Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum is ready to get his inaugural campaign started. While the rookie is expected to get touches from week to week behind Kyren Williams this season, he cannot say how involved he'll be. "I'm not really sure," said Corum when asked about his workload during an interview. "I know I've had a good camp, and Kyren's a phenomenal back, so we could just feed off each other. Anything to help the team." Corum, the No. 83 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has plenty of upside in dynasty formats. However, his current value in most redraft formats is strictly as an insurance policy for Williams' fantasy managers. With that said, Williams missed time in 2023-24 due to injury. If that happens again, Corum will be a hot commodity on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) was a victim of a robbery attempt on Saturday. According to reports, Pearsall was traveling to an autograph signing when he was approached by the suspect, who demanded the rookie's Rolex watch while brandishing a firearm. A struggle ensued for the gun, resulting in both Pearsall and the suspect sustaining gunshot wounds. The wideout was transported to a local medical facility and is now in stable condition. Police also caught the suspect. There should be an update on Pearsall's condition soon. While he'll likely miss time, his health beyond the field is undoubtedly more important.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emani Bailey has been cut by the organization on Friday. The team has decided to move on from the 22-year-old to make room for quarterback Bailey Zappe on their practice squad. Bailey failed to impress during his time with the Chiefs during the preseason. He rushed 10 times for 29 yards and caught one pass in three games. The Chiefs decided to stick with Carson Steele as their No. 4 back instead of Bailey. The undrafted back will now look to catch on elsewhere before the season begins.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward (concussion) has officially cleared concussion protocol ahead of Week 1. The star defensive back missed nearly two weeks of action before returning to practice earlier this week. It sounds like Ward should be able to get ready in time for the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. His presence is a huge lift to this Browns secondary, so it's great to hear that he's back ahead of Week 1. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive back has 15 interceptions, 76 passes defended, and 73 tackles during his first six seasons in Cleveland.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers have signed running back La'Mical Perine to their practice squad on Friday. This news comes days after Perine was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He joined Pittsburgh in May and rushed 16 times for 46 yards with a touchdown in the preseason. He should serve as decent depth with the Packers shorthanded at running back right now. In three seasons, Perine has rushed for 340 yards with two touchdowns in 17 games between the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers can continue to ignore Perine with Josh Jacobs likely to see the bulk of the carries in Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Dalvin Cook believes he still has gas left in the tank. After finishing 2022 by running for his fourth-consecutive season of at least 1,000 yards, the 29-year-old didn't do much during his time with the Jets and Ravens in 2023-24. However, Cook feels he's still one of the best running backs in the NFL and attributes his struggles last season to the Achilles injury suffered by Aaron Rodgers. "I don't really want to speak on the situation, but when Aaron went down on Play 4, everything was just a little bit different," Cook said during an interview. "When I got to Baltimore, I was ready to go. I was ready to get the ball however many times they needed me to. Unfortunately, I didn't get it that much." While the Cowboys' backfield features Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, it's anyone's guess how impactful the duo can be. If things get out of hand from a rushing standpoint, there's room for Cook to take over as the No. 1 option on the depth chart. If that happens, he'll immediately draw attention from fantasy managers, so drafting him as a late-round stash wouldn't be a bad idea.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Daniel Popper thinks that if all the Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers stay healthy this year, Joshua Palmer will lead the team in targets. Palmer is the returning player with the most targets, receptions, yards and touchdowns from quarterback Justin Herbert. He's also the fourth-most targeted receiver in Herbert's career, behind Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler. Palmer has earned Herbert's trust in his first three years in the NFL, and Popper thinks trust will be especially important in the early going in 2024 after Herbert missed three weeks of training camp with a plantar-fascia injury. In addition, the Bolts have installed a new offense under coordinator Greg Roman. Palmer has upside this year, but he's mainly a WR5/flex because of the fact that he hasn't been able to stay healthy. He missed six games in 2023 with a knee injury and also battled an ankle injury and a concussion in 2022.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said he doesn't need a long-term contract extension done before the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Cleveland Browns. "I think it says a lot if it is or if it isn't," Prescott said. "But 'however' doesn't really matter to me, to be honest with you." Prescott is heading into the final year of a four-year, $160 million deal he signed in 2021 and is scheduled to make $29 million in 2024 and count $55 million against the salary cap. Dallas has talked with Prescott's agent, Todd France, throughout the summer, but a deal doesn't seem close. Prescott said it's up to France and the Cowboys if negotiations continue into the regular season. The Cowboys cannot place the franchise tag on Prescott after the season, so if they are serious about getting an extension done, it must come before the end of the 2024 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hand) said on Thursday that he suffered a broken hand during a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on Aug. 4 that required surgery. Bosa returned to practice for the first time this past Tuesday and was wearing a black club around his left hand. He will not miss any of the Chargers' games to begin the 2024 regular season. The 29-year-old pass-rusher said he had "three really good practices" this week although admitted that his conditioning "needs work." Bosa will play with the club on his hand to begin the year and declined to give a timetable on when he would play without it. He can be one of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the game, but Bosa has had trouble staying on the field the last two years. Bosa made four Pro Bowls in his first six seasons but has played in just 14 games the last two years with hamstring, foot and toe injuries.
From RotoBaller
According to sources, the Cincinnati Bengals are intensifying their efforts to sign star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase to a long-term contract extension with just over a week left until the Bengals kick off the regular season with a Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. Chase did step foot on the practice field last week for a day but has mostly been a hold-in at training camp while he seeks a new deal. A new long-term extension with Chase would be for well above $30 million per season for one of the best pass-catchers in the game. Nothing is imminent yet, but people inside the Bengals building are somewhat optimistic. Negotiations have been more difficult because the three-time Pro Bowler still has two years left on his current deal. Despite the hold-in, Chase should be considered a top-five fantasy wideout and should come off the board in the middle of the first round for those still yet to draft.
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals have released running back Tony Jones (shoulder) from injured reserve with an injury settlement, according to Howard Balzer of CardsWire. Jones had injured his shoulder during the final week of the preseason and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. However, now that he was released with a settlement, Jones immediately becomes a free agent and is technically free to sign with any team. Teams will wait until he's fully healthy before making any sort of deal, but at least there's now a chance for him to suit up again this season, rather than spend the whole year sidelined. Jones had 132 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in 2023, and he remains nothing more than a depth piece on NFL rosters. He should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed free agent running back Jaret Patterson to their practice squad. He had been released from the 53-man roster earlier in the week but is now back in the building. The 24-year-old registered 339 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2021, but his production has scaled back since then and he didn't even register a touch last year. He's merely a depth option behind the four running backs on the Chargers' active roster and therefore isn't expected to see the field much in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers have signed veteran quarterback John Wolford to their practice squad. He had been released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during last week's series of roster cuts. Wolford reunites with Dave Canales, who was his offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay last year and is now the head coach of the Panthers. "John's fantastic. Hands down, the smartest guy in the room," Canales previously said about Wolford. He added, "It's a great feeling for a quarterback coach or an offensive coordinator when you know before the play starts where the ball should go, and it goes there. That's John Wolford. He's just like, 'Alright, so this ball should go to the backline right here, and there it is, bang.' Perfect." Evidently, the Panthers' new head coach has plenty of faith in Wolford and presumably jumped at the opportunity to bring him onto the practice squad when Tampa Bay cut him loose. He'll presumably open 2024 as Carolina's emergency No. 3 quarterback behind Bryce Young and Andy Dalton.
From RotoBaller
The New York Giants have re-signed cornerback Adoree' Jackson to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Financial terms were not immediately reported. Jackson had spent the last three seasons with the Giants. Just last year, he racked up 63 tackles, eight passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble. He should start at cornerback alongside Deonte Banks in Week 1, giving New York some extra defensive help as they take on Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster could play in the team's Week 1 contest against the Baltimore Ravens, head coach Andy Reid said. Smith-Schuster was signed out of free agency earlier this week, leaving him with around two weeks to get acclimated in the offense before the season kicks off. That's not a lot of time, but nevertheless, Reid is leaving the door open for Smith-Schuster to play. It likely helps that Smith-Schuster played with the Chiefs in 2022, so at least he has some familiarity with the offense.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb (knee) may not return to a full workload until the final month of the season, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com.
Fantasy Spin: Chubb is already set to miss the start of the season as he recovers from a knee injury, and depending on how Cleveland's season is going, there may not be a reason to lean too heavily on Chubb at any point.
From TheHuddle
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Ben Skowronek to their practice squad Friday, per Adam Schefter. Skowronek had made waves early on in camp as a part of the Houston Texans but missed time due to a leg injury and was ultimately cut by the team earlier this week. The 27-year-old was never given a full complement of snaps during his three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, though he did perform admirably when given the opportunity. The former seventh-round pick should stand a better chance to crack the Steelers' active roster than he did buried in a deep Houston wide receiver room. With the regular season kicking off in just under a week, Pittsburgh will roll into their road opener against the Atlanta Falcons with George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III starting at wide receiver. Skowronek does not project to be a viable fantasy option, though this could be a situation to monitor with a thin corps in front of him.
From RotoBaller
Linebacker Tyus Bowser was signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad on Friday and will look to build up to his first in-game action since 2022. Bowser previously spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens but was released by the team back in March to free up $5.5 million in salary cap. The 29-year-old was among one of the most versatile linebackers in the league when he was healthy and was a beacon of consistency for the Ravens up until missing eight games in 2022 after a torn Achilles and all of 2023 with a knee injury. He also led Baltimore in sacks with seven in 2021. A former second-round pick, Bowser will reunite with Mike Macdonald in Seattle after playing under him in Macdonald's first year as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. Because Bowser was not on a pre-season roster, being signed to the practice squad will give his body time to reacclimate to football. Look for him to vie for a spot on the active roster.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent CB D.J. James (Seahawks), CB Zech McPhearson (Eagles), CB Damarion Williams (Ravens), CB Kyu Blu Kelly (Commanders), QB Chris Oladokun (Chiefs), S Al Blades Jr. (Jets), WR Alex Erickson (Chargers), CB Eric Garror (Titans), CB Jason Maitre (Dolphins), LB Andrew Parker Jr. (Jaguars), OT Julian Pearl (Ravens), LB Yvandy Rigby (Ravens), WR David Wallis (Patriots) and CB A.J. Woods (Commanders) worked out for the New York Giants Thursday, Aug. 29.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent CB Adoree' Jackson (Giants) agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the New York Giants Friday, Aug. 30. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
From TheHuddle