Tue Jul 19 10:30am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Dobbins returns from torn ACL
This is the second in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.
Steelers
The story of the Steelers camp this year will be the quarterback position. There is going to be a new quarterback leading the way for Pittsburgh in 2022. You can expect all eyes to be on this position battle, seeing if the new quarterback can lead the team to the playoffs once again. The good news is the Steelers still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and won plenty of games last year despite the quarterback spot struggling some. Pittsburgh holds their training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Penn.
Position battle: For the first time in a long time, the Steelers will have a new quarterback at the helm. Ben Roethlisberger has finally hung it up. Pittsburgh signed Mitchell Trubisky and drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round of this year’s draft. This duo will battle it out for the right to start. It is like Trubisky’s job to lose right now, but don’t count out the talented rookie. Pickett isn’t going to just hand him the job.
Injury watch: Rookie receiver George Pickens did not play until late his senior season as he recovered from a torn ACL. He did play and looked good, but his knee is still something to watch because he has played very little since returning from the major injury. We would still keep an eye on his health during camp to be sure he is 100 percent going forward. If he is at full strength, Pickens could challenge Chase Claypool to start. He has a world of talent.
Browns
The Browns had high hopes last year but disappointed. The team made a big splash this offseason, making a change at the quarterback spot. Cleveland still remains uncertain at quarterback, though, because of the uncertainty surrounded new quarterback Deshaun Watson. This is likely the story of camp, seeing all eyes on Watson. It could make for some distractions for the entire team. Cleveland gets things going at the Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio.
Position battle: The Browns have some openings at receiver. Amari Cooper is the new No. 1 receiver, but after him, the depth chart is up in the air. Donovan Peoples-Jones, rookie David Bell, Anthony Schwartz and Jakeem Grant will battle it out for playing time. Peoples-Jones is the favorite to start opposite Cooper, but nothing is set in stone at this point. A strong camp and preseason could change things in a hurry for this unit. Stay tuned.
Injury watch: This isn’t an injury but you can be sure much of camp will be focused on Deshaun Watson and his looming suspension. He is going to be suspended, but the amount of time remains up in the air. Having Watson as their starter puts this offense at a different level, so the team hopes he will not be out too long.
Ravens
The Ravens missed the playoffs last year, causing for a disappointing season. The team had a lot of injury issues, though, which didn’t help their cause last year. So much of this camp will be getting the team healthy and staying healthy. The Ravens certainly have the talent to be one of the best teams in football. Baltimore holds training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owing Mills, Md.
Position battle: This seems to be a common theme many years for the Ravens, but this year is no different. The team has some openings at receiver once again. Rashod Bateman is slotted in as the No. 1 receiver, but after him, things are pretty wide open. Devin Duvernay, James Proche, Jaylon Moore and Tylan Wallace are the top candidates to battle it out for playing time after Bateman. It might just end up being a revolving door at the position, but if someone emerges, they could have some fantasy value.
Injury watch: Starting running back J.K. Dobbins missed all of last year after tearing his ACL the last game of the preseason. He has recovered well from the injury but will be brought along slowly in camp. The Ravens have high hopes for Dobbins to be their franchise back for years to come, so they need him healthy and won’t rush him back before he is ready. All signs point towards him being ready for Week 1, but keep an eye on camp and preseason action to be sure.
Bengals
The Bengals were a surprise last year, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. So you can bet expectations will be very high for this team. The Bengals won’t surprise anyone this year Cincinnati will be one of the favorites to win it all. The big story might be their Super Bowl hangover, making it all the way to the big game but losing. How will this impact them going forward? We will get to see this team in action at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Position battle: The Bengals really have all their starting positions figured out, but one position battle to watch is the backup running back job. Samaje Perine and Chris Evans should battle it out to be the top backup to Joe Mixon. Perine held the spot last year but Evans might be the more talented of the two with more upside. It would not surprise to see Evans emerge and get more playing
Injury watch: Tee Higgins had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum. He has missed out on offseason programs, but expectations are he should be ready for the start of training camp. He might not be 100 percent for the start of camp, though, so don’t be surprised if he is brought along slowly. The Bengals won’t rush their star receiver back to action if they have any fear he isn’t 100 percent healthy. But either way, Higgins is expected to be ready for Week 1, which is all that really matters to fantasy teams.
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.
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New England Patriots TE Hunter Henry ranked eight or better in catches, yards and targets among tight ends in 2024, but his two touchdowns ranked 26th at the position.
Fantasy Spin: Henry emerged as one of Drake Maye's favorite targets last season, and he should have a similar role in 2025. Given his overall usage, don't be surprised if he has a few more trips to the end zone. He could finish as a low-end TE1.
From TheHuddle
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker T.J. Watt aren't close to resolving the ongoing contract dispute. The team wants to keep him. However, there are still some glaring issues regarding a new deal, specifically, length and guaranteed money. The 30-year-old is still a top defensive option despite closing in on a decade of service in the National Football League, most recently finishing the 2024 campaign with 11.5 sacks while totaling 61 tackles. With training camp commencing in a few weeks, there is a greater sense of urgency for a deal to get done. If Watt isn't on the field come Week 1, it won't be an ideal scenario for a Steelers defense that is projected to be one of the most potent fantasy units in 2025.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is still "not happy" with where things stand regarding a new contract. This situation has been ongoing for months, so this is nothing new. Still, with training camp right around the corner, the franchise is running a greater risk of a holdout situation if the wideout doesn't get a pay increase. He is coming off his best season since entering the National Football League, ending the 2024 campaign with 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns off 82 receptions. McLaurin is currently in line to make $15.5 million this season. However, it will presumably take well over $30 million a year to retain his services moving forward. If McLaurin isn't on the field, it won't be good news for Jayden Daniels, the 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year. McLaurin's potential absence from training camp could also cause his fantasy stock to fall.
From RotoBaller
NBCSports.com's Mike Florio reports that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver/kick returner KaVontae Turpin was arrested early Sunday morning on two misdemeanor charges. Turpin faces charges for possession of marijuana and unlawful carrying of a weapon, Florio notes. Not what you want to see. The TCU product was an impactful asset for the Cowboys last season -- particularly in the return game, which garnered him a Pro-Bowl selection. It's unclear whether he'll face repercussions for his crimes, considering the nature of the charges. However, both instances could "trigger potential scrutiny under NFL policies," as Florio states. The 28-year-old's punishment, if any, may not be severe, but what happened undoubtedly diminishes his value currently. It may take some time before we receive a definitive outcome.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (foot) is hoping the work put in during the offseason will keep him healthy throughout the 2025 campaign. "The big thing for me this year is I want to play 17 games," said Johnson on the Giants Huddle podcast. "That's the number one priority. I've been taking my recovery and my health, what I'm putting in my body and everything, more serious than I ever have." The 24-year-old wasn't a consistent fantasy producer last season. However, he demonstrated some signs of growth and would total 29 catches for 331 yards and one touchdown before sustaining a season-ending foot injury in November. Johnson has more work to do to earn additional snaps, although it appears he has the edge over Greg Dulcich, Daniel Bellinger, among others, to enter Week 1 as the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart. Still, he has a way to go before establishing himself as a week-to-week fantasy starter.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton continues to make a positive impression on the coaching staff. Head coach Zac Taylor has already touted the wideout's improved growth and maturity this offseason. However, it didn't end there, with offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher being the latest member of the staff to comment on Burton's personal development. "He's got a good look in his eye," stated Pitcher. "He's putting the time in." The 24-year-old, selected with the No. 80 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a forgettable rookie campaign, amassing only four catches (14 targets) for 107 yards. He was also held out of three contests while failing to find the end zone. Without question, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown will each command attention from quarterback Joe Burrow. Tight end Mike Gesicki should also be involved. Still, Burton has a chance to climb the depth chart, which could result in fewer snaps for Andrei Iosivas. With that said, Burton has a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers, although he's worth monitoring heading into Week 1. His ceiling could rise even more if Chase, Higgins, or Iosivas get injured at some point during the season, giving him streaming potential.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward apparently isn't expecting to be handed the reigns heading into his inaugural campaign. "Cam's not gonna expect it to just be given to him," said offensive tackle JC Latham while speaking of the competition between the rookie and Will Levis. "Will's not just gonna sit over here and say, 'oh, we drafted him, go ahead take it.' Like both of them taking the challenge of trying to really earn the spot and really fight for the spot. It's made them better." Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has already received praise, especially for his work ethic and leadership. However, it's unknown if his efforts will earn him the right to take over under center come Week 1. With that in mind, Ward's redraft stock isn't as favorable even if he jumps to the top of the depth chart, considering he'll presumably have some growing pains in his first season. On the other hand, he'll likely be the first quarterback off the board in most rookie drafts, even more so for dynasty managers who are willing to be patient as it relates to his development.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) is hoping to sign with an NFL team. The 2020 No. 49 overall pick was spectacular as a rookie, amassing 62 catches for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns. Since then, he hasn't been as productive. finding the end zone only six times. After stops in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Miami, Claypool was in line to suit up for the Buffalo Bills heading into the 2024 campaign. Unfortunately, he tore a ligament and tendon in his toe before eventually being released by the team. With the injury behind Claypool, he is eager to get back on the field while claiming to be stronger and faster than ever. "I am back to being the strongest and fastest I've ever been and couldn't be more excited to step back out on the field and let my actions speak for themselves," said the 26-year-old. "I deeply and truly believe that the pieces will align, and I will work my way into the position to show off what's been suppressed these last two years." It appears he is more motivated than ever. Although Claypool should see attention from fantasy managers if he signs with a club, he could have a tough time getting close to the level of production he had in his inaugural year. Still, the wideout is worth monitoring in case he ends up inking a deal with a team where he'll have the opportunity to get involved.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans WR Christian Kirk looked like a 'safety blanket' for QB C.J. Stroud during minicamp, according to DJ Bien-Aime II of ESPN.com.
Fantasy Spin: Although the Texans drafted a pair of rookie receivers, Kirk's experience could make him the No. 2 option in the passing attack in 2025, especially if he builds chemistry with Stroud. Kirk's long-term fit in Houston is questionable, but at least for this season, he has WR4 potential.
From TheHuddle
In a recent episode of the 'Locked On Ravens' podcast, former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail shared his thoughts on sixth-round rookie wideout LaJohntay Wester, noting he could become a valuable weapon for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Wester reportedly took well to punt returns during OTAs, and also made a few plays in the passing game that caught the eye of the former athlete. Ismail also noted that Wester "hasn't looked overwhelmed by anything thrown at him." The 23-year-old broke out during his final season with Florida Atlantic in 2023 (108/1,168/8) but took a slight step back upon his transfer to Colorado in 2024. Baltimore's pass-catching corps isn't one that projects to have much vacant playing time, but the rookie seems bound for at least a role on special teams. He's little more than a deep dynasty stash currently.
From RotoBaller
According to USA Today's Tyler Dragon, the Cincinnati Bengals and rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart have had recent contract discussions. Unfortunately, nothing came from the talks, with Dragon adding that "a resolution doesn't appear to be in sight." Both sides remain at a stalemate regarding "language" in Stewart's contract, which is reportedly different from Cincinnati's selections in previous years. The 2025 No. 17 overall pick refused to participate in mandatory minicamp. It also seems he isn't a lock to show up at training camp. The Bengals made moves to bolster the offense by giving new deals to Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Mike Gesicki. However, the franchise has pumped the brakes on prioritizing contracts on the defensive side of the ball, considering defensive end Trey Hendrickson is also seeking a new deal of his own. With that said, Cincinnati has one of the best offenses in the National Football League. On the other hand, the defense needs work, although things may not improve if Stewart continues to miss out on valuable practice time.
From RotoBaller
In a recent appearance on the 'Bussin' with the Boys' podcast, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle sang the praises of rookie wide receiver Isaiah Neyor. "He's a freak. He was running a route, and he got nine and a half yards in two strides. It was insane," said Kittle. "We watched it ten times in the tight end room. We were like 'how is he doing this?' At the bare minimum, he should make the practice squad. He's a freak." Neyor signed with the 49ers back in April as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska, and while his college stats won't blow you away, the 24-year-old's athleticism is enough to do so (99th percentile speed score). It won't be easy to find playing time in a crowded room of viable pass-catchers, but the 6-foot-4 rookie should undoubtedly be on fantasy managers' radars in dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent CB Stephon Gilmore (Vikings) recently told 'The Money Down' podcast that he still wants to play but that it has to be 'the right situation for me.'
From TheHuddle
Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders split first-team work during mandatory minicamp with backfield mate Javonte Williams. Dallas is projected to have one of the worst RB rooms in the league this season, headlined by Sanders, Williams, and fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue. Blue has apparently taken to the NFL quickly, but one of the veterans projects to begin the season as Dallas' lead back. It seems more likely that this backfield is destined for a running-back-by-committee approach, which would obviously dent the value of all three participants. For now, expect a primary split between the two vets, with Sanders handling passing situations and the Cowboys turning to Williams more often than not for short-yardage work.
From RotoBaller
AtoZSports.com's Easton Freeze reports that the Tennessee Titans may alter the role that rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike played on the field during his time at college. The 23-year-old has speed for days and was deployed on a steady diet of nine routes during his tenure at the collegiate level. Rightfully so, when you consider he averaged a whopping 18.6 yards per reception -- good for a top-20 mark in the FBS. However, Freeze notes that Tennessee could opt to use him as a big-slot asset and that it wouldn't be surprising to see him garner a role early on in the offense due to his versatility. Dike's athleticism makes him an enticing option, and the Titans' lack of legitimate receiving weapons only furthers the intrigue. The rookie's playing time could be sparse to start, but he should get a decent chance at snaps eventually. He's an interesting dynasty dart-throw.
From RotoBaller
Per Jason Reed of BoltBeat.com, Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith is not guaranteed a spot on the team's 53-man roster. Reed reports that the fifth-round pick in April's draft is currently in a roster battle with four other wideouts for, presumably, the final spot in LA's WR corps. Lambert-Smith profiles as more of a developmental prospect, never having eclipsed 53 receptions or 1,000 yards across five years at two schools (Penn State, Auburn). However, he carries a leg up on fellow pass-catchers Jalen Reagor and Brenden Rice due to his status as a rookie. Reed notes the Chargers could decide to carry seven wide receivers on their active roster, though that'd be a rare occurrence. For now, the 23-year-old will have to show out during training camp to ensure his spot with Los Angeles.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of only two receivers in the league to draw at least 100 targets against zone coverage in 2024 - Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson was the other - and finished with 91 catches on 107 targets for 1,048 yards (second most in the league) and 51 first downs. St. Brown led the league in targets, catches and first downs against zone for the second straight season while tying for the fourth-best zone catch rate (85.0%), according to Pro Football Focus.
Fantasy Spin: Especially in today's game, being a zone buster is a great thing for a receiver since the league utilizes zone defense over 70% of the time. St. Brown will almost certainly take a hit in production in 2025 with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson now running the show in Chicago and Jameson Williams bound to be more involved. With that said, it would be shocking fails to post a fourth consecutive of at least 100 catches and 1,100 receiving yards.
From TheHuddle
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield accumulated 967 yards passing on throws completed behind the line of scrimmage in 2024 - the second-highest mark by any quarterback since 2018, according to Nex Gen Stats. Only Patrick Mahomes had more such passing yards in a season (1,058 in 2018).
Fantasy Spin: Interestingly, Mahomes has the third-, fourth- and fifth-best marks since 2018 as well. While the size of Mayfield's number under then-offensive coordinator Liam Coen is somewhat surprising, the fact that Mayfield performed so well behind the line of scrimmage shouldn't be, especially since he had the option of leaning on yard-after-catch threats such as Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving. With virtually the same personnel back in 2025 (the addition of first-round draft choice Emeka Egbuka being the big change), it would be shocking if new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard does not have Mayfield lean on the easy throws again in 2025.
From TheHuddle
Despite the fact that Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Byron Young has already had two strong seasons in the NFL with 15.5 sacks, outside linebackers coach Joe Coniglio said he's noticed how "intentional" Young has been going into his third season in the NFL. Coniglio said he's challenged the former third-rounder to continue to work on his "consistency," because "when he's at his best, it's a lot of fun to watch." "I think he's going to take another step forward in regards to his game, his ability to affect games, his ability to disrupt offenses and be the player that he's capable of being," Coniglio said. The 27-year-old has 123 tackles (76 solo), 15.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 32 QB hits, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 34 games (32 starts) in his first two years. Young is one of the Rams' key young pass-rushers.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jenna Laine writes that Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis had one of the most impressive offseasons of any defender on the team. "First day of OTAs, made one of the best plays I've ever seen a linebacker make," linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. said. "He's special, man. Very cerebral and knows the game very well. Can really do everything on the field as a pass dropper, a blitzer and a run defender." Dennis only played in four games in 2024 due to a season-ending shoulder injury that he suffered in Week 4, and the middle of Tampa's defense was more vulnerable as a result. The 25-year-old was selected in the fifth round (153rd overall) in 2023 out of Pittsburgh. He looked like he was on his way toward a breakout season last year before his injury, as he had 22 tackles (14 solo) and a sack in essentially only three games.
From RotoBaller