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.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (foot, toe) missed a large chunk of training camp and the preseason due to injuries, but he returned to practice this week and says he's ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. "It felt really, really good today. I feel like I didn't lose a step. I stayed on top of everything that I needed to throughout the rehab process, so I would be able to be fast and play free and be on the same page with our quarterbacks," Shaheed said. With a new offensive scheme in place under coordinator Klint Kubiak, Shaheed missed valuable time getting reps on the field, but he said he's not worried and already feels that he has a good physical rhythm in the offense. The 25-year-old could have an expanded role in what the Saints are hoping is an improved offense in 2024, but for Week 1 against the Panthers, Shaheed should be considered more of a boom/bust WR5/flex in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in his opening news conference on Friday that he doesn't expect wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) to play in next Thursday's season opener against the Baltimore Ravens due to a sternoclavicular dislocation that he suffered in the preseason opener on Aug. 10. This has pretty much been the expectation since Brown suffered the injury, especially since he hasn't been able to return to practice yet. The 27-year-old was given a four- to six-week timetable initially. Brown will most likely officially be ruled out for Week 1 next Wednesday, but there's a chance he could be available for Week 2 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. The injury has obviously dropped Brown down fantasy draft boards, but he's still worth taking as a potential great value as a WR4/flex. Rookie Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice will see an early-season boost for however long Brown is out.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that running back Rico Dowdle will get fewer special teams spans this year because he's expected to be a bigger part of the offense with an expanded workload. Dowdle is expected to open the 2024 season as the co-starter with veteran Ezekiel Elliott, but the recent signing of Dalvin Cook could put a damper on Dowdle's fantasy value this year. The 26-year-old former South Carolina product had just seven carries for Dallas in his first two years in the league, but his role expanded considerably in 2023, as he had 89 rushing attempts for 361 yards and two touchdowns and added 17 receptions for 144 yards and two more scores in 16 regular-season games. Dowdle almost certainly isn't going to take over this backfield single-handedly, which probably caps his fantasy value as a RB4/flex, at best.
From RotoBaller
The Miami Dolphins signed head coach Mike McDaniel to a contract extension on Friday that will take him through the 2028 season, according to sources. The Dolphins had the top-ranked offense in the league last year under McDaniel for the first time since 1994, and they also had their first back-to-back playoff appearances in 23 years. McDaniel has an especially strong working relationship with general manager Chris Grier, CEO Tom Garfinkel and salary cap guru Brandon Shore. The next step for McDaniel and the organization will be to win in the postseason. Miami has not won a playoff game since 1999 and have lost two AFC wild-card games under McDaniel. The head coach has had a noticeable impact on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's development after leading the NFL in passing yards in 2023. Tagovailoa also signed a four-year extension this offseason, so he and McDaniel are in it together.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is heading into a big season as the number-one receiver on the new-look Broncos offense. He's undoubtedly the leader of the receiving corps after the team opted to go younger by trading away Jerry Jeudy and letting Tim Patrick walk. The coaching staff has noticed improvements that he's made over the offseason and he'll look to help boost up rookie quarterback Bo Nix with consistent performances. Last year, in a volatile offense, the six-year pro posted 772 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 59 of his 90 targets. The last time Sutton was the clear number-one was in 2019 when he caught passes from Joe Flacco and Drew Lock, he finished with 124 targets, 72 receptions, 1112 yards, and six scores.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin showed some lackluster highlights in the first preseason games of his NFL career. After the team let Tim Patrick walk, it was a sign that they still had some confidence in the rookie's progress. According to head coach Sean Payton, the coaching staff is pleased with where Franklin currently sits with his progress and he'll get the chance to keep growing with this new-look offense. When it comes to the depth chart, he's still slotted behind Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Mims Jr., so he may not see too many snaps to start out the season. Right now, his fantasy relevance is higher when it comes to dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Chargers re-signed free-agent S Tony Jefferson to the practice squad on Thursday, Aug. 29.
From TheHuddle
The Washington Commanders signed free-agent DL Sheldon Day (Vikings) to the practice squad on Thursday, Aug. 29.
From TheHuddle
According to Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O'Connell, the surprising decision to waive running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu on Tuesday was mostly about their belief in Myles Gaskin. Gaskin is currently on the practice squad, but he's likely to be elevated to the game-day roster in Week 1 to serve as the team's No. 3 RB and kick returner. He'll be behind starter Aaron Jones and backup Ty Chandler on the RB depth chart. The 27-year-old has returned only eight kicks between his college and NFL career, but the Vikes liked what they have seen in training camp. In the end, Gaskin proved more versatile on special teams and as a pass-protector in the backfield than Nwangwu. Gaskin, a former seventh-round pick 2019 by the Miami Dolphins, won't have any fantasy value unless one of Jones or Chandler miss time with injury in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Patriots have named Jacoby Brissett their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Brissett was outplayed throughout training camp and the preseason by rookie Drake Maye but the Patriots are clearly playing it safe here. With an offensive line that's, well, offensive, and a receiving corps that's paper thin, this may not be the best situation to throw a rookie into. Maye will still likely make some starts this season but New England is going the safe route here. Brissett will be a low-end QB2 to start the year and likely waiver wire fodder at some point in the season.
Dynasty | The 49ers have signed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to a contract extension. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that was painful, Aiyuk's contract status has been the source of more ups and downs than a roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm but he ends up staying with San Francisco and gets a four-year, $120 million contract extension that will keep him under team control through 2028. It's another massive deal for the 49ers, who now have a whopping eight players making more than $15 per season and one quarterback who is going to be in need for his own extension in a couple of years. Aiyuk should provide low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 as he attempts to build on his 75/1,342/7 breakout last season.
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk would have been dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers had San Francisco's trade offer for Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton been accepted. The 49ers offered the Broncos a third-round pick for Sutton before agreeing to an extension with Aiyuk.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has an excellent chance to open the season as the team's second-string running back behind Josh Jacobs. Per their depth chart, Wilson is listed as the Packers' third-string back. However, with rookie MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) missing time, the door is open for Wilson to take on a more significant role. Green Bay is scheduled to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their regular season opener next Friday night. Unless there is an update on the rookie's status, Wilson will open the season as the second to receive carries out of the backfield. Though the second-year undrafted free agent hasn't received much workload thus far in his NFL career, he has run well when given the chance. Fantasy managers should keep him on their radar for now, as although he may not garner much standalone value, he would be an asset to roster if he were Jacobs' handcuff.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Johnny Wilson (concussion) was held out of practice again on Thursday and remains in the league's concussion protocol. Wilson suffered the concussion on Aug. 13 during joint practices with the New England Patriots and has yet to be allowed to return to practice. It is still being determined whether or not he will be cleared ahead of the Eagles home opener against the Green Bay Packers next Friday night. He's currently the fourth wideout on the team's depth chart behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and newly acquired Jahan Dotson. The sixth-round rookie never recorded more than 43 receptions or 897 yards during any of his collegiate seasons, nor does he project to get much playing time this season in a deep Philadelphia wide receiver corps. However, at 6-foot-7, Wilson would pose as a formidable red zone threat if he ever cracked the lineup.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (groin) is "heading in the right direction," as per coach Brian Daboll, and should be ready to roll for the team's regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8. Olszewski missed all of minicamp after picking up a foot injury during OTAs and was cleared to participate at the start of training camp before suffering a groin injury back on Aug. 17. The sixth-year veteran isn't expected to contribute much as a receiver as he's not listed as a starting wideout on New York's depth chart. However, he is slated to be the Giants' primary kick returner in 2024. Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton have been rotating on punt returns during his absence, and we expect to see an update on his injury over the coming week. Depending on your league's rules regarding points for kick and punt returns, Olszewski could provide some value for fantasy managers. Otherwise, he is better left alone until the situation on the depth chart before him clears up.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (undisclosed) did not practice again on Thursday. Cardinals' head coach Jonathan Gannon has yet to provide the exact nature of his injury, though he said he'd be held out for the rest of the week and return to practice on Monday. The rookie third-round pick has missed time due to an undisclosed reason, though it can't be too serious if he's expected back with the team early next week. Reiman is currently listed as the team's third tight end per its depth chart and brings solid blocking ability to the table. He'll attempt to stave off Travis Vokolek while he is shelved and will slot in behind Trey McBride and Elijah Higgins for playing time this season. Reiman holds little value outside of a deep dynasty league bench stash.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is making good progress in his recovery and has a chance to play in Week 1 depending on how he feels during practice leading up to the game, according to head coach Brian Callahan.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor Hopkins' practice participation next week to have a better idea of his status for Week 1. He is a weekly starting option in all leagues when healthy, but fantasy players should have a backup plan ready in case he sits out.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent TE Nick Vannett (Titans) signed with the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 29. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans CB Chidobe Awuzie (calf) participated in practice Thursday, Aug. 29, is not concerned about returning to the field despite missing most of training camp because of the injury.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (hand) recently underwent surgery to repair a broken hand and is wearing a club on his hand.
From TheHuddle