NFL, he caught 62 of 143 targets for 957 yards and 11 scores in 37 games (21 starts). Ross will be a long shot to make the Eagles' active roster in 2024, let alone be fantasy relevant.

From RotoBaller

The Denver Broncos acquired defensive end John Franklin-Myers from the New York Jets on Saturday in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026, according to sources. It's the second trade these two teams have pulled off in the last week, with the Jets also sending former first-round quarterback Zach Wilson to Denver. Franklin-Myers, a former fourth-rounder by the Los Angeles Rams in 2018 out of Stephen F. Austin, started 52 games for the Jets in the last four seasons and racked up 56 solo tackles, 17.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 61 QB hits, one interception, seven passes defended, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in that span. The 27-year-old should immediately become a starting edge rusher for the Broncos in 2024, but he won't be on the IDP fantasy radar with a career-high six-sack season coming back in 2021.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said on Saturday that the team is picking up the fifth-year option for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr. It's no surprise that the Jags will pick up the options for the former Clemson teammates with the deadline to do so coming next Thursday. The 24-year-old Lawrence has been given even more weapons in Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas after Calvin Ridley left in free agency this offseason. Injuries hurt Lawrence in the second half of 2023, and with better health in 2024, he could easily rebound as a strong midrange QB1 for fantasy. Etienne has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons while also catching 93 total passes for 792 yards. Tank Bigsby could be a thorn in his side as he gets more involved in the backfield, but Etienne is still an attractive fantasy RB in an offense that could be even more explosive this year.

From RotoBaller

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, who was reinstated last week after being suspended for all of last season for violating the NFL's gambling policies, reached an undisclosed agreement with the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, according to his agents. The 26-year-old former fifth-round pick (166th overall) by the Lions in 2020 out of Wisconsin has a total of 37 receptions on 60 targets for 568 yards and four touchdowns in 22 games (six starts) in his three seasons in the league. The Bills are notably lacking receiver depth after trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans and losing Gabe Davis in free agency this offseason, so Cephus will have a chance to carve out a spot as receiving depth in Buffalo this summer in training camp. His best season came in his rookie year in 2020, when he caught 20 of 35 targets for 349 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games (two starts).

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | The Miami Dolphins drafted Virginia wide receiver Malik Washington in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Washington fell all the way down into round six before being scooped up by the Miami Dolphins. It was a disappointing development for a player who looked like he could be on the rise. Washington is going to need to make some quick waves in order to make the final roster and looks like a late round dart throw in rookie drafts this off-season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Adding speed on the perimeter with the addition of WR Tez Walker should soften coverage for Flowers. Dynasty Analysis: On paper, Rashod Bateman is the winner of the Baltimore Ravens' draft as they still haven't searched for his replacement. But the bigger development is the field-stretching abilities of fourth round pick Tez Walker, which would give everyone in the offense some additional breathing room. Top wide receiver Zay Flowers gets the largest increase in high quality targets, which could elevate him from his WR21 DLF ranking into the high end WR2 range... if all goes to plan.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Atlanta Falcons drafted Alabama running back Jase McClellan in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: In the end, most scouts likely looked at McClellan and felt he was more of a product of dominance around him than a truly elite-level talent. He'll look to carve out a role behind Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier but McClellan looks like a final round pick at best in most rookie drafts.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Raiders drafted New Hampshire running back Dylan Laube in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: A pre-draft favorite for a lot of dynasty managers, Laube fell all the way down to round six before being taken by the Raiders. In the end, it wasn't all bad as Laube has a decent path to playing time should he find his way on the roster. He'll be a late round dart throw in rookie drafts but he's also a serious sleeper as a solid pass-catching back who could form a bit of a committee with Zamir White.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The fourth round selection of RB Jaylen Wright makes a fast Dolphins offense even faster. Dynasty Analysis: An offense built for speed adds another burner at RB, which could spell doom for 32 year-old Mostert. Despite leading the team in rushes, rushing yards, and rushing TDs, Mostert figures to take a back seat to second year paragon De'Von Achane, but the addition of Wright could push Mostert even further down the depth chart. The younger, fresher set of legs would cut into Mostert's workload at the absolute minimum, driving him down even further from his RB44 DLF ranking.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

The New Orleans Saints selected South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler with the No. 150 pick in the fifth round on Saturday of the 2024 NFL Draft. The drought is over as a new quarterback record of 138 picks between selections of Bo Nix (12th overall) and Rattler. The 23-year-old slipped further in drafts than anticipated and ended up in New Orleans. He had a 99.1 passing rating, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt with a 19:8 TD: INT ratio for South Carolina in 2023. Some of Rattler's strengths are that he has a solid pocket presence and excellent footwork. Rattler will compete for a chance to back up starter Derek Carr, but the rookie QB is mainly an option in dynasty leagues heading into 2024 fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | The Carolina Panthers selected Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders with the first pick of the fourth round in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: With unimpressive options like Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas on top of the depth chart, Sanders looks like a player with a quick path to a starting job. His athletic profile is off the charts and while his production at Texas left a lot to be desired, he has a huge upside. Sanders looks like a pretty pick around the end of round two or start of round three in rookie drafts.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Denver Broncos drafted Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Franklin's draft stock plummeted after his poor off-season showing at the NFL Draft Combine and tape that showed he may really struggle against more physical corners. In the end, he was taken at the top of round four by the Denver Broncos. He'll be reunited with quarterback Bo Nix and could surprise if he can prove he's strong enough. Still, he's clearly dropped in rookie drafts and looks like a third round rookie pick at the moment after being the 17th receiver off the board.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | WR Legette, TE Sanders added to Young's arsenal Dynasty Analysis: After adding WR Xavier Legette in the first round, the Panthers selected TE Ja'Tavion Sanders in the fourth round, giving QB Bryce Young yet another athletic receiving option. Young looks to bounce back from a rough rookie season, and new head coach Dave Canales is surrounding him with talent to expedite the turnaround. Even with Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen joining the rookies, the pass catching group still doesn't look like a finished product. But the upgrades from the likes of Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault, and Tommy Tremble give Young a much more positive outlook as he tries to improve on his QB17 DLF dynasty ranking.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The fourth round selection of tight end Theo Johnson upgrades the Giants' offense even further. Dynasty Analysis: Jones got his new top WR in the first round when the team drafted Malik Nabers, and replaced a possibly-retiring Darren Waller with TE Johnson in the fourth round. Widely regarded as one of the most athletic TEs in the draft, Johnson would immediately walk into the starting role if Waller were to retire. Either way, Jones continues to stockpile weaponry in his final attempt to live up to his 2019 6th overall draft pedigree. Jones is likely on his last leagues with the Giants, but they will give him every opportunity to succeed with the talent surrounding him. Jones' stock continues to rise, from dynasty QB26 prior to the draft, likely into high end QB2 range.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Giants drafted Penn State tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Johnson was a bit of a surprise pick early in the fourth round by the New York Giants but it makes sense when you really think about it. New York has a gaping hole behind Darren Waller and he may end up retiring before the season. Johnson's production at Penn State wasn't amazing but that school has churned out some productive players at that position. In addition, his NFL Draft Combine numbers were off the charts and that bodes well. Johnson is a late round flier in rookie drafts but could move up should Waller decide to call it quits.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The New England Patriots drafted UCF wide receiver Javon Baker in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The New England Patriots had one of the worst looking depth charts at wide receiver in recent memory and addressed it aggressively in the NFL Draft by adding Ja'Lynn Polk and Baker, who was taken in the fourth round. If Drake Maye can develop quickly, there some real upside here with Baker, who is a big-time playmaker. He's going to be a late round flier pick but one with a really high ceiling and low floor. If you're feeling lucky about your dart throws, this might be one worth taking.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Ravens drafted UNC wide receiver Devontez Walker in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The strange path to the NFL is finally over for Walker, who ended up being a fourth round pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Walker is truly an enigma as he looks absolutely elite at times and fairly pedestrian at others. His limited body of work makes him a difficult prospect to evaluate but the talent and genetic make-up is there with him. With Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the top two options at receiver, Walker could find some early success as well. In the end, he makes for a solid mid-round pick who could surprise.

From Dynasty League Fantasy