June 2014 4for4 Player News Articles

The Jets have thus far stopped short of labeling the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Stephen Hill a bust, but they did make it a priority this offseason to upgrade their receiving corps, first by getting Eric Decker in free agency, then by selecting three more wideouts in the draft. The message was plain: By no means would Hill be guaranteed a roster spot in 2014.

That's not to say the Jets aren't still doing what they can to help Hill become the player they traded up four spots to get two years ago.

The priority for Hill, first and foremost, is staying healthy and getting his knees to cooperate. His rookie year was cut short by arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, and last season constant swelling in both knees eventually landed him on injured reserve again.

Hill also has to learn how better to use his speed. Part of the reason the Jets so coveted Hill during the 2012 draft was the blazing 40-yard dash time (4.36 seconds) he ran during the combine that winter, the story points out. But speed is only a part of effective route running for a receiver, and that will also be key in Hill's progress. For now, he's ranked just 91st on our list.

Bears.com writer Larry Mayer answered a question about RB KaDeem Carey:

Q: I thought running back KaDeem Carey was a steal in the fourth round of the draft. How many carries do you see him getting this year?

A: That’s difficult to say, primarily because starter Matt Forte is such a versatile three-down back who’s capable of running inside and outside as well as catching passes. I know the coaching staff has a hard time taking Forte off the field, and who can blame them? Interestingly, the Bears’ backup running back got 112, 114 and 114 carries in Lovie Smith’s final three seasons as coach, but only 63 last year in Marc Trestman’s first season.

With that being said, I think that Carey has the potential to be more productive than predecessors Chester Taylor (267 yards and three touchdowns in 2010), Marion Barber (422 yards and 6 TDs on 2011) and Michael Bush (411 yards and 5 TDs in 2012 and 197 yards and 3 TDs in 2013).

But Carey must first prove that he can learn and execute pass-blocking assignments because protecting the quarterback is vital in Trestman’s offense. If you want me to guess, I’ll say that Carey will get 80 carries this season barring a serious injury to Forte, which breaks down to five per game.

It sounds like Mayer thinks Carey has the chance to play more of a role than Bush did last season. Carey seems like a guy to grab later in drafts as a potential handcuff to Forte, especially when you consider Forte will likely be one of the top-five RBs off the board later this summer. Of course there is some risk with drafting handcuffs and Carey may not get all of Forte's workload should Forte get hurt, but it's a situation worth monitoring if you plan to protect or draft Forte.

Who will become the 49ers slot WR? Former Bills WR Stevie Johnson along with former Patriot Brandon Lloyd are on the 9ers roster and look to be two of the favorites.

Odds look to favor Steve Johnson in the end, as Lloyd is coming off a year where he didn't even play. The 9ers still have Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin on the outside with Vernon Davis the TE, so the position winner will have to fight for targets. Just one of many upcoming camp battles to monitor...

Under the team’s new coaching staff, Redskins’ quarterback Robert Griffin III is now allowed to call audibles when he sees fit.

This is only a positive for RGIII and Washington to have him audible out of bad matchups to put the Skins in the best position to call a better play. Washington is expected to throw the ball a little more with RGIII under center in Jay Gruden's offense, so this is just about a necessity.

Former Eagles, Cardinals and Bills quarterback Kevin Kolb was arrested on Saturday for boating while intoxicated in Willacy County, Texas, according to a report by 956sports.com.

Eagles OT Lane Johnson has been suspended the first four games of the upcoming season after testing positive for PEDs.

There has been no confirmation of the report yet from the team.

If true, the loss of Johnson is a massive blow to an Eagles' offensive line that is loaded with starters but thin on backups.

The Eagles line bounced back after an ugly 2012 season and helped pave the way for LeSean McCoy to lead the league in rushing. Fourth-overall-pick in 2013 Johnson was a big part of that. If true, Johnson would return Week 5. While it certainly doesn't help, McCoy shouldn't lose his top-three value heading into drafts.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that the Browns have staged preliminary talks with Brian Hoyer's camp about a contract extension.

Rapoport spoke with Hoyer's agent, Joe Linta, who confirmed that while discussions have taken place, "it will be a very difficult deal to do. We're always open to talking with the Browns, but we're content to wait and see what happens down the road."

The reality is that Hoyer's value might shift dramatically between now and season's end. He could materialize as a successful starter or remain a solid backup. The difference could mean as much a $7 million per year, one executive from another team told Rapoport.

Hoyer impressed in three games last year, winning two, before getting hurt for the season. Early reports say he's outplayed first round pick Johnny Manziel, so it seems like it's in Hoyer's best interest to let things play out in camp. This time last year, the Browns were high on Hoyer, too, but the job went to Brandon Weeden before Weeden got hurt. Without Josh Gordon, it could be hard for either QB to be a legit fantasy starter, however.

Patriot QB Tom Brady has asked everyone to step up their game as training camp approaches.

WR Kenbrell Thompkins shined in minicamp. WR Josh Boyce looked bigger and better, until he appeared to suffer a lower-body injury in the warmup line on day two of minicamp.

WR Aaron Dobson was held out and there is a lot of question marks around TE Rob Gronkowski and his status for Week 1. So Brady is urging guys like Thompkins and Boyce to step up between now and the start of camp. With Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman likely fixtures in the offense, there is still going to be playing time to be had, especially if Gronkowski isn't ready.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew joined the Oakland Raiders this offseason amid queries about whether the three-time All Pro had anything left in the tank.

His career-low average of 3.4 yards per carry in 2013 followed an injury-plagued 2012 campaign and had MJD considering hanging up his spikes.

"For awhile, I was contemplating retirement because I just didn't feel like I had it anymore," Jones-Drew told the Los Angeles Times earlier this month. "But that wasn't the case. My trainer helped me get back in shape and gain that foundation that I'd lost with the surgery."

Jones-Drew said he's in the best shape of his life since joining the Raiders. He's still expected to combine with Darren McFadden to share the workload in Oakland, however. We currently have MJD ranked 31st among RBs with an ADP of the 10th round. Despite being expected to share the load, McFadden (ranked 37th) has had his share of injuries in the past, so MJD looks likes someone to take a shot on later in the draft who may be able to play in certain matchups.

During an interview with SiriusXM NFL this week, Bengals OC Hue Jackson said he believes that QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green are the top tandem in the league. He didn't say if he meant regular-season only.

"I think they're the best in the game in my opinion," Jackson said. "I know people will fight that and say differently, but I've watched these guys and these guys have grown. They came in together. They started off hot, they're still hot. Every year statistically, they've gotten better."

In terms of fantasy, not so much. But it should be noted that Green's production continues to climb, as the story pointed out. Green went from 65 catches in 2011 to 97 in 2012 and 98 in 2013. Green's 260 career receptions are the most by a receiver in NFL history through a player's first three seasons. Green's also improved on his yardage total in each of this three years. Green is once again one of the top fantasy receivers out there this season while Dalton is more of a QB2 with the potential to start on occasion.

Over the past few weeks, we've gotten glimpses into how Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt plans to use QB Jake Locker. It appears that the coach is inserting the quarterback into his system, not molding his system to fit the quarterback.

In other words, Locker is being groomed as a pocket passer. While that doesn't eliminate rollouts and bootleg passes on occasion, it means the majority of Locker's throws will come from a conventional pocket.

When Locker was seemingly at this best last season, and showing glimpses of being a starting fantasy QB, he was doing his share of running - which included TD runs. But the story pointed out that Locker's passing percentage actually went down last season when he rolled out. We rank Locker 25th at his position, which is QB3 material.

Eagles WR Jordan Matthews is planning to work out with some of the best receivers in the NFL before the season starts.

"I'm going out to Atlanta for a while to go train," said Matthews. "I'm going to try to train around guys like A.J. [Green] and Calvin [Johnson] down with Tom Bender and them. So try and get some tutelage from some of those guys, some legends in the league right now."

While Matthews won't be expected to produce anywhere close to the level either of the Pro Bowl receivers do, it is certainly a great sign that he is deciding to spend his time away from the start of training camp working out and trying to learn from those ahead of him.

All eyes will be on Bills WR Sammy Watkins as he continues to develop chemistry with E.J. Manuel and transition to the pro game. He has already been possibly the most impressive player on the field throughout OTAs and minicamp and has looked the part of a true No. 1 wide receiver. Now that defensive backs will have more freedom to jam receivers at the line and get away with more contact during practice, will Watkins continue to impress?

He’s not landing in a good situation, since the Bills are run-heavy and E.J. Manuel is his quarterback. But with Stevie Johnson out of the way, the potential is there for solid production. By all accounts he has shown a great work ethic, so if he’s a target-hog, he should be a fantasy starter (top 36) in 2014.

Key quote from Browns HC Mike Pettine: "I think in the AFC North, you have to be running back by committee. You'd like to have a guy that can carry most of the load, but also be able to alternate guys ... you've got to be able to get fresh legs out there."

Tate wants to be a feature back and he'll have his chance in Cleveland, provided he can hold off West. Tate has averaged 4.7 YPC in his career and has touched the ball at least 15 times in 13 career games, averaging 94.5 yards and 0.54 TD in the process. That equates to 12.7 fantasy points, which is about what Chris Johnson averaged as the #9 RB in 2013. Touchdowns are going to be tougher to come by in Cleveland than they were in Houston, the rookie is nipping at his heels. Keep in mind that in addition to missing the entire 2010 season due to a broken ankle, he has missed eight other games in his career. Durability is a big concern.

When it came to converting third downs in the red zone or goal to go situations Buffalo all too often found themselves settling for field goals. The Bills converted just 31 percent of their third downs in the red zone last year to rank 24th in the NFL.

Enter RB Anthony Dixon. A short yardage and goal line specialist, Dixon is both nimble and a load at 6-1, 233 pounds.

“That’s one of the things I did in San Francisco and the last few years I was perfect on it,” said Dixon. “I had a goal line touchdown in the NFC Championship game last year. I feel like I’ve got that down pat. If he wants me to do that then I’m definitely capable of fixing that problem, short yardage and goal line.”

The Bills also have a bolstered offensive line this season, but the news here is Dixon's presence won't help owners of RBs C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. WRs Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams could also be targets as the Bills look to improve their poor red zone numbers from last year. Despite Dixon likely stealing some short TD runs, he won't have a lot of fantasy value.

Steelers beat writer Scott Brown was asked about LeVeon Bell's workload: "I think LeVeon Bell could get 300-plus carries this season but not much more than that even if he plays every game. The Steelers say they are committed to running the ball this season, and I don't think that's just lip service from offensive coordinator Todd Haley and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. However, I doubt that the Steelers lean as heavily on Bell as they did last season because of the additions of LeGarrette Blount and Dri Archer. Bell will start at running back but the other two will get touches as well. I like that approach because I think it will extend the number of productive seasons Bell has in the NFL. That's probably not good news for fantasy football owners who covet Bell, but he will still be a prominent part of the offense and the Steelers will put his receiving skills to good use too."

Bell's touches are under pressure with the addition of Blount and Archer. Blount was very productive for the Patriots last season and is likely to eat into Bell's workload in 2014.

Beat writer John Keim was asked if Alfred Morris's role would be like BenJarvus Green-Ellis last year or more like Morris's role the last two years: "Well, he's better than BenJarvus Green-Ellis so I would expect Alfred Morris to get a lot more carries. Plus I'm not sold that the Redskins have their Giovani Bernard type to take away that many carries from Morris. Roy Helu will get some and perhaps Lache Seastrunk, especially in the spread. But I would expect Morris to still be a factor. But how much of one? Honestly don't know yet. I know the Redskins will keep the same run game, but I also know Jay Gruden's reputation is that he likes to throw the ball (it was also Kyle Shanahan's, too, until he landed Morris and Robert Griffin III). Morris 'only' had 276 carries last season compared to 335 as a rookie (losing so often last year didn't help). I could see his totals being closer to last year than his rookie year, just because of the added weapons in the pass game. Green-Ellis, by the way, carried 278 times two years ago but only averaged 3.9 yards per carry. Morris averaged 4.6 yards last year and 4.8 as a rookie. Big difference."

Morris’s stock has taken a bit of a hit after the coaching regime change in Washington, but new HC Jay Gruden intends to keep the same running game (one reason they retained O-line coach Chris Foerster), so Morris’s outlook doesn’t change too much. He still isn’t much of a player in the pass game, so his PPR value is on the low side, though he’s a fairly safe start in any format given his steady workload.

Beat writer Tarik El-Bashir was asked which Redskins player will break out this season: "I’m going with running back Roy Helu, whose versatility should make him a weapon in Jay Gruden’s offense. Under the Shanahans last season, Helu rushed for 274 yards on 62 attempts and reeled in 31 passes for 251 yards. I suspect Gruden is going to find a way to get the ball into Helu’s hands (a lot) more often, particularly through the air. Why? Look at Gruden’s history with the Bengals. Last season, dual-threat running back Giovani Bernard was a focal point of the Cincinnati offense, hauling in 56 passes for 514 yards and rushing for 695 yards on 170 carries. I’m not saying Helu is as good as Bernard or that Helu can replicate Bernard's numbers. But Gruden loves players that he can get creative with, and Helu has proved in the past that he can thrive when deployed properly. Remember Helu’s rookie season? When he rushed for 640 yards and caught 49 passes for 379 yards? Three years later, he’s more experienced, completely healthy and still only 25 years old. Why can’t he do it again?"

Gruden's usage of Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis last year would indicate a committee-type attack for the Redskins for 2014, but in 2012, Gruden leaned very heavily on BJGE, so Helu is no shoo-in for a big role.

It makes sense for Eagles HC Chip Kelly right now to get as many snaps for his receivers as he can. But when the season starts Sept. 7 against the Jags, Kelly’s most experienced (and therefore most reliable) offense will feature Brent Celek and Zach Ertz. I would anticipate that two tight-end offensive packages will be the bread and butter of the Eagles’ attack earlier in the season until Jordan Matthews is ready to see an uptick in playing time.

Last year, Kelly went with experience over upside when he designed his offense around three-wide formations featuring DeSean Jackson, Riley Cooper and Jason Avant, with Celek at tight end. Even though he used the 34th overall pick on Ertz, Kelly gradually eased the rookie tight end into the offense and didn’t feature more two tight-end formations until later in the season.

The same thinking can be applied be applied to the start of this season, with Kelly using Celek and Ertz more at the start of the year until Matthews and Josh Huff are ready.

Ertz averaged 2.8-32-.56 over the final nine games of the season (including the Eagles' sole playoff game) and that included two goose eggs in Week 10 and Week 14. That equates to 6.6 fantasy points per game, which is what Martellus Bennett averaged as the #10 TE in fantasy football. With Jason Avant and DeSean Jackson gone, Ertz could play a lot in the slot, though the arrival of WR Jordan Matthews may limit Ertz’s snaps there. If he can take a step forward in the blocking department, it will help his overall fantasy outlook.

It’s been more than a week since an arbitrator considered arguments and evidence in the franchise-tag grievance between Jimmy Graham and the Saints. To date, no ruling has been issued.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, a ruling is expected next week.

After finishing as the #2 TE in 2011, Graham has been the top tight end in back-to-back seasons. He played through a plantar fascia injury for the last half of the season and still averaged 4.4 catches for 56 yards and 0.83 TD. While his yardage was down from his per game average in 2011 and 2012 (74 yards per game), he more than made up for it in the touchdown department. Graham should be playing for the Saints in 2014, one way or another.

49ers TE Vernon Davis on his holdout:

"It hasn’t been difficult at all. It’s just like any athlete, we all want a new contract. But I’m not going to stress over it. It’s not the end of the world if I don’t get it. If I get it, that’s good. It’s moving slowly, but surely.

"At the end of the day, if I don’t get the deal, at least I tried and I put my foot down. If I don’t get it at the moment, I’m not going to lose any sleep."

It doesn't sound like he intends to carry his holdout into the season. Davis finished the season as the #2 TE, but his numbers took a dip after Michael Crabtree returned to the fold. Davis averaged 3.8-62-.90 on 6.1 targets without Crabtree in the lineup. After his return (and including three playoff games), those numbers fell to 2.4-35-.75 on 4.6 T/G. Those are still top 10 numbers at the position, but Davis simply isn’t a no-brainer top 5 pick with Crabtree in the lineup. Davis has a history of being underutilized in the 49ers’ run-heavy offense, and that’s a possibility again in 2014.

According to beat writer Darren Urban, Cardinals rookie TE Troy Niklas is "far behind right now."

Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com on Cardinals RB Andre Ellington: "He’s earned the right, and we’ll see about the touches per game, which I will guess will be 20 to 22 a game."

Rashad Mendenhall retired, and the Cardinals didn’t do much of anything at RB in free agency (outside of signing Jonathan Dwyer), so the path is clear for Ellington to become a feature back. HC Bruce Arians says he wants to build the offense around the diminutive RB, but that they’ll be careful not to overwork him, implying that they may limit his short-yardage work. He was the #25 RB in 2013 on 10.4 touches per game, but averaged 12.4 touches in his last 11 games. In that span, he averaged 9.3 FP, which are low-end RB2 numbers. Arians’ offenses don’t utilize the running back heavily in the passing game, but with the way he has been gushing about Ellington’s skill set, that may change. Ellington averaged 0.771 fantasy points per touch in 2013, so if he can maintain that production at a 15-touch workload, he’s looking at an average of 11.6 FP per game. Those are high-end RB2 numbers. We currently project Ellington for 15.2 touches per game, so if he sees 20-22 like Urban predicts, he's likely going to finish as a solid fantasy RB1.

The Titans have their starting receivers in veteran Nate Washington, rising star Kendall Wright and promising Justin Hunter.

But who will take the role as the fourth receiver when the season opens at Kansas City on Sept. 7?

Michael Preston, second-year pro, has taken every opportunity to stand out to the coaches, especially wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson.

"He is my jack of all trades," Jefferson said at the conclusion of organized team activities. "He knows all the positions. I can plug him in anywhere, he hustles, blocks, and is a great teammate."

The Atlanta Falcons have signed former New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans wide receiver Courtney Roby.

Are the Ravens ready to regularly use formations that will get Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels on the field at the same time?

According to Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report, Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has pondered the prospect of “relying heavily” on formations using two tight ends because of Daniels’ encouraging offseason after missing most of 2013 with a broken fibula.

Pitta missed most of 2013 due to a hip injury and he was sorely missed in the Ravens’ passing game. Upon his return, he saw 33 targets in four games, putting him on pace to finish with the 3rd-most targets in the league. It’s not a solid sample size, but it’s still an indicator of what may come. (He finished with the 12th-most targets in 2012.) The big plus for Pitta heading into 2014 is the arrival of new OC Gary Kubiak who has been very TE-friendly throughout his career, specifically with the development of both Shannon Sharpe in Denver and Owen Daniels in Houston. There are those that are worried about Daniels' arrival stunting Pitta's upside, but if Baltimore plays a lot of 12 (two-TE) formation, it shouldn't impact Pitta negatively. If there are two tight ends on the field, there won't be a lot of snaps for a third WR, so Marlon Brown stock continues to sink. He'll fight with Jacoby Jones for limited snaps as the Ravens' WR3.

While Bears HC Marc Trestman and OC Aaron Kromer have a greater oversight of the offense, the assistant in the trenches every moment of every day, cleaning up Jay Cutler's fundamentals, is Matt Cavanaugh.

"I've seen incredible progress," the quarterbacks coach said last week during minicamp in Lake Forest. "When we got in here last year & evaluated him we had a real good conversation with him about certain things that every quarterback should do. We said, 'Jay it might not be natural, but we want you to try it.' And he did

"To his credit, he’s taken every suggestion we’ve given and he’s embraced it. From how he holds the ball to how he lines up in the`Gun’ pre-snap to how he drops back, to his throwing base to his follow-through. Every little fundamental we’ve talked to him about, he’s embraced, and it’s like night & day."

Cutler was the #6 QB through the first six weeks, but finished with the #22 PPG on the year. His early season play is more representative of his potential in Marc Trestman’s offense, assuming he can stay injury-free. He has a ton of talent around him and Trestman loves to throw.

A week after the Jets released Mike Goodson after he skipped the team's mandatory minicamp, Goodson was due in Morris County (N.J.) court Thursday to face a status conference for his two weapons charges.

But he didn't make an appearance, and, as the Newark Star Ledger writes, Superior Court judge Mary Gibbons Whipple said that if Goodson doesn't show for his next appearance, he'll be headed to jail.

Discussing Raiders WR Andre Holmes...

“He’s a long strider, a big guy who can stretch the field vertically and go up and get the football,” quarterback Matt Schaub said. “Obviously, his height and his ability to adjust in the air are some of his strengths, as well as some of the intermediate routes. Just being able to get to the top of his route, come strong out of his cut, he can be a guy that can stretch the field for us.”

Denarius Moore has not had a great offseason and may lose snaps to Holmes, who has played well when given the opportunity.

Why did Baltimore's deep passing game struggle in 2013?

For one, Ravens QB Joe Flacco never appeared to consistently be on the same page with his receivers. The quarterback had far too many ill-advised decisions or imprecise throws and his receivers also dropped their fair share of balls.

Two, the offensive line’s struggles often made Flacco get rid of the ball quicker than he wanted, preventing deep routes from developing. And three, the departure of Anquan Boldin and the injury to Dennis Pitta took away the Ravens’ two primary underneath threats who work the middle of the field. With them not on the field, the defense could roll a safety and focus on not allowing Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones to get free deep.

But that third issue shouldn’t be a problem this year, not with the addition of Steve L Smith, Owen Daniels and OC Gary Kubiak calling the plays.

“It is definitely [about how you] get the ball out of your hands, because there’s always a route somewhere that you can get the ball out to, and as a quarterback, you have to know when you have a problem and when you have to get it out,” Flacco said last week. “I think that’s the biggest thing with going through your progressions and having a set progression for this, for that. There’s no real guess work, there’s no real gray area, and that allows you to get the ball out real quick.”

Whether it also leads to Flacco reviving his team’s deep passing game remains to be seen but the pieces certainly appear to be in place for the Ravens to improve in that area.

Losing Anquan Boldin to free agency and Dennis Pitta to injury certainly hurt Flacco, who finished #19 after three straight top 14 finishes. Pitta is back, but Boldin is still gone, though the team acquired Steve L Smith to replace him. Expect more low-end QB2 numbers given all the depth at QB. Flacco is a bounce back candidate if things break his way.

If Browns WR Josh Gordon is suspended the fallout could be significant for TE Jordan Cameron. Teams have to respect Gordon with double teams, which opens up the middle of the field for Cameron. Without Gordon, Cameron would face many more double teams.

Cameron was the #2 TE through Week 8, but ranked #23 from Week 9 through Week 17. Some of this had to do with the QB issues in Cleveland, though his targets remained relatively even (8.4 T/G through Week 8 vs. 7.3 T/G thereafter). Despite the departure of a TE-friendly coaching staff that included HC Rob Chudzinski and OC Norv Turner, there is still a lot to like about Cameron. He should enjoy a QB upgrade and new OC Kyle Shanahan is pretty TE-friendly in his own right. Under Shanahan, Jordan Reed was targeted a healthy 6.6 times per game (11th-most among TEs) in 2013. While the new regime is not an upgrade for Cameron, it’s not a huge downgrade, either. Don’t forget that Cameron is entering his fourth season and is still improving as a player. There's a lot to like here, but Cameron will see far more attention (in terms of targets and double coverage) if Gordon is not in the lineup.

One of the more impressive things during offseason workouts for the San Diego Chargers was watching how efficient quarterback Philip Rivers ran the offense.

Rivers seemed to pick up where he left off last season. Few balls hit the ground during two-minute drills, as Ladarius Green, Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Brown and Eddie Royal made catches all over the field.

Add to that a diverse group of running backs in Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown playing behind an experienced offensive line, and the Chargers should have one of the best offenses in the NFL for a second straight season.

“I think they did a nice job,” San Diego coach Mike McCoy said. “For a majority of the guys it’s their second year in the system, so that’s going to come with time. The more you’re in a system, the more comfortable you are. And if you have a quarterback like Philip Rivers, good things are going to happen.

The Chargers lost OC Ken Whisenhunt to Tennessee but will enjoy the return of WR Malcom Floyd. Rivers looks like a good value given his current ADP.

Entering 2014 with higher expectations, OC Sean McVay believes TE Jordan Reed will be an important piece for a dynamic Redskins offense.

“He’s going be a key player in our offense,” McVay told the media during minicamp. “He’s an elite route runner for the position, and he still competes with the toughness. He’s got great feet, so he can cover guys up in the run game.”

Faster than most linebackers covering him and more physical than some cornerbacks, McVay said they’ll find ways to get Reed in favorable matchups.

“I think what we’ll try to do with him will maximize his skillset,” McVay said. “He’s done a great job this offseason, so he’s in position to have a great year.”

Reed was on pace for 80-887-5.3 (#7 TE-type numbers) prior to his injury, but didn't even crack the 50% snaps played mark until Week 6. In the five games where he played at least 50% of his team's snaps, he averaged 6.2-76-.40 or #3 TE-type numbers. The main concern with Reed is his injury history, specifically with concussions. According to NBC Washington, in addition to a severe concussion in 2013, Reed suffered two concussions while at Florida. If he can stay healthy, he's a likely top 5 fantasy TE, but that's no sure thing.

Bengals.com writer Geoff Hobson: "I think new Bengals OC Hue Jackson’s panacea on cutting down the turnovers is to be a more ball possession team that runs it more, but sets up more explosive pass plays more efficiently. Fewer passes, but more bang for the buck off play-action is what is sounds like. At least that’s what he did in Oakland."

For a guy who has finished #17, #12 and #4 in his first three seasons, Dalton doesn’t get a whole lot of respect. He’d be ranked higher this year if not for Jackson’s propensity to run the ball. However, Jackson’s 2011 Raiders threw the ball 52.9% of the time with Carson Palmer under center, which isn’t too far off the Bengals’ 55.0% pass rate in 2013. We’re expecting fewer pass attempts, but Dalton should still be a quality option for owners who like to stream the position or draft a committee.

Cardinals 3rd-round pick WR John Brown will work out with Carson Palmer in San Diego. Cards think he'll be special player. Very high on him.

Brown will compete with speedster Ted Ginn to be the WR3 behind Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd. He's nothing more than a flier in redraft leagues, but he's definitely a player to consider in dynasty/keeper formats.

Discussing Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson...

"The time we played them, he was nothing like he is now,'' Captain Munnerlyn said. "I told him, 'The time we played you, I'm glad we caught you early.' Because if we hadn't have caught him early, he was tearing people up at the end up the year. He's really growing as a receiver, and I'm seeing it with my own two eyes.''

All arrows are pointing up for Patterson, who was the #10 WR from Week 10 to Week 17 in his rookie season. He scored seven touchdowns in that span (three rush, four receiving) while racking up 29 catches for 323 yards to go along with 10 carries for 156 rushing yards. With Josh Gordon coming off of a breakout season under new Vikings OC Norv Turner, Patterson should be a fantasy starter sooner rather than later. His TD rate will be difficult to maintain, but he should see a jump in touches in 2014. As a rookie, Patterson was very raw as a route runner and needs to develop quickly in that facet of the game if he's to have the type of season that many are predicting.

Intrigued by TE Brandon Bostick's receiving ability — he finished with 136 receptions for 1,935 yards with 19 touchdowns — the Packers developed the college WR on the practice squad in 2012 and then bumped him up to the 53-man roster in 2013 when he caught seven passes for 120 yards and a touchdown. The blocking has been up and down. And Bostick couldn't quite perfect the seam route, key for whoever wins the No. 1 job. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will thread that needle between the linebacker and safety.

Coach Mike McCarthy said last week that Bostick must be consistent.

"His body type is definitely a challenge for the opponent with some of the things he's able to do," McCarthy said, "particularly his ability to get down the field in coverage. So I think he definitely took a step last year and I'd like to see him do the same."

During the final week, Bostick pulled down a touchdown pass on a fade route over rookie safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, a play that instantly brought back visions of veteran Jermichael Finley. True, Bostick is strikingly similar to the tight end still awaiting medical clearance.

Yet even Bostick agreed with McCarthy on the consistency, saying he needs to make plays like this one "every play... every time."

Whoever wins the Packers TE1 job will be fantasy relevant in 2014. Richard Rodgers looked great in offseason activities, but Bostick is athletic and can run, so if he can prove he can block, he will be in the mix to start as well.

Broncos RB Montee Ball didn’t protect much at Wisconsin and didn’t catch the ball much, either -- as he put it recently, “We threw the ball like every three weeks’’ -- and the Broncos knew it was going to be a work in progress. However, Ball is smart and has consistently worked with Peyton Manning to fill in the gaps.

He showed quality hands in recent workouts, even making some over-the-shoulder catches in red-zone team drills, and Manning consistently showed he was willing to throw to Ball in a variety of down-and-distance situations, a key hurdle of trust for any player in the team’s offense.

Ball also became more efficient in the running game as the season wore on and, as he got more carries, he produced more big runs. In the first eight games of the season, he had just two carries that gained more than 10 yards -- or 3.6 percent of his 55 carries over the first eight games. In the season’s second half, he had 11 of his 65 carries -- 16.9 percent -- gain more than 10 yards.

Now that Knowshon Moreno (and the #5 fantasy RB in 2013) has signed with the Dolphins, it’s clear that Ball’s stock has taken a huge jump. Prior to the Moreno signing, Ball was being drafted in the 4th round due to the uncertainty of his situation. With Moreno out of the way, he’s starting to go in the late 1st/early 2nd. Ball had a higher YPC (4.7) than Moreno (4.3), but wasn’t quite the weapon in the passing game. Still, his catch percentage (receptions/targets = 74.1%) wasn’t bad for a running back. His play down the stretch (8.5 FP/game in final eight games) is encouraging. He’s locked in as the RB1 in a great offense, so 10+ touchdowns seems likely.

Discussing Jets RB Chris Johnson...

“He’s got some miles on him,” RB coach Anthony Lynn said, via NJ.com. “So we’re going to have to be strategic in how we use him, and when we use him, to keep him fresh so that he can be the explosive guy that I know that he can be.”

That runs a bit counter to Lynn’s previous comments that Johnson “can have as many yards as he wants” this season, but even that proclamation came with the caveat that Johnson would be splitting time and would have to earn more time than the other backs by showing that he was clearly the best option for the running game. Even that might not happen if the Jets feel limited doses of playing time leaves Johnson likelier to rip off big runs when he does get on the field.

Johnson figures to be the Jets’ RB1, though Chris Ivory will serve in a change-of-pace capacity. As long as he sees the bulk of the touches in the Jets’ run-heavy offense, Johnson should post fantasy RB2 numbers.

How much will 49ers RB Carlos Hyde play this season?

It all depends on how well he does in pass protection. The 49ers have not seen Hyde or Marcus Lattimore in pads. If they are slow to pick up the nuances of the 49ers’ blitz pickup packages – or are not physically able to carry out their assignments – then, there’s no way either is going to get onto the field for significant playing time this season.

Kendall Hunter, the 49ers’ backup running back in each of his three seasons with the club, is very underrated in all aspects. But the 49ers rate him highly. And that's all that matters. Until Hyde or Lattimore prove themselves, the 49ers’ coaching staff is going to stick with Hunter because they know he can be trusted.

Hunter has a 4.6-yard rushing average in his three seasons as Gore’s primary backup. That's not too shabby. He also has a firm grasp of the team’s protections. And despite his smallish stature, he does a fine job of executing his duties.

There is no guarantee that Hyde will pass Hunter (or Gore) on the depth chart this season, but if either falters, the rookie could see some playing time, especially if he continues to run and catch the ball well. Given his late-season performance in 2013, we're not terribly bullish on Gore, though he usually is able to outperform his ADP.

Texans WR Andre Johnson's offseason absence gives DeAndre Hopkins an advantage. The Sideline View's Lance Zierlein confirmed to Around The League that Fitzpatrick and rookie Tom Savage are already developing a strong rapport with the second-year wideout.

HC Bill O'Brien's offense should also provide a boost. Hopkins drew just two more targets than tight end Garrett Graham with Gary Kubiak calling the plays. Dialing up more slants, bubble screens and crossing routes will help. His leaping ability was also underutilized, as Kubiak has long been one of the NFL's most conservative coaches in the red zone.

Hopkins doesn't have the extraordinary physical gifts of Johnson, but the talent is there to post several seasons as a top 15 NFL wideout. Taking over the Titans game suggests No. 1 receiver potential should Johnson force his way out of Houston.

Even if Johnson returns by September, Hopkins should have little trouble flirting with 1,000 yards and a half-dozen touchdowns. After all, he was on pace for 80 catches and 1,080 yards after the first four games of his career.

Hopkins finished as the #50 WR in 2013, posting 52 catches for 802 yards and two touchdowns, a solid season for a rookie wideout playing along an established veteran like Andre Johnson. Provided he develops a strong rapport with Fitzpatrick, he should progress in O'Brien's offense.

Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network: "Here's a name that keeps coming up in my talks with personnel guys around the league: Toby Gerhart. High expectations for 2014."

Toby Gerhart has touched the ball 15+ times in seven career games and has averaged low-end RB1 numbers (12.6 FP) with that type of workload. The former Heisman candidate will start for the Jaguars and should see a lot of work in that role. Gerhart has fantasy RB2 potential as a lead back.

Colts.com Craig Kelley was asked how much rookie WR Donte Moncrief will play this year: "It’s tough to tell with a crowded position group, but my hunch is he will see the field a decent amount. Donte is a worker whose ethic matches his physical size and tools. It’s not out of the question that he will find a home in the return game as well. Donte had a very solid spring and showed exactly why he was so high on our draft board. I doubt it will be hard to find him on the field this year."

The Giants found their bell cow at running back in Rashad Jennings, who signed with the Giants this offseason after a career year in Oakland. Jennings has proven he is ready to take the next step with the Giants after the team had to patch together a rushing attack that mustered just 83.3 yards per game in 2013. The Giants also drafted Heisman Trophy finalist Andre Williams, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season at Boston College.

Jennings was the #6 RB from Week 9 to Week 15 (when he was playing starter’s snaps for the Raiders) and that included a missed game against the Jets in Week 14. In 13 career games where he has seen 15+ touches, Jennings has averaged 14.4 fantasy points, or solid RB1 numbers. Jennings will be 29 to open the season, so he’s close to the end of a running back’s prime. But given the limited workload he has seen for most of his career, there should be plenty of tread left on his tires.

The Chiefs are making an effort to get DeAnthony Thomas involved and need to find a way to put his speed to use. But he’s only 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, so there’s a limit on how much they can expect to get from Thomas. At a minimum, he should be the kickoff and punt returner, where he should excel immediately.

“He’s just an explosive playmaker. He’s got worldclass speed. He ran track on the Oregon track team up there, which is one of the better programs in the country. He’s the alltime leading punt return average guy in Oregon school history. He’s got the most kick return yards in school history. In addition to that, he’s averaged over 6 yards a carry as a running back. I think with his speed, his explosiveness in the open field, I think there’s a variety of ways we can find a way to use him on both offense and special teams.” -- Chiefs scout Trey Koziol.

Discussing Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar...

"Well, he's a guy that's going to be a complete weapon," said Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown, according to Fox Sports Southwest. "We can line him up anywhere on the team-tailback spot, at the wide receiver spot, in the slot.

"He has tremendous hands and he's just not a specialty guy. He could play tailback if you need him to go out there and give you 15 or 20 carries. He's that type of kid," Brown continued. "He brings a whole different dimension, a whole different vibe in our room as far as what he does and we're looking forward to using him as a weapon as well."

New OC Scott Linehan used two RBs in Detroit last season, so it's possible that Dunbar works his way into a RB3/flex role if he gets enough touches behind DeMarco Murray.

Rich Tandler of Real Redskins was asked if the team would be 'pass-first' in 2014: "Actually, 35 pass attempts per game would not really make them “pass first”. The NFL average last year was 35.4 attempts per game so in those terms a 35 pass per game pace would make them relatively balanced. Last year the Redskins averaged 38.2 passes per game, while Jay Gruden’s Bengals averaged 36.6. Mike and Kyle Shanahan did not want to pass that much but game situations forced them to do so. But the Shanahans didn’t have DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts. If the Redskins play to their strengths, they should pass more often than the average team. I’ll put the over/under at 37.5 pass attempts per game."

Titans beat writer Mike Keith was asked which offseason acquisition is the greatest asset on offense. If draft picks were included, he would have said Bishop Sankey, but since they aren't technically acquisition, he named free agent RB Dexter McCluster:

"He can run the ball. He can catch the ball. He will block. He can run back kicks and punts. He can line up at tailback, at slot receiver or at wide receiver. McCluster’s versatility makes him a weapon. He worries the other team the moment that he steps onto the field, meaning that other Titans on offense will benefit from his presence.

"And McCluster gives you roster-flexibility on Sunday’s for your 46 active players. Down a running back due to injury? You got McCluster. Short a wideout? You got McCluster. Need an extra defensive lineman for a particular game? Because McCluster plays multiple positions and runs back kicks, you can go without an extra offensive player and keep an extra defensive lineman active. "

McCluster could play the Danny Woodhead role in Ken Whisenhunt's offense, giving him spot starter potential, especially in PPR leagues.

ESPN's Stephania Bell on Cowboys QB Tony Romo's back injury: "The protocol following such a procedure is fairly straightforward, and the timetable for return to activity sees the majority of athletes coming back within six months. Romo appears to have made steady progress in his recovery, enough to allow him to participate in light offseason workouts and organized team activities. Both he and the Cowboys anticipate his full participation in training camp.

"At this point, there is no reason to think Romo won't be ready to start the season. The biggest concern for the quarterback will be what it has always been: Will he have enough protection against opposing defenses that, given his accumulation of various injuries throughout his career, see an even bigger bull's-eye on his back?"

A surprise left ankle surgery in March created a stir about whether Panthers QB Cam Newton would be ready for the fall. Two major concerns have been whether he will still be able to make the type of plays on his feet that earned him runner-up status for this year's "Madden NFL" cover and whether his injury will significantly compromise his work with his receiving corps. Neither should be a worry. Newton underwent a procedure to stabilize the lateral ankle, something that proved necessary after his ankle didn't respond to conservative treatment. In fact, Newton's ankle had been increasingly problematic for some time; surgery and rehab may ultimately enhance his mobility. Newton has shown positive signs of recovery since coming out of his walking boot, including doing some side throwing during organized team activities with Panthers first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin. By training camp, Newton's activity should increase substantially, and there should be no physical limitations as the season rolls around.

Newton has finished in the top 4 in each of his three NFL seasons, but his PPG has dropped from 22.9 to 20.6 to 18.7 in that same span. He lost his entire receiving corps and is recovering from ankle surgery, so he hasn’t been able to practice with his new receivers. He should still be a solid RB1 given his ability to run the ball, but there are several red flags heading into the season.

Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss was asked to compare WR Aaron Dobson to other NFL receivers: "...two players who come to mind a little bit from an athletic and outside-receiver perspective are San Diego's Malcom Floyd and Chicago's Alshon Jeffery. There's a gap there between the two -- Jeffery is the better player -- and that's the range in which I peg Dobson's potential."

As a rookie, Dobson caught a respectable 37 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns, but he flashed some big play ability in his 5-130-2 outing against the Steelers in early November. His FP/T (1.05) was average, but if he can beat out Brandon LaFell and Kenbrell Thompkins for a starting job, he should produce with Tom Brady throwing the ball. He only played 63% of the snaps as a rookie.

There's something Jets QB Geno Smith began doing in December that really helped him as a passer: He started running the ball. In those final four games, Smith racked up 186 of the 366 rushing yards he would compile during a season in which he started all 16 games, and he ran it 10 times in both of the season's final two games, both of which were Jets victories.

"Last year at this time, it was 24/7 coaching footwork, where his eyes are, what his progression is, who his initial read is, all of the different looks he could see," offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said. "This year, we call a play, and—boom, he’s sprinting in and he’s got it. Quite different than last year."

Figuring out how and when to tuck it in and run—especially for a quarterback who was every bit a traditional pocket passer in college at West Virginia—was something of a eureka moment for Smith, at least according to Jets quarterbacks coach David Lee.

"In early December it started happening and [we] started seeing it in practice, him really finishing plays and starting to know where people are and really getting it when we told him we wanted to him run with the football," Lee said. "The taking off and running part just really took hold of him and started to mesh in his brain about December and he started hurting people running the football in the last month of the season. So, I think that made him more of a threat."

Smith finished as the #20 QB in his rookie season, but his per game production (12.5 PPG) left something to be desired. He showed a better-than-expected ability to run around the goal line, resulting in six rushing TDs. Mornhinweg mentioned Smith's play in the final four games of the season. He did average 20.0 fantasy points during that span, compared with just 10.0 FP in the first 12 games. He ran for three TDs down the stretch while throwing for just 198 yards and 1.0 TD. From a fantasy perspective, it would probably be better if the experienced Michael Vick were under center, but it certainly sounds like it's Smith's job to lose. The arrival of Eric Decker, Chris Johnson and Jace Amaro should help.

After visiting San Diego last week, CB Brandon Flowers has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with the Chargers, NFL Media's Albert Breer reported Tuesday, per a team source.

Rookie second-round pick Jarvis Landry was a standout during the week and in the scrimmage. Landry was a high-profile draft pick of new Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey.

Landry's college scouting report is accurate: He is not the biggest, fastest or most athletic receiver the Dolphins have. But he finds a way to perform in game situations with smarts, strong hands and other intangibles, which are all needed in Bill Lazor's new, up-tempo offense.

Landry may work his way into fantasy relevancy as a rookie if he can win the starting job in the slot. He's only worth a flier at this point.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart looked ready to go the last few weeks, and there's no reason to believe he can't return to form. Despite foot problems that often limited him in practice, Stewart only missed two games in his first four NFL seasons, both because of a concussion. He's missed 17 games the last two seasons, but the ankle surgeries last offseason strengthened that trouble area.

The Panthers have a crowded backfield, but Stewart is talented and still relatively young, so if something happens to DeAngelo Williams, fantasy owners should have Stewart on speed dial.

Saints WR Brandin Cooks will spend two weeks working out with QB Drew Brees before training camp begins.

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.

Former basketball player turned tight end Demetrius Harris was listed as one of three Chiefs to make the most gains in offseason workouts:

Largely a cute story but a regular-season afterthought in 2013, there's scuttlebutt that the battle for No. 3 tight end between Harris and incumbent Sean McGrath, who wound up getting more snaps than any other player at the position a year ago, might wind up becoming one of the more feisty ones of training camp.

Last week, as the Jets concluded offseason workouts with a three-day minicamp, TE Jace Amaro said he had indeed begun to fully understand the Jets’ system, with training camp in Cortland, N.Y., set to begin on July 23.

“Since whenever that first time I came out and didn’t have a very good day, I feel like I’ve taken some really big strides since then,” he said. “That was the first week of OTAs, and that was one of the more heavy playbook days. It was just one of those things where I knew I’m not going to be perfect out here and I’m going to make mistakes. That’s what this period of practice is for, is to get ready for training camp and make sure you’re fundamentally sound on all the playbook stuff. Right now, I feel really good about it.

“I just know the whole playbook now, and I know exactly what I need to do on every single play. It’s just a lot more relaxing out there. I can read the defense and I can see who I expect is going to guard me on a certain play. I feel a lot better about it. That’s probably the biggest thing. I know what I can do (physically) and what my game is. That’s all going to come along. The mental part about it and the playbook part about it is the biggest thing.”

Amaro said he learned the playbook through “hours and hours of looking at the plays and memorizing them. It’s just one of those things where it just takes a lot of reps and just a lot of studying.”

During offseason workouts, the Jets housed their rookies at a hotel near the team’s facility. Amaro spent about two hours every night studying his plays alone his room, “and going to bed with all of that stuff in my head,” he said. “It’s working out for me pretty well.”

Amaro has to beat out the capable Jeff Cumberland to get starter's snaps, and it's generally unlikely for a rookie TE to have much of a fantasy impact. Plus, the Jets' passing offense isn't exactly potent. There are a lot of factors working against Amaro right now, but he's a player to monitor.

Giants WR Rueben Randle has had some bright moments in his first two seasons, but he faded in and out of the offense alongside Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. Wide receivers coach Sean Ryan wanted to see more consistency from Randle this spring and says he saw progress from his pupil.

“For me, the battle with him is consistency, and I think he’s addressed it in this offseason in the way he approaches his job,” Ryan said, via ESPNNewYork.com. “I’ve seen a difference in his seriousness towards his work. This spring, I thought he was locked in. I thought he did a good job learning the new offense. Like I said, he’s got some football intelligence to him. Things come to him. He sees things pretty well. But I thought he really worked hard at being locked into the meetings and on the field as well. I noticed a difference in him.”

Randle may be helped by making fewer adjustments to routes that call for him to be reading things the same way that quarterback Eli Manning reads them, something that bedeviled the pair last season and led to interceptions. Ryan said that Randle will still have to make some of those reads and the Giants will need him to make the right ones on a weekly basis for the offense to rebound from last season.

Nicks is gone, but the Giants drafted Odell Beckham in the 1st round. New OC Ben McAdoo utilizes a lot of three-WR sets (a la the Packers), so Randle should see starter’s snaps. He has been productive in his first two seasons on a per target basis, so he should produce starter-caliber numbers in significant playing time.

Brian Costello of the New York Post predicts that David Nelson will win the Jets' WR2 job: "Nelson is in the mix to be the team’s No. 2 wide receiver. The Jets have several guys fighting for the spot, but Nelson appears to be the favorite judging from OTA and minicamp snaps.

"The starting job is not guaranteed for Nelson. His roster spot is not even guaranteed. He is battling Stephen Hill and draft picks Jalen Saunders, Shaq Evans and Quincy Enunwa. But Nelson is a professional receiver, something those others have not proven, so I would give him the edge in winning a starting job."

The team has far more invested in Stephen Hill, and by most accounts he has had a great offseason and is fully healthy. Jeremy Kerley is probably the most accomplished receiver in the bunch, but the Jets may want to use him solely in the slot. This is a position battle to monitor during camp.

Pro Bowl center Mike Pouncey underwent hip surgery Monday and is expected to miss at least three months, sources familiar with the injury said.

Pouncey also faces a possible suspension from the NFL. He's the only player implicated in last year's bullying scandal still on the Dolphins' roster.

Pouncey tore the labrum in his hip sometime during the Dolphins' offseason workouts. His absence will shake up a Miami offensive line that was transformed this offseason. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Pouncey was the lone returning starter on the unit, the leader of the line and arguably Miami's best offensive player.

This is a big blow to the team's new offensive line and the offense in general. Pouncey is the unit's best player and lone returning starter. It will impact Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller and the other Miami skill players.

Browns All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon is appealing a suspension from the NFL and playing the waiting game regarding an outcome.

The patience of the Browns and their fans is being tested at least in part because an appeal hearing has yet to be scheduled, ProFootballTalk.com reported tonight.

On May 9, ESPN reported that Gordon tested positive for marijuana and faces a potential season-long ban as a result. A repeat offender of the league’s substance-abuse policy, Gordon is appealing in an effort to have the suspension reduced.

Because Gordon was suspended two games and docked four game checks last season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, he faces a potential yearlong ban from the league in the wake of his latest reported violation.

The clock is ticking.

If the NFL waits until mid-August, for example, to deliver a verdict on Gordon’s appeal and the outcome is a yearlong ban, he wouldn’t be able to be reinstated until mid-August 2015. That wouldn’t give him much time to prepare for the 2015 season.

Gordon actually outscored Calvin Johnson in PPG (16.2 vs. 15.8) and finished as the top fantasy receiver in 2013 despite missing the first two games due to suspension. He’d be a no-brainer top 5 wideout heading into 2014 if not for his pending suspension. We currently have him projected to play eight games, but that may be optimistic.

Dolphins RB Knowshon Moreno is going to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

He'll be out four to five weeks. That means he could miss the start of training camp and possibly the first preseason game or two.

This is a setback for Moreno who showed up to camp out of shape and will have trouble getting into football shape while he's rehabbing knee surgery. Lamar Miller looks like the RB1, at least to start the season. He's capable of fantasy RB2 numbers if the team shows faith in him. Last year, he didn't get consistent touches, but there is a new offensive coordinator (Bill Lazor, formerly of Philadelphia) and Miller might be a (very) poor man's LeSean McCoy.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch reported to mini-camp, but that doesn’t rule out a holdout for training camp, which is possible since it’s known he’d still like the Seahawks to do something to buff up a contract that has two years remaining, in which he is due to make $5 million in 2014 and $5.5 million in 2015. Several close to Lynch have now said that what Lynch wants is some more up front money in case the Seahawks cut him after the 2014 season, as many speculate the team is likely to consider.

Drama has followed Lynch around this offseason. The team also implied it was ready to play RBBC given how well Christine Michael played at OTAs, but later backtracked. Lynch could also face suspension from the league after pleading guilty to reckless driving (which started as a DUI arrest two years ago). Still, he has three straight top 5 finishes under his belt, so if the offseason drama passes, he should once again be a rock-solid pick in the late 1st round. Until then, there's some risk here.

Steelers WR Markus Wheaton still has a ways to go to win the starting job held down by Emmanuel Sanders last season, and that is a good thing. Wheaton had a solid offseason, but he will have a lot of competition during training camp. Justin Brown, who stood out during offseason practices, will be among those who push Wheaton. The 6-3, 209-pound Brown spent all of last season on the practice squad but wide receivers coach Richard Mann said, "He’s just a different guy. He understands the concepts. He’s smoother. His body language is different.”

Wheaton seems destined for the WR2 job, but Brown has better size and has had a good summer, and it's not like Wheaton has much more experience. Whoever wins the job will be fantasy relevant in 2014.

While running the offense of the Cincinatti Bengals, new Redskins HC Jay Gruden liked to get more running backs involved, limiting the punishment one runner would take. For that to continue as head coach of the Washington Redskins, Gruden will likely need to lean on Roy Helu more.

As Alfred Morris' backup, and a more nimble pass catcher out of the backfield, Helu took the ball on about 13 percent of Washington's run plays.

While Gruden did involve both Giovani Bernard and BenJarvus Green-Ellis in the Cincy offense in 2013, he did not involve two running backs in 2012, when BJGE received almost 65% of the carries. Green-Ellis ran the ball 278 times that year; the next highest carry total by a Bengal RB was 36 (by Cedric Peerman). So while the possibility exists for a larger role for Helu, it's entirely possible that Gruden leans mainly on Morris.

Jets TE Jace Amaro described the Texas Tech offense as "simple," -- a no-huddle, spread attack that doesn't have a high volume of plays. Using a math analogy, it was on the level of addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. The Jets are using calculus.

Which explains why Amaro struggled in last week's minicamp. He got some work with the first team, mostly in the three-receiver package, but he looked lost at times. Simply put, he needs to clean up all aspects of his game.

OC Marty Mornhinweg said Amaro, a pass-catching machine in college, needs to make a "host" of adjustments to get comfortable in a pro-style system. The Jets' version of the West Coast offense is predicated on timing and precision, and Amaro's routes were sloppy. If a pass receiver is off by a step or two, it throws the entire play out of sync. Specifically, he has to polish the top of his routes. Because he didn't play much traditional tight end at Tech, he also needs a refresher course on the in-line position, mostly with footwork and releases.

Amaro has a tremendous opportunity in the long term, but in the short term, we're not terribly bullish on his fantasy prospects for 2014. Jeff Cumberland is a solid, experienced starter and tight ends rarely make a fantasy impact in their rookie seasons. The Jets are lacking receiving options, so it's possible that the team will run more two-TE sets to get him on the field. That could send Jeremy Kerley, who arguably has the best hands on the team, to the bench if he's not starting opposite of Eric Decker.

Giants GM Jerry Reese said on WFAN that RB David Wilson was expected to be ready come training camp.

“We brought in Rashad Jennings and he’s definitely a bell cow type of a running back – he can run it, he can catch it, he can block, he can do everything with it,” Reese said. “David Wilson is an explosive player, but first and foremost we’re concerned about his health.

“We do think all systems are go pretty much for him to be healthy and ready for contact during training camp. We held him out for spring, no contact at all, but unless he has a setback we expect to release him for full contact during the fall. Any time he touches the ball he can go the distance. In this West Coast Offense, we’ll try to get them ball to him in different ways and obviously he’ll help in the return game.”

Reese described Jennings as a 'bell cow' but also said that Wilson would be involved if/when he's cleared to play. We view Jennings as a solid fantasy RB2.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin sat out the second half of practice yesterday just to rest. He was fully back today. HC Pete Carroll said they had not been working him out three consecutive days and weren’t going to do it during camp (to clarify, he was talking about minicamp).

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is coming off a season in which he turned 30 and suffered an injury that cost him half his season. But Rodgers says neither age nor health will keep him from running the ball.

Rodgers told the Journal Sentinel that he will “always” want to use his legs as well as his arm.

There are concerns that Rodgers won't run as much since he spent so much time on the shelf after breaking his collarbone against the Bears. But it sounds as if he intends to continue to use his legs to move the chains when necessary. He has been very adept at this throughout his career.

Jordan Raanan of NJ.com: "Giants TE Adrien Robinson showed something this spring (that he can be a serviceable pass-catching option), but it doesn't appear to me this team has a true starting-caliber tight end on the roster."

Bills TE Tony Moeaki got a ton of time with the first-team over the three-day minicamp and was relatively impressive. Scott Chandler was the leading receiver on the Bills last year and was excused from the minicamp to tend to a family matter, but will see some stiff competition from Moeaki during training camp. Don’t be shocked to see some two tight-end sets featuring both players, because Chandler has proved to be a consistent target in his own right. Moeaki created a bit of a rapport with E.J. Manuel over the last few days and would likely need a big training camp to unseat Chandler. However, it’s worth monitoring for two reasons. First, the Bills were very much considering using the ninth overall selection on Eric Ebron had they stayed at their selection. And secondly, they’ve been talking up Moeaki since the end of last year. It’s not an outright competition, but keep an eye on this one.

As for Rams WR Tavon Austin, OC Brian Schottenheimer hinted his role might be expanded in his second year in the pros.

“Moving him around to a lot of different spots,” Schottenheimer said. “You’ll see us hand him the ball, do some different things. He’s playing so much faster just because he knows what we’re doing. He has the system down cold.”

Austin had a disappointing year by most accounts, but it wasn’t necessarily his fault. He had trouble staying on the field, playing just 50% of his team’s snaps. His FP/T (0.95) was respectable for a rookie, though it seemed like OC Brian Shottenheimer wasn’t sure how to utilize Austin’s skill set. HC Jeff Fisher said that he expects that the team will do a better job of that in 2014. In the end, Austin did lead the Rams’ WRs in catches (40).

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart, plagued by ankle and knee injuries the past two years, showed great burst every time he touched the ball. A healthy Stewart will make a deep running back rotation even deeper.

DeAngelo Williams had a bounce on his runs, too.

This is a murky RBBC, but fantasy owners should target Williams or Stewart if the other player goes down with an injury. Stewart is still relatively young, and shouldn't be written off given his current fantasy value.

Tight end Antonio Gates, who has led the Chargers in receptions eight of the past 10 seasons, was absent all offseason tending to a serious family issue. In his absence, Ladarius Green was given enhanced preparation for his third NFL season, which is expected to see him get the ball more than ever. There are plays Green makes, with his height, hands and speed, no one else on the roster can make. That’s not to say we didn’t see him running Gates’ routes a few times and not making plays Gates would have made. They’re different players, and Green should not have the pressure of a comparison. But, especially as he should increasingly be on the field at the same time as Gates, look for this kid to at least double last year’s 17 receptions for 367 yards and three touchdowns.

Green has tremendous upside as a player, but his fantasy upside is capped in the short term by the presence of Gates. Green won't see starter's snaps in 2014 as long as Gates is healthy.

ESPN's Bill Williamson on 49ers WR Bruce Ellington: "Was a star of the offseason. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick called his minicamp play 'amazing.' I think the 49ers find a role for him as a receiver and as a punt returner early."

ESPN's Bill Williamson on 49ers RB Carlos Hyde: "The running back has shined out of the backfield as a runner and as receiver. I expect the Ohio State product to get a chance to get big playing time right away. He was considered a steal at No. 57 on draft night and he's still looking like one."

Frank Gore has been living on borrowed time for a couple of seasons now, but with Kendall Hunter, Hyde and a healthy Marcus Lattimore in the mix, there are a number of ways that Gore could lose RB1-type snaps in 2014.

Colts RB Trent Richardson will be given the first shot at starting partially based off his talent and because not starting would be another sign of a failed trade by GM Ryan Grigson. But don’t be shocked if Ahmad Bradshaw ends up starting if Richardson struggles early. The Colts aren’t in the position to be waiting for Richardson to find his rhythm.

The team is happy with Richardson's offseason and are even talking about him being a three-down back in 2014. He was hesitant last season and lacked burst, but could potentially turn it around if he's fully comfortable in the offense. Bradshaw is the better runner but hasn't been able to stay healthy.

Raiders beat writer Paul Gutierrez was asked about the team's depth chart at WR: "Right now right now, or later, later (George Lopez voice)? Well, right now, on June 23, I'd say that James Jones and Rod Streater are the starters, with Denarius Moore nipping at their heels and Andre Holmes waiting in the weeds. Juron Criner also showed some life in organized team activities and minicamp. Truly, though, the title of starting receiver may prove to be just that -- a title, as with no true No. 1 consistent receiver on the roster, someone like, I don't know, Andre Johnson, the Raiders figure to use a lot of mixing and matching."

Moore seems to be fading within the organization. This is a notoriously positive time of year and there have been a few negative reports about Moore's progress. Another beat writer went so far to say that Andre Holmes seems to be passing Moore on the depth chart. Streater is the player we like at his current ADP. He has progressed well and is entering his third season.

Anytime Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill needed someone to bail the offense out on third down TE Charles Clay was the playmaker he turned to. Clay, who produced a breakout season last year, catching 69 passes for 759 yards and scoring a team-leading seven touchdowns, appears ready to pick up where he left off in 2013. Clay hopes another productive season will land him the lucrative contract extension he seeks.

Along with Delanie Walker, Clay is a cheap option at tight end who should offer baseline (top 12) numbers in the later rounds.

Jaguars beat writer John Oehser was asked if Toby Gerhart has the potential to be a Pro Bowl running back: I think what you’re asking is, 'Does Gerhart have the potential to be a 1,000- to 1,200-yard running back and does he have the potential to be the sort of all-around back who can score double-digit touchdowns and be a real factor in the offense?' That’s what I think of when I think of Pro Bowl backs, anyway, and the answer is yes, Gerhart can be that kind of back. He appears sturdy enough to be durable and I like what I’ve seen in minicamps and organized team activities. He seems to be a smart runner who can get the most out of plays, and he seems to be very versatile. How productive he will be could depend on how quickly the Jaguars’ offensive line comes together and that will be a process because there are a lot of new faces – or at least old faces playing in new places. There also is, of course, the uncertain nature of Pro Bowl voting. Still, at minimum the Jaguars should be better at the running back position and that’s a start."

Gerhart has touched the ball 15+ times in seven career games and has averaged low-end RB1 numbers (12.6 FP) with that type of workload. The former Heisman candidate will start for the Jaguars and should see a lot of work in that role. Gerhart has fantasy RB2 potential as a lead back.

Broncos second-round WR pick Cody Latimer will play, and contribute, in this team’s offense. His physical stature and competitiveness to battle for the ball in contested situations will make him an option in the red-zone offense.

Beat writer Cecil Lammey recently said that if Latimer is worked into the offense, it will be at the expense of Wes Welker, not Emmanuel Sanders, who has looked great in offseason activities.

Between Darren Sproles, LeSean McCoy, Jordan Matthews, Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper and tight ends Zach Ertz and Brent Celek, there will be enough pass-run options within this offense to keep opponents honest, and the Eagles figure to be better in short-yardage situations.

Look for them to play their "12" personnel package (two tight ends) more as well.

The two-TE package is important for Ertz who may not be able to beat out Celek for in-line TE duties.

It seems that Jay Gruden is going to utilize the outside zone run game that was so effective for the Redskins under Mike Shanahan but at the same time he wants bigger offensive linemen to protect the quarterback. This is a “have your cake and eat it, too” situation and how it shakes out will be vital to the team’s fortunes.

This is something that Alfred Morris owners need to monitor in the preseason.

Giants beat writer Michael Eisen on potential chemistry concerns between Eli Manning and his recievers: "Manning’s top target is expected to be Victor Cruz, as he was the previous three seasons. The other starter could be Rueben Randle, who is entering his third season. Jerrell Jernigan is entering his fourth season and Manning threw to Mario Manningham from 2008-11. The high-profile newcomer is first-round draft choice Odell Beckham Jr. Manning has been working with him for years, because they attended the same high school and Beckham has been to the Manning Passing Academy. I think chemistry with the receivers is a non-issue."

This is good to hear. We believe the Giants will run a lot of three-WR sets (like the Packers do), so there is room for three wideouts to see starter's snaps in the offense. Cruz and Randle seem like shoo-ins, with Beckham likely to beat out Jernigan if he's able to stay healthy this offseason.

Saints beat writer Brian Alle-Walsh predicted that top draft pick WR/PR Brandin Cooks will contend for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.

Vikings WR Greg Jennings, who had already been in town and had sat down with HC Mike Zimmer and OC Norv Turner, quickly got a sense of how prominently WR Cordarrelle Patterson would be featured in the Vikings' offense. He wanted to make sure the electric receiver knew what that required of him.

"I wanted him to know that, coming in, the expectation of you is no longer 'rookie.' It's, 'You gotta go. We saw what you can do. We're gonna showcase this,'" Jennings recalled last week. "For me, it was making sure that he understands that he has to be a professional. He has to be a pro's pro when he steps foot in this building, because we're expecting (him) to give us what we've seen you put out there."

Jennings was asked to mentor Patterson last season, as the Vikings signed him to a five-year deal in March 2013 and spent a first-round pick on Patterson a month later. That relationship will continue in 2014, but a year after Patterson put a spark into the Vikings' offense despite a role that even Jennings believed needed to be bigger, there seems to be little doubt about how much the Vikings will use Patterson this season.

All arrows are pointing up for Patterson, who was the #10 WR from Week 10 to Week 17 in his rookie season. He scored seven touchdowns in that span (three rush, four receiving) while racking up 29 catches for 323 yards to go along with 10 carries for 156 rushing yards. With Josh Gordon coming off of a breakout season under new Vikings OC Norv Turner, Patterson should be a fantasy starter sooner rather than later. His TD rate will be difficult to maintain, but he should see a jump in touches in 2014. Patterson is very raw as a route runner and needs to develop quickly in that facet of the game if he's to have the type of season that many are predicting.

Colts beat writer Mike Wells was asked who would start at RB: "You can't count out Ahmad Bradshaw based off how he played in his brief time on the field before getting injured last season. ESPN NFL Insider Jim Trotter had an interesting nugget recently. He wrote on Twitter that Trent Richardson, according to coaches, is relying more on his instincts when running instead of thinking it through and he has a chance to be a 'three-down player.' I'd say at this point -- and mind you, so much can change over the next few months -- that you have to think Richardson and Bradshaw are the frontrunners."

Wells doesn't provide much clarity by naming two of the three RBs in contention (along with Vick Ballard) for the starting job, but it is interesting that Richardson may become a three-down player this season given the way he ran last season.

The Redskins were fifth in the NFL in rushing yards last year and with Alfred Morris returning, they should be able to move the ball on the ground. Will Jay Gruden get too pass happy? That seems unlikely, as the Bengals were in the top 10 in rushing attempts two out of the three years he was calling plays as the offensive coordinator in Cincinnati.

Morris’s stock has taken a bit of a hit after the coaching regime change in Washington, but new HC Jay Gruden intends to keep the same running game (one reason they retained O-line coach Chris Foerster), so Morris’s outlook doesn’t change too much. He still isn’t much of a player in the pass game, so his PPR value is on the low side, though he’s a fairly safe start in any format given his steady workload.

ESPN's Mike Riess on Patriots RB James White: "I think running back James White (fourth round, Wisconsin, 130th overall) has slipped under the radar a bit. Everything I've heard is that the 5-foot-9, 204-pound White has made a strong first impression, both from a skills and approach standpoint, and even though it's early I don't think it's a stretch to say he will contribute in 2014. Bill Belichick has compared his style of play to fourth-year Patriots running back Shane Vereen."

Ravens RB Ray Rice looks noticeably leaner and exhibits quickness and a burst, all good signs, but the big question with him is whether he can make defenders miss him again. It's a skill that eluded him in 2013, and I don't know that training camp or the preseason will provide an answer. We won't know until the fall, when defenders are bringing their "A" games.

At just 26 years old, it was surprising to see Rice's production fall off the way it did, but he was dealing with hip and quad injuries throughout the season. He was also coming off of a Super Bowl run the previous year, which likely wore him down. GM Ozzie Newsome said he expects Rice to return to Pro Bowl form, but HC John Harbaugh said after the season that the team could take more of a committee approach at running back, which would limit Rice's upside. Still, pending discipline from the league due to his off the field issues, he is a bounceback candidate in Gary Kubiak's offense.

Ravens OC Gary Kubiak's unit looked fast-paced and sure of itself in practice. Joe Flacco's command of the new system was apparent. His passing was decisive and sharp. "I think we look pretty good," Flacco said. It was hard to argue. But looking good against an opposing defense is the next challenge.

Eagles WR Jordan Matthews isn't just a try hard guy. He has great size at 6'3, 215-ish, he ran a 4.46 at the Combine, and he was the all-time receptions leader at Vanderbilt. He also stood out in OTAs and minicamp, making catch after catch after catch. It may take some time for Matthews to be an impact player at this level, but at a minimum, he should be a significant 'day one' upgrade over Jason Avant.

Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin was the star of the camp, catching everything in sight including two amazing grabs on back-to-back days.

On Thursday, he made a catch in the back left corner of the end zone on pass from backup quarterback Derek Anderson, reaching over cornerback Melvin White and ripping the ball away while falling backward. He showed incredible concentration, somehow managing to keep his feet inbounds as his momentum carried him away from the play.

It's pretty clear the Panthers will use Benjamin's height in the red zone, particularly on fade routes to the corner of the end zone. In some cases he'll have six to eight inches on a cornerback, giving him a huge advantage in those jump ball situations.

Benjamin said his plan is to remain in Charlotte and get a better grasp on the playbook and develop some chemistry with QB Cam Newton, who's recovering from ankle surgery.

Benjamin figures to play right away for the Panthers even though he’s something of a project as a route runner. At 6’5”, he should be a factor in the red zone at the very least. There is major opportunity in the Carolina passing game.

According to NFL Media's Albert Breer, the goal is for TE Rob Gronkowski to be on the field for the season opener at Miami.

Gronkowski's rehab has been a lot smoother than last offseason's. The Patriots aren't going to take any risks, though. Gronkowski will spend a portion of the next month rehabbing near Foxboro.

It's possible that Gronk's knee will be ready for the start of training camp in late July, Breer reported on Friday's edition of NFL Total Access, but the Patriots won't do anything to jeopardize his chances of being ready for Week 1.

Gronkowski has been hugely productive when healthy, but his health is a major concern heading into 2014. He reportedly had surgery on Jan. 9 to reconstruct a torn ACL. It typically takes a full year to recover, though Adrian Peterson and Robert Griffin III have made quicker returns (with varying success). Gronkowski is tentatively expected to be ready for the start of the season, but don’t be surprised if we don’t know his status until deep into August or even early September. This makes him a risk/reward pick in 2014 fantasy drafts. The ACL surgery was the eighth (known) surgery of his career.

When asked about the possibility of Bengals WR Mohamed Sanu playing in the slot, beat writer Coley Harvey responded: Yes, I'd say that Sanu is in line to receive the bulk of the Bengals' catches in the slot. I actually hinted I felt that way in this Bengals factoid about Sanu's slot production. Of his 47 receptions last season, 48.9 percent came while he was lined up in the slot. That was a higher percentage than any other Bengals receiver had last year. Add that to Sanu's possible increase in speed -- receivers coach James Urban told me earlier this week he thought Sanu was faster -- and it makes sense he gets the bulk of the Bengals' passes in the slot. That said, though, Dane Sanzenbacher seems to better fit the mold of the stereotypical shifty, speedy and smaller "slot" receiver.

The race to be the Jets' No. 2 receiver has a long way to go, but Stephen Hill made a strong impression at minicamp. Not only did Hill perform on the field but he said all the right things in the locker room. He caught a lot of balls and didn’t have a drop. The rest of the picture is pretty murky: None of the three draft picks really stood out positively more than the others. Shaq Evans, back from finishing up a Scandinavian literature class at UCLA, had quite a few passes in his direction hit the ground. David Nelson also got some first-team work.

Jeremy Kerley is probably the most dependable of the group, but he's likely to man the slot, so the Jets may want to use Hill's size and speed on the outside.

Giants WR Rueben Randle, who spent two years miscommunicating with Eli Manning in the worst possible moments, enjoyed a solid camp, and receivers coach Sean Ryan said he “definitely” can serve as the team’s No. 2 receiver behind Victor Cruz.

Randle caught a beautiful deep TD pass from Manning on the second day of minicamp, and he said he finds Ben McAdoo’s new playbook “easier.”

“That battle with him is consistency,” Ryan said. “And I think he’s addressed it in this offseason in the way he approaches his job.”

It’s a transition the Giants needed Randle to make. Jerrel Jernigan and first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. could also be options, but neither offers the physicality that the 6-2 Randle brings.

Hakeem Nicks is gone, but the Giants drafted Odell Beckham in the 1st round. New OC Ben McAdoo utilizes a lot of three-WR sets (a la the Packers), so Randle should see starter’s snaps. He has been productive in his first two seasons on a per target basis, so he should produce starter-caliber numbers in significant playing time.

Packers TE Andrew Quarless indeed finished last season healthy and was the starter after Jermichael Finley's early-season injury. Quarless never made an appearance in the locker room during the media availability periods, and HC Mike McCarthy does not have to disclose injury information -- and usually does not -- during the offseason. We may have to wait until training camp to find out.

If organized team activities and minicamp are any indication -- and considering they are practices in shorts and helmets, they may not be -- it would appear rookie Richard Rodgers might have the inside track. His size (6-foot-4, 257 pounds) and athleticism stood out during the offseason practices. At least once a practice, he made an eye-catching play in the passing game, and coach Mike McCarthy said of Rodgers at the conclusion of minicamp this week that "if there was one thing that jumped off for a rookie in the offseason program, I would say he was very productive." Now, he got more reps because returning starter Andrew Quarless did not practice at all this offseason, but Rodgers took advantage. He will have to show that he can be an effective blocker once the pads come on in training camp, but at this point he might be in the lead.

Even though rookie TEs don't often make an impact, whoever starts for the Packers will be fantasy relevant (i.e. TE2-type). The Packers don't mind starting a blocking-deficient tight end, though the running game is gaining importance with the arrival of Eddie Lacy.

RB Doug Martin is the starter, but the Buccaneers want to use a rotation. Bobby Rainey, Mike James, Charles Sims and Jeff Demps will all be vying for carries.

Martin was not drafted by this regime, so he potentially could find himself in a timeshare, especially after a lackluster start to his second season (prior to getting injured).

Buccaneers rookie TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins might be the long-term answer. But he might not get a lot of playing time in the short term. Seferian-Jenkins wasn’t allowed to take part in the offseason program and that could put him behind the competition. Brandon Myers, Tim Wright and Luke Stocker all have more experience.

Rookie tight ends generally don't make much of a fantasy impact, but the Bucs definitely need a playmaker at the position.

The Patriots don’t seem to have much at tight end behind Rob Gronkowski — Michael Hoomanawanui and undrafted rookies Justin Jones and Asa Watson — but watch out for WR Brandon LaFell playing the “Hernandez” role. “He played all of our wide receiver positions, plus he knew the tight end position,” his former coach, Ron Rivera, told me in March. LaFell was also a “want-to” blocker in Carolina, meaning he doesn’t mind getting physical in the run game. Patriots fans, meet your new Swiss Army Knife.

This would put LaFell squarely on the fantasy radar, though we're skeptical that the Pats will use him in that role based on comments from his old coach in Carolina.

Beat writer Chris Perkins: "Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry is pretty darn good. I won’t make too much of a rookie who performed well without pads. But the second-round pick from LSU might be one of the steals of the draft."

NJ.com listed Jets WR Stephen Hill as a "stud" in an article devoted to studs and duds: The 2012 second-round pick moved well and caught what was thrown to him. Can he finally keep it up when it's time to strap on the pads?

OC Norv Turner and the Vikings see Adrian Peterson as an every-down back, even with the addition of Jerick McKinnon in this year's draft. That means Peterson probably will be asked to pick up blitzes and do more out of the backfield than simply take handoffs.

He’s coming off of a #6 finish (and groin surgery); it’s the second time in three seasons that he has finished outside of the top 5. He turns 29 in March and while he should continue to be very productive when healthy, one wonders if his 2,241 touches are starting to catch up to him. Along with his sheer talent, there is another reason to be excited about AP’s upside in 2014 — the arrival of OC Norv Turner, who knows what he’s doing on that side of the ball. Turner emphasized that he wants to get Peterson the ball in space, and that means more receptions. Peterson has only averaged 2.0 catches in his career, and has been curiously underutilized in the passing game since day one. He's not quite the natural receiver as LaDainian Tomlinson was, but as a Turner-RB comparison, Tomlinson averaged 2.9 catches in three seasons under Norv Turner.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree has looked fully recovered from last year’s Achilles tear. He warmed up with his fellow wideouts before practices the past month and then retreated to a the side for individual running drills.

“At the end of last year he still wasn’t 100 percent,” Colin Kaepernick said of Crabtree. “He has a lot more burst to him now. Looks really good.”

Added Anquan Boldin: “He’s a lot more explosive. I see him being back to his old self. He’s taking things slowly. We want to make sure he goes into the season healthy.”

Including three playoff games, Crabtree appeared in eight contests last season and averaged 4.3 catches for 61 yards and 0.13 TD. For a better indication of his potential for 2014, we should include the 10 games he played with Colin Kaepernick in 2012 (and in the 2013 playoffs). When those numbers are rolled in, Crabtree averaged 5.3 catches for 76 yards and 0.50 TD, which equates to 10.6 PPG, or strong WR2-type numbers. He looked liked himself during the 49ers' playoff run, so we're expecting a productive 2014 from the 6th-year receiver.

Saints WR Robert Meachem compared WR Brandin Cooks' athleticism to that of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin, who when healthy was one of the NFL's most dangerous weapons.

"He's quick and he's fast. He's one of those guys you can put at any position and be an athlete like we used to do with (Darren Sproles), like we used to do with (Reggie Bush)," Meachem said. "You just put him in certain situations and let him be an athlete. You give him the ball and say 'Do what you do.'

"You have the Percy Harvins of the league, and you just say 'Do what you do.' Let him play ball."

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.

Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden are the top running backs heading into Raiders' camp, but the team will need help behind them to maintain a steady rushing attack. Second-year pro Latavius Murray seems to be No. 3 at this point, with Kory Sheets also playing well.

OC Greg Olson’s take on both players: “We’re looking for big things from Latavius Murray right now, coming off the foot injury. He’s shown, to me, the biggest upside right now in what we’ve seen thus far, if he can stay healthy. Kory Sheets has played a lot of football coming straight to us from Canada and he’s shown some flashes. I think there’s probably a role for him. He’s not your big back, he’s more of a back that you can move back in the slot and can help you in the passing game.”

Bengals beat writer Geoff Hobson on the team's offensive philosophy under new OC Hue Jackson:

"Jackson is committed to changing it and I think he’s also committed to taking the load off Andy Dalton. A big adjustment that has to make is cutting his pass attempts from 586 to closer to Russell Wilson’s number of 407.

"To heck with the short stuff. The running game should open up the deep ball and with Jackson’s experience under Al Davis you can believe they’ll be running many more vertical routes."

Hobson writes this with an editorial slant, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. Dalton's pass attempts are very likely to drop, but it's not likely that they fall to Seattle's levels. For one, the Bengals don't have the running game that the Seahawks have, and their defense isn't as good, either. Giovani Bernard is better in the receiving game (than Marshawn Lynch) and the Bengals have an elite receiver in A.J. Green. The Bengals were pretty balanced in 2013 and may tilt a bit more towards the run in 2014.

After the Steelers signed RB LeGarrette Blount as a free agent, many suggested he would be used mostly in short-yardage situations. Yet they have mixed and matched him and LeVeon Bell, even splitting them out wide. Dri Archer gives them different dimension and flip-flops between working with the backs and wide receivers.

Blount proved in New England that he has enough talent to put a dent in Bell's upside as the team's RB1. This is something to monitor as the offseason wears on.

With two new targets brought in for Bills QB E.J. Manuel throughout the offseason, the only constant from 2013 projected to this year’s starting lineup is Robert Woods. And to this point through the workouts, Woods has not disappointed in the least bit. He didn’t start participating during the team drills right away due to an ankle procedure early on into the offseason. However, once he got the green light Manuel has gotten reacquainted with Woods and found the trust without much delay. The second-year wideout won’t break a game wide open, but he is as consistent and dependable as they come. Woods adjusted to a poorly thrown pass at the goal line after beating his man on an out route, dove for the reception and rolled into the end zone. It was a small example, but further evidence to what Woods means to Manuel.

Friday morning, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that RB Knowshon Moreno's lack of activity is due to his left knee, which has been bothering him this spring. It was sore yesterday, so the Dolphins had him take it easy -- it is not the knee in which he suffered a torn ACL in 2011.

Rapoport, citing a source who spoke to the player, reported that Moreno's knee did feel better than it had previously, however, arthroscopic surgery is possible. The running back plans to see a doctor in Miami next week to find out.

Arthroscopic surgery, commonly known as a "scope," typically involves the cleaning up of torn cartilage and usually involves a 3-4 week recovery time. If he has surgery, Moreno won't be able to get in shape while rehabbing his injury, so he may be further behind Lamar Miller in the competition to be the team's starting running back.

A year after the two signed with the Vikings, Matt Cassel and Greg Jennings have clicked. The two married fathers, on one of the league's youngest teams, have bonded off the field over shared experiences, and they've developed a trust on it that was born out of a mutual respect for the other's work habits. Jennings tallied 489 receiving yards and caught all four of his touchdown passes from Cassel, who started six games; had Cassel been starting the entire season, Jennings might have had a Pro Bowl year instead of an underwhelming start to his time in Minnesota.

It's possible Jennings will be working with Teddy Bridgewater instead of Cassel in the not-too-distant future; the receiver has spoken highly of Bridgewater's work so far, and Bridgewater will get a chance to win a competition for the starting job in training camp. But Cassel took many of the first-team snaps during the Vikings' mandatory minicamp, and once again, he and Jennings looked to be in sync.

"I told Matt today, 'Hey, look, (in) no-huddle, when in doubt, I got you,'" Jennings said. "He knew what he was thinking was very similar and in tune with what I was thinking."

Jennings dealt with some injuries in 2013 but he showed a nice rapport with Cassel, averaging 5.9 catches for 70 yards and 0.57 TD with Cassel under center. Unfortunately Christian Ponder and Josh Freeman dragged the Vikings FP/Att into the bottom seven in the league. Assuming Cassel or promising rookie Teddy Bridgewater can offer better efficiency, Jennings should bounce back as most fantasy eyes are set squarely on Cordarrelle Patterson. For what it’s worth, Cassel’s FP/Att was 0.971, which was very close to the league average. Jennings is going in the 13th round even though he finished as the #39 WR in 2013.

The starting wide receiver spot opposite Antonio Brown is Markus Wheaton’s to lose. Although the Steelers' wide receivers were rotated with the first-team throughout the spring, Wheaton, who missed some time with a minor injury, estimated he ran with the first unit “for the majority” of the offseason program. “It means a lot,” Wheaton continued. “It means Ben is building trust in me.”

Wheaton didn’t make every play. During a two-minute drill on the first day of mandatory veteran minicamp he failed to come up with a tough catch in traffic at the goal line. But the pass was the third Roethlisberger had launched at Wheaton during the drill, a drill that had opened with consecutive Roethlisberger-to-Wheaton connections.

Wheaton is taking nothing for granted, but he’s playing the game at the necessary pace physically and mentally.

Wheaton will be fantasy relevant and may be a fringe fantasy starter if he wins the WR2 job. Emmanuel Sanders was a low-end WR3 in that role in 2013.

Patriots RB James White caught the eye several times this week. White showed off good hands throughout minicamp, and appears poised to serve as Shane Vereen’s backup. It will be interesting to see how well he blocks once the pads come out in training camp.

Nick Underhill of Mass Live: "This one should be prefaced by pointing out that Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins looked ready to take on the world after last year’s minicamp, and then went out and had an ordinary rookie season. So, perhaps it would be wise to remain cautiously optimistic about how good he’s looked this summer. Still, that shouldn’t take away from how well he’s played. I declared him the MVP of minicamp after Wednesday’s practice, and I’m not going to move off that statement. He shined throughout the whole process, and capped things off by making an incredible catch over Brandon Browner on a fade to the left corner of the end zone. Then, just to make sure everyone was paying attention, he made a difficult back-shoulder catch on the sidelines. If he can build on his early progress and continue to clean up some of his bad habits, Thompkins might be a candidate to make the leap in his second season."

Thompkins has shined in the offseason before and is taking advantage of the absence of Brandon LaFell and Aaron Dobson, who are both nursing injuries. There's a long way to go, but whoever gets starter's snaps for the Patriots will be fantasy relevant in 2014.

Someone asked Giants special teams coordinator Tom Quinn how kicker Josh Brown has looked so far, and Quinn responded by saying that Brown and fellow kicker Brandon McManus, a rookie out of Temple, have looked very good. Quinn said he sees a training camp competition for the job between Brown and McManus.

"I see everything as a competition," Quinn said. "I really like McManus. I liked him coming out. I thought he was a really good kicker coming out of Temple. He's kicked in the Northeast at a high level, and I think he's got a lot of upside."

Broncos RB Montee Ball is ready for a starring role in the run game. And the part of his game that showed the most improvement in recent weeks was as a receiver.

He has consistently shown he’s ready to participate in long-yardage situations as a receiver, even having snared an over-the-shoulder scoring grab or two in red zone drills. And while the jury remains out in pass protection until they put the full gear on, he’s shown better footwork in the workouts and has positioned himself where he needs to be.

Now that Knowshon Moreno (and the #5 fantasy RB in 2013) has signed with the Dolphins, it’s clear that Ball’s stock has taken a huge jump. Prior to the Moreno signing, Ball was being drafted in the 4th round due to the uncertainty of his situation. With Moreno out of the way, he’s starting to go in the late 1st/early 2nd. Ball had a higher YPC (4.7) than Moreno (4.3), but wasn’t quite the weapon in the passing game. Still, his catch percentage (receptions/targets = 74.1%) wasn’t bad for a running back. His play down the stretch (8.5 FP/game in final eight games) is encouraging. He’s locked in as the RB1 in a great offense, so 10+ touchdowns seems likely.

The Broncos, in both player evaluation and in finding him a spot in the offense, were right about wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. He fits what the Broncos do in their scheme, has the versatility to line up all over the formation and has held up his end of the bargain by putting in the extra time with Peyton Manning.

If he stays healthy and in the lineup, he’s a quality bet to have his first 1,000-yard season.

Sanders was the #35 WR in 2013, when he saw WR2 targets (112) for the Steelers. Eric Decker (138) and Wes Welker (111) saw a combined 249 targets as Denver's WR2 and WR3. With Decker gone, Welker (and TE Julius Thomas) could see a bit more work, but Sanders should be stepping into a big role if he can beat out Andre Caldwell and hold off rookie Cody Latimer. As OC Adam Gase said, Sanders is a good fit for his system and is versatile to play both inside and outside. He is very quick and is adept at making people miss, so he should thrive in Denver’s screen game.

Falcons rookie running back Devonta Freeman has stood out to quarterback Matt Ryan as he works with the young ball-carrier a bit. What has impressed him most is Freeman's ability to soak up the knowledge the running backs around him have: "Devonta, coming in as a rookie, there's a lot to pick up. But I thought from a playbook standpoint, he did a great job of taking things from the meeting rooms out onto the field. He's got three really good guys to learn from in Steven (Jackson), Jacquizz (Rodgers) and Antone (Smith), so I think those guys have helped him out quite a bit."

Miami Dolphins tailback Knowshon Moreno has a logical explanation for sparingly working during the team's minicamp sessions this week, and not participating in Thursday's controlled scrimmage.

Moreno, who accounted for 1,586 total yards and 13 touchdowns as the Denver Broncos starter last season, has been battling a medical issue according to a source.

The source wouldn't go into specifics about the injury, but said Moreno has been hindered by it for a couple of weeks and needs time off to recovery.

This explains why Moreno hasn't been given many reps in practice. He has been running with the second or third string or not practicing at all in team drills. Lamar Miller currently sits atop the depth chart.

Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry looked more impressive in a game situation Thursday. Landry isn't the biggest or fastest receiver. But he has strong hands and runs good routes. Landry got open on several occasions and made some nice catches over the middle for first downs. He could be a "gamer" type of player -- one who doesn't wow you in practice but knows how to play well in real games.

The Jaguars released DE Jason Babin.

Throughout all of the Organized Team Activities and the three-day minicamp, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mike Williams wasn’t getting as many reps during practice as was expected for a player with his talent level. The reason for his slow start has now been unveiled.

“We started off where, they threw me out there and I was just going every rep, and then the leg started getting to me,” Williams said, referring to a previous injury. “Then they started holding me back more and more, but then I started getting my leg back, they were giving me more reps. It was really the leg, but I should be 100-percent by camp.”

The injury that ended his season prematurely in Tampa Bay during the 2013 season was a torn hamstring, and one that he had a procedure on. Now with a substantial amount of time off from practices, Williams is hoping for his leg to get back in order by the time training camp rolls around.

Williams is competing with Robert Woods for snaps opposite Sammy Watkins, who is very likely to start as a rookie.

Raiders' draft choice Derek Carr has supplanted Matt McGloin as the second-string quarterback and Allen acknowledged he expects the Raiders to enter training camp with Carr as Matt Schaub's backup. "We're trying to expedite his progression and I've liked a lot of things I've seen out of Derek," Allen said. "He's still got a long way to go and I like the direction he's headed."

Schaub is expected to start, but don't be surprised if Carr gets some playing time if/when the Raiders' season goes sideways.

Eagles WR Josh Huff was very active the last two days of minicamp. He lined up almost everywhere and worked with all three teams. He isn’t very long for a receiver – a generously-listed 5-foot-11, but he has a base that looks running-back solid and maybe the biggest arms I have ever seen on a receiver. He’s the type of player the Eagles want to get in space because he’s not afraid to take on contact. That may come as a kick returner, but I imagine he will have a role in the offense as well. “I like physicality,” Huff said. “I like being hit.”

Rams WR Stedman Bailey made a strong closing argument before training camp, coming up with a few impressive grabs, including a diving catch for a touchdown from Bradford during seven-on-seven.

Rams QB Sam Bradford spent the bulk of OTAs on a strict plan for his involvement. Usually, that meant a couple of periods of seven-on-seven drills and a period of hurry-up in team drills. But Bradford did a little more than usual Thursday and did extensive work in back-to-back practices for the first time in the offseason. Bradford had gone two in a row earlier but was more limited in one of those practices.

Bradford was also at his sharpest, at least relative to the other sessions open to the media. Now, for the first time since he suffered his knee injury in October, Bradford will get to spend quality time back home in Oklahoma. Bradford said he feels good and all signs point to him being ready to go when training camp opens.

Through the first seven games of the season, Bradford averaged 16.9 FP and was the #11 QB before injuring his knee late in a game against the Panthers. Fantasy-wise, he may have turned a corner, but he's going to have to put together a full, productive season to get a sizable extension from the Rams. The team didn’t do much this offseason to improve the receiving corps.

No player on the Ravens had more on his plate during OTAs and mandatory minicamp than quarterback Joe Flacco, who is at the epicenter of new Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak’s system.

When the mandatory minicamp ended Thursday, Flacco was decidedly upbeat about how things have progressed, both individually and collectively.

“Throughout the last couple of weeks, I’ve been able to get really, really comfortable, get back there, go through my reads and have a lot of fun,” Flacco said in a session with reporters. “I feel great. Everything is fresh, new. It’s been enjoyable.”

Losing Anquan Boldin to free agency and Dennis Pitta to injury certainly hurt Flacco, who finished #19 after three straight top 14 finishes. Pitta is back, but Boldin is still gone, though the team acquired Steve L Smith to replace him. Expect more low-end QB2 numbers given all the depth at QB.

Ravens RB Ray Rice is much lighter on his feet, the result of not carrying as much weight. There were a couple of times when he showed off elusiveness in between the tackles. It was a rare sight to see Rice fake out tacklers in the open field last year.

Rice is a bounceback candidate in Gary Kubiak's offense, but is facing suspension.

It was a tough minicamp for Ravens wide receiver Marlon Brown, who was turning heads last year at this time as an undrafted rookie. He dropped too many passes throughout the week and some were uncontested.

Brown had a nice rookie season and would be a sleeper this year if not for the arrival of Steve L Smith. If he continues to struggle in training camp, he will lose snaps to Jacoby Jones, who has caught the ball pretty well since joining the Ravens.

The Ravens are still awaiting word on the status of running back Ray Rice following his meeting this week with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

When asked if he was aware of when the league would issue a ruling on potential discipline for Rice, Ravens head coach Harbaugh replied: "Not to my knowledge. I'm not aware of any timetable on that at all."

Rice is expected to be punished by Goodell under the league's personal conduct policy after being arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault in February at an Atlantic City, N.J., casino. Rice was arrested after a physical altercation with then-fiancee Janay Palmer, who he married after being indicted.

Rice is facing a potential multi-game suspension and fines.

Rice is expected to face a multi-game suspension. Its length will have a big impact on his value heading into fantasy drafts this summer.

The Green Bay Packers ' fears that the neck injury running back Johnathan Franklin sustained last season as a rookie would be career-ending have come to fruition.

Coach Mike McCarthy said at the close of minicamp on Thursday that Franklin's tenure with the Packers is over. The official transaction is expected to come Friday but Franklin's agent, Kenny Zuckerman, told ESPN.com the Packers will release Franklin with the waived/injured designation.

Franklin, a fourth-round pick from UCLA last year, sustained both a neck injury and a concussion while returning the opening kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 24. He was placed on injured reserve three days later. Although Franklin did not undergo neck surgery, that was the injury that ended his Packers' career. It likely will end his NFL career as well, but Zuckerman said they were still waiting to hear back from another specialists.

Update: Franklin announced that he's retiring on Twitter.

Franklin was likely going to be the RB4 behind James Starks and DuJuan Harris, the primary backups to Eddie Lacy.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants’ first-round draft choice, participated in team portions of practice on Wednesday for the first time since straining his hamstring in OTAs. The rookie said he was operating at “85 percent” of his top speed, which he hopes to achieve after the break.

Raiders HC Dennis Allen said WR James Jones has an AC sprain, otherwise known as a separated shoulder. It typically 2-8 weeks to heal.

Jones should have enough time to heal before camp opens, but this will impact the number of reps that he'll get with QB Matt Schaub.

He may not be the next Terrell Owens, but the first Jordan Matthews seems to be progressing well in his rookie offseason with the Eagles.

According to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Matthews took “a number of reps” with the first-team offense on Tuesday.

Matthews, a second-round pick last month, previously had been working almost exclusively with the No. 2 offense, developing great chemistry with veteran backup quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Matthews will likely see snaps in the slot (at least) this season. Jeremy Maclin is working his way back from an ACL injury and Riley Cooper is solid, but unspectacular. There is opportunity in this offense if Matthews has a great summer, and by most accounts he has. Rookie wideouts usually don’t live up to their ADP, but there is the occasional exception.

Jets QB coach David Lee on Geno Smith: “We’re not playing yet, we’re not in the stadium yet, people aren’t in the stands, but Geno, he’s a strongly improved player at this point.”

“It goes all the way back with him to last winter,” Lee explained. “He was down in Florida sending me text pictures of himself running up and down hills with a parachute behind him. He’s just faster. He’s faster than he was. His body’s stronger….He’s been in that weight room, so physically he’s gotten faster, he’s gotten stronger, he’s lost body fat. When you do all that your mind (is) right and his mind’s been right.

"He’s taught a lot of football, he’s worked hard on pass protection. We looked at all the things that were negative last year from sacks, to interceptions, to fumbles and how can we improve them. I’ve been really pleased with his progress.”

Smith finished as the #20 QB in his rookie season, but his per game production (12.5 PPG) left something to be desired. He got off to a good start, posting #14 QB numbers through the first five games, but he was just the #24 QB the rest of the way. He showed a better-than-expected ability to run around the goal line, resulting in six rushing TDs. The arrival of WR Eric Decker and TE Jace Amaro should help, though he now has Michael Vick breathing down his neck.

In case some people thought Seahawks WR Paul Richardson's long touchdown receptions earlier were just a rookie-camp phenomenon, the wide receiver from Colorado put those thoughts to rest at Day 2 of the Seahawks' minicamp Wednesday.

Richardson showed off his blazing speed again, running right by two defenders to make a leaping catch on a 55-yard touchdown throw from Russell Wilson.

Richardson is going to have a tough time getting on the field behind Percy Harvin, Doug Baldwin, Sidney Rice and Jermaine Kearse, but he has blazing speed, so he could see some snaps as a deep threat.

Carlos Hyde, the do-it-all running back out of Ohio State, caught a swing route out of the backfield and turned it into a 20-yard touchdown catch in a red zone team period.

When the 49ers second-team offense looked to drive the ball down the field against the second-team defense, QB Blaine Gabbert connected with WR Bruce Ellington on a couple of occasions.

Both rookies made several catches on day 1 of minicamp as well. As far as rookies are concerned, Hyde and Ellington are in a tight race for best rookie at minicamp honors.

Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart is slated to be the focal point of Jedd Fisch's attack in Jacksonville, and Gerhart hopes to spearhead a strategy that worked so well for Gus Bradley in Seattle.

"Gus comes from the Seattle Seahawks' model of playing good defense, relying on the run game where Marshawn Lynch was their 'Beast Mode' out there," Gerhart said Wednesday, per USA Today. "Hopefully, I'll be the 'Beast Mode' down here for the Jaguars. I want to be a guy who helps turn this program around with a physical, punishing offense."

General manager David Caldwell improved the front line during the offseason with the additions of former Seahawks Chris Clemons and Red Bryant, along with Ziggy Hood. The offense received some new life with the draft picks of Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee. Now, the Jags will need Gerhart to add some punch on the ground, and he knows he has big shoes to fill.

Toby Gerhart has touched the ball 15+ times in seven career games and has averaged low-end RB1 numbers (12.6 FP) with that type of workload. The former Heisman candidate will start for the Jaguars and should see a lot of work in that role. Gerhart has fantasy RB2 potential as a lead back.

A player that has quietly gone about his business during Cowboys OTAs and minicamp has been receiver Terrance Williams, who has been playing with more confidence each snap.

During the 7-on-7 period down in the red zone, Williams ran a route out of the right slot and was able to put himself in a position right between Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox, who were in zone coverage along the goal line. Williams was able to drive hard inside, then straighten his route up buying a little space. Brandon Weeden nicely read the coverage and was able to just get the ball over the top of Wilcox, who was at full extension.

Williams, who has a tendency to body catch the ball in the middle of the field, extended his hands and grabbed the ball at the highest point before landing with both feet in bounds in the back of the end zone. It was an outstanding throw by Weeden but an even better route and catch by Williams.

With Miles Austin basically sidelined from Week 4 to Week 10, Williams was the #12 WR in fantasy, racking up 24 catches for 438 yards and five TDs in that seven-game span. In four games where he played at least 80 percent of his teams snaps, he averaged 11.0 FP (#15 WR numbers). In eight games where he played at least 70 percent of the snaps, he averaged 9.0 FP (#22 WR numbers). He faded upon Austin’s return to starter’s snaps, but showed enough in his rookie season to make him an intriguing middle-round pick in 2014. The Cowboys figure to throw a lot under new OC Scott Linehan, who was pass-happy while in Detroit. With Austin gone, the path is clear for a breakout season from Williams.

Eagles beat writer Geoff Mosher on who's manning the slot at minicamp: "Jordan Matthews gets plenty of work in the slot, as HC Chip Kelly said would happen, but Jeremy Maclin also logs his fair share of reps inside. It still wouldn’t surprise me if Maclin saw more playing time inside than Matthews, especially at the start of the season. In college, Maclin played a ton of slot wideout in Missouri’s spread offense."

Eagles beat writer Geoff Mosher on Nick Foles's newfound arm strength: "Nick Foles had some zip on his fastball. He made a few throws that spiraled tighter than I’m accustomed to seeing from him. On one deep pass in team drills, he fired a laser to Maclin down the right side despite tight coverage from Bradley Fletcher. Maclin almost came up with the catch, but the ball bounced off his fingertips as he nearly sprawled. Earlier, Foles found Maclin down the left seam in a zone between Connor Barwin and Nate Allen. Just real good placement."

This is the second report we've seen lauding Foles's arm strength. He posted the #3 PPG in 2013 and in 11 starts (including the playoffs) he averaged 23.1 FP, which was second only to Peyton Manning. DeSean Jackson is gone, but the return of Jeremy Maclin, the arrival of Darren Sproles and Jordan Matthews and the likely emergence of Zach Ertz should offset that loss. The only other question mark is his limited body of work. Sometimes quarterbacks take a step back in their second year as a starter — it’s also Chip Kelly’s second year as head coach — though Foles played at such a high level that even with a step back, he should still be a solid QB1.

When Aaron Dobson underwent surgery March 10 to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, a realistic chance existed he would miss the Patriots' entire offseason workout program, including minicamp. That chance will become a reality tomorrow when the Pats wrap up minicamp at Gillette Stadium.

The main question: Why has it taken so long?

The original estimated timetable for Dobson's recovery was 2-3 months. The longer side of that would have obviously put him on the field in time for this week's string of workouts, but there's really no need to panic. At this point, it's an extra week, and the risk-reward factor doesn't measure up.

Dobson's bone has healed, and he is still trying to regain the proper strength in his foot to endure the stress of camp, according to a source. Like any injury, if the muscles around the bone haven't healed, the risk of re-injury remains high. The Patriots felt no need to rush him onto the field this week, with the obvious goal of having him ready for training camp, which can begin as early as July 23, the source said.

As a rookie, Dobson caught a respectable 37 passes for 519 yards and four touchdowns, but he flashed some big play ability in his 5-130-2 outing against the Steelers in early November. His FP/T (1.05) was average, but if he can beat out Brandon LaFell and Kenbrell Thompkins for a starting job, he should produce with Tom Brady throwing the ball. After missing all the offseason activities, he needs to have a good camp to win the job.

The New York Jets continue to send clear messages that Geno Smith is a heavy favorite to begin the 2014 season as the team's starting quarterback.

Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg told reporters Wednesday that Smith will get 70 to 75 percent of first-team reps during training camp.

Smith finished as the #20 QB in his rookie season, but his per game production (12.5 PPG) left something to be desired. He got off to a good start, posting #14 QB numbers through the first five games, but he was just the #24 QB the rest of the way. He showed a better-than-expected ability to run around the goal line, resulting in six rushing TDs. The arrival of WR Eric Decker and TE Jace Amaro should help.

Jets running back Chris Ivory sat out the end of Wednesday's minicamp practice here. Head coach Rex Ryan said Ivory had "kind of rolled had an ankle" at some point.

"It's not severe or anything," Ryan said.

Titans RB Shonn Greene underwent surgery on his right knee after having issues with it following a three-day minicamp in April. It's the same knee Greene had arthroscopic surgery on last September, which resulted in him missing five games. He was injured during the season-opener at Pittsburgh.

Greene is expected to be ready for training camp on July 26. "I have been doing everything they ask me, and doing what I am supposed to do,'' he said. "I'm doing everything I can."

We believe Greene will ultimately serve as Bishop Sankey's backup, though there may be a role if Sankey struggles to pick the offense up quickly or has trouble in pass protection.

The Green Bay Packers have another serious neck injury to worry about.

ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reported Wednesday that the Packers are concerned the neck injury that prematurely ended running back Johnathan Franklin's rookie campaign might be career-threatening.

The team is putting Franklin through more tests to determine if it's safe for him to continue playing, Demovsky reported, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.

Wide receiver Mario Manningham, who returned to the Giants this offseason after two injury-plagued years in San Francisco, hasn’t returned to the field to practice yet but was working with trainers today and running on the sidelines.

After practice, coach Tom Coughlin said Manningham will hopefully be ready for next month’s training camp.

Dolphins RB Knowshon Moreno again was barely visible. He spent most of practice jogging on the sideline while being timed by an assistant coach. He lined up once on 11-on-11 drills and only as the offense tried to force the defense offsides (it didn’t work, in case you’re wondering). Moreno also appeared in one other team drill. Coach Joe Philbin continues to say he likes what he sees from Moreno, but it’s odd that he’s not getting any carries in minicamp.

The superstar of the summer, at least from this view, has been Patriots WR Kenbrell Tompkins. The wide receiver continued a strong run of practices Wednesday by beating Brandon Browner twice on the left sideline, then again in the end zone on a beautiful fade from Tom Brady.

He then caught a back-shoulder pass down the right sideline. If anyone has benefitted from Aaron Dobson and Brandon LaFell being limited this summer, it’s certainly Thompkins.

Thompkins is taking advantage of the extra reps he's getting with Aaron Dobson and Brandon LaFell out with various injuries. Whoever wins starter's snaps in a Tom Brady offense is going to be fantasy relevant. Stay tuned.

On several occasions Wednesday, Eagles QB Nick Foles attempted to stretch the field with deep throws both in seven-on-seven drills and full team 11-on-11. One missed connection though was on a 50-yard pass over the middle that was just out of the reach of a diving Jeremy Maclin. Among the other positives from Foles' impressive showing this spring is that his arm appears to have gotten stronger during the off-season.

Nick Foles posted the #3 PPG in 2013 and in 11 starts (including the playoffs) he averaged 23.1 FP, which was second only to Peyton Manning. DeSean Jackson is gone, but the return of Jeremy Maclin, the arrival of Darren Sproles and Jordan Matthews and the likely emergence of Zach Ertz should offset that loss. The only other question mark is his limited body of work. Sometimes quarterbacks take a step back in their second year as a starter — it’s also Chip Kelly’s second year as head coach — though Foles played at such a high level that even with a step back, he should still be a solid QB1.

In five fast hours Tuesday, the rebuilding Texans cemented their long-debated quarterback situation and erased the man who led the franchise to its first playoff victory.

Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick became coach Bill O’Brien’s first NFL starting QB. T.J. Yates was released. Former University of Houston star Case Keenum was effectively promoted, already placing the reconfigured 2014 Texans in a similar situation to their 2013 fall.

Patriots WR Josh Boyce was nicked up early in minicamp. The second-year receiver who has been building momentum this offseason, but after coming on to the field for early warmups, he appeared to tweak something (left leg) that drew the attention of the athletic training staff. Boyce stayed on the field but did not take part in any drills, his gloves tucked into his shorts. His status will be something to monitor in the days and weeks to come.

The biggest knock against Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was his deep ball accuracy.

Well, offensive coordinator Norv Turner said on Wednesday that he hasn’t seen that as a weakness from the rookie.

“I knew he’d make great decisions, quick decisions, but he has been outstanding throwing the deep ball, which some people thought would be an issue.

“I think in the six-to-eight weeks we’ve had him on the field, I think he’s been put in a position where’s he’s had to make most of the throws he would have to make. I think he can make all the throws he needs to make.”

Bridgewater has the best chance of his rookie class to post decent (low- to midrange-QB2) numbers. The team has already said that they’d like him to win the job, so we have him penciled in as the starter at this point in the offseason. Norv Turner is a capable play-caller, and Bridgewater will have no shortage of weapons at his disposal in Minnesota. Adrian Peterson will be the focus of the defense, so Bridgewater can pick his spots and deliver the ball to Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings and Kyle Rudolph.

Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune says that the Vikings QB situation is settled. "Unless (Matt Cassel) is hurt or (Teddy Bridgewater) absolutely blows the Vikings away, Cassel will be the starter when the season opens, Bridgewater will be his understudy and his backup, and (Christian Ponder) in the final year of his rookie contract will hold a clipboard and only see the field in case of an emergency. That's how it should be, and that's how it will be no matter what the coach says right now. You can bank on that."

Rand speaks as if he knows something we don't, though we doubt that the Vikings would continue to start Cassel if Bridgewater plays well enough to make a close contest. OC Norv Turner did try to acquire Cassel when he was in Cleveland, so he is a fan of the journeyman quarterback.

Mike Goodson’s problematic time as a member of the Jets has come to an end. The Jets released Goodson with the left squad designation Wednesday.

Goodson failed to show up for mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, just the latest in a string of complications since the running back signed with the Jets over a year ago.

“Obviously it’s disappointing,” GM John Idzik said Wednesday. “We gave Mike, we feel in good conscience, every opportunity here with the Jets and unfortunately it didn’t work out so we made the move ultimately that we felt was best for the team.”

This doesn't have much of a fantasy impact with the arrival of Chris Johnson, but it's noteworthy nonetheless. Goodson has talent, but it doesn't matter if he can't keep things together off the field.

In the midst of minicamp, Colts QB Andrew Luck is impressed by the “smooth” Donte Moncrief and believes the newest Colts receiver will “do big things.”

Physically, at 6-2 and 221 pounds, Moncrief also fits the mold the Colts were looking for at receiver.

“Donte is a big target. We needed to get bigger, too. We needed to get taller.” wide receivers coach Charlie Williams says.

“He runs good routes and he catches the ball, that’s the key. That’s the key.”

Moncrief probably won't have much of an opportunity as a rookie if Reggie Wayne (ACL) is fully healthy, but the Colts are preparing for life after Wayne.

The Giants first-round pick is back on the field, and this time he's not just stretching and catching punts before exiting while the rest of his teammates run drills.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the 12th-overall pick in this year's draft, had missed most of the past two weeks with a sore hamstring. He was back practicing in team drills on Wednesday (mostly with the second-team offense) as the Giants continued their one mandatory minicamp of the spring.

The Giants are likely to run a lot of three-WR sets, so there is room for both Rueben Randle and Beckham to receive starter's snaps alongside Victor Cruz.

Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar is running full speed now and is hearing praises from new offensive play caller Scott Linehan about how he's going to be used.

In nine games last season, Dunbar touched the ball 37 times, producing zero touchdowns. However, his speed gives the Cowboys a polar opposite to what starter DeMarco Murray is. Murray is quick, not fast, displays good vision when he runs and is a physical runner.

Dunbar is fast with elusive moves.

It's these skills that Liehan likes and hopes to take advantage of in 2014.

"I think the guy’s got a real versatile role package for us," Linehan said. "He can run it. He can catch it. He has the ability to light it up and in a lot of locations and that’s what you want to do with those guys. The one thing I’ve noticed is his ability as a runner when we run the football with him and he’s lined up there. When he gets his reps, see him making very good cuts and looks like he’s got a great ability to accelerate and get through that hole. So it’ll be fun watching this kid play next year."

Linehan did split the work between Reggie Bush and Joique Bell last season in Detroit, but Murray is more of a complete back than Bush is.

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson says he thinks his addition to the Washington Redskins this offseason will prove to be beneficial to both him and Pierre Garcon, the team’s top holdover wideout.

“I respect Garcon,” Jackson said after Tuesday’s opening practice of this week’s minicamp at Redskins Park. “He’s a good player in this league, a great receiver. This is my first year really getting to know him and having that relationship with him. I think me and him will be able to be like that one-two punch in the NFL and have a great year. So whatever it is I can help him with, vice versa, whatever he can help me with, I look forward to that.”

DeSean Jackson is changing teams, which is rarely a good thing for a wideout unless he's moving into a larger role. In this case, he's joining a team with a proven target-hog (Pierre Garcon) and an up-and-coming tight end (Jordan Reed). New HC Jay Gruden does have a reputation for being pass-happy, but the Redskins actually attempted more passes (611) than the Bengals did (587) last season, so the pie may not grow as expected. In Cincinnati, Marvin Jones was the WR2 and saw 80 targets while playing just 48% of the snaps. If Jackson plays 80% of the snaps and sees the ball at the same rate, he would be targeted roughly 133 times. That’s plenty of work for D-Jax to post top 20 numbers, though Reed demands more targets than Cincinnati's Jermaine Gresham/Tyler Eifert combo last season. For more on D-Jax's potential workload, click here.

While Saints QB Drew Brees was quick to note again that “I don’t think you just replace a Darren Sproles,” he gave a nod to the top four backs on the depth chart – then brought up the Saints’ top draft pick, speedy receiver Brandin Cooks, who could be earmarked for big things as a rookie.

“Even though Darren Sproles played the running back position, we were creative with him,” Brees told USA TODAY Sports. “We did a lot of things with him out of the backfield. We’d split him out. We’d throw him screens. We’d do all kinds of stuff with him. So, that role can be filled by maybe even a receiver.

“Hey, we go out in the draft and get a guy in Brandin Cooks out of Oregon State – an explosive player, great speed, great talent, tremendous young man, loves to learn, loves the game of football. … From all indications, this guy can do a lot of things for us, and he’s eager to fill a role that we need him to on offense.”

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.

Giants WR Marcus Harris continues to impress. While working with Manning and the first team on one play, he used a double move that made Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie look foolish and caught a touchdown pass. Harris should have had another when he was wide open in the left corner of the end zone, but quarterback Ryan Nassib overthrew him on the play. Still, Harris is catching everything and getting open with consistency throughout the offseason workouts.

Giants WR Rueben Randle continues to have a strong offseason. He seems to be running sharper routes and has displayed consistently strong hands. He beat Ross Weaver with a sweet double move and caught a long touchdown pass during Tuesday's OTAs. Randle appears to be making significant progress, and could be primed for a big year.

Hakeem Nicks is gone, but the Giants drafted Odell Beckham in the 1st round. New OC Ben McAdoo utilizes a lot of three-WR sets (a la the Packers), so Randle should see starter’s snaps. He has been productive in his first two seasons on a per target basis, so he should produce starter-caliber numbers in significant playing time. He has been making plays in offseason activities while Beckham is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Putting the ball in the hands of multiple skills players has been a hallmark of offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who turned Darren Sproles into a rushing-receiving threat when he coached San Diego.

As the Vikings started minicamp Tuesday, their final series of organized practices before a five-week break before training camp, rookie RB Jerick McKinnon was coming along nicely.

"What jumps out to me about him is he's a quick learner," running backs coach Kirby Wilson said. "He retains the information and then he's able to come out and execute it out on the field. So that's impressive for a young guy."

Dolphins beat writer Omar Kelly on the routes the receivers run in Bill Lazor's offense: "I'm getting a bit concerned about Mike Wallace. These routes he's running are mighty dangerous in my humble opinion. I realize he's the same size as Desean Jackson, maybe even a little bigger. But Lazor's offense puts Wallace in some compromising spots because they expose him to big hits from safeties. I'm beginning to wonder if Wallace can physically handle the beating he likely has coming his way? The Dolphins are very deep at receiver in my opinion, and I'm sensing they'll need to keep six on the 53-man roster because these routes could expose these receivers to some brutal hits. It is a good thing Jarvis Landry is learning EVERY receiver spot because he'll likely be needed."

Lost in the disappointment of the 2012 Eagles season was the fact that Nick Foles and Jeremy Maclin established excellent chemistry in short order. In fact, in the seven games that Foles played, Maclin caught 37 passes for 479 yards and three touchdowns, including the last-second game-winner against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Extrapolated over an entire season’s worth of games, Maclin’s stats with Foles totaled 85 catches for 1,095 yards and seven touchdowns. Also consider that those numbers came during the worst season for the franchise in 15 years. Now, think about Foles and Maclin rekindling their on-field chemistry in Chip Kelly’s prolific offensive machine that set a host of franchise records in its first season.

For the first time in three seasons, Foles and Maclin will have the chance to begin the season together as starters – and healthy. Maclin says he feels 100 percent healthy, and Foles’ face lights up with excitement when he talks about his top target.

"He looks great,” Foles said of Maclin. "I can’t tell a difference at all. He’s a guy who’s going to give it his all every day. Coming out of breaks and everything, going downfield, I think he’s looked great. Obviously he’s working every day to get better, but he’s the same Jeremy and that Jeremy is a guy who wants to get better every day, no matter what. That’s a big injury, any time you hurt your knee, and he’s done everything that he can to get back on the field, so it’s exciting to have him back out there and healthy, and we just have to keep him that way.”

Maclin was the #13 WR in 2010, #31 in 2011 and #27 in 2012 before tearing his ACL last summer. The Eagles don't throw as much under Kelly as they did under Andy Reid, but Maclin has the talent and opportunity -- DeSean Jackson is gone -- to be a fantasy starter in 2014, provided his knee is good to go.

Patriots rookie RB James White made a play that had us taking note, beating linebacker Dont'a Hightower up the left sideline and making a nice catch. White’s pass-catching ability looks like a nice fit for the Patriots’ offense.

TE Eric Ebron wasn't always sharp during the Detroit Lions' offseason program. He struggled with drops early in OTAs. But by send-off day, he flashed the possibility of what could be.

Ebron appeared to be far more comfortable in the offense during last week's minicamp, and capped it off on the final day by hauling in one remarkable sliding catch with safety Isa Abdul-Quddus draped all over him. It was one of the finest catches of the offseason.

"It's lovely now," Ebron said. "Figuring out the offense. It'll never be 100 percent, but at least knowing what to do, where to lineup, where to be. Now I can do the things that got me here.

"I'm starting to earn a lot more respect. I'm starting to produce a lot more, and I'm starting to get a lot more reps."

The Lions want Ebron to fill the Jimmy Graham role in new OC Joe Lombardi’s offense, so he should see playing time immediately despite the presence of Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria. Of the 21 tight ends who have been drafted in the first round in the last 10 years, 14 have managed to play at least 14 games. They averaged 35-371-2.6, or #31 TE numbers. (Oddly enough, that's where Brandon Pettigrew finished in 2013.) It usually takes a while for a young tight end to make a fantasy impact, though there has been the occasional exception. Jeremy Shockey (#3 TE in 2002), Heath Miller (#11 in 2005) and Dustin Keller (#14 in 2008) all posted TE1 or fringe-TE1 numbers as rookie first round picks. Cam Cleeland, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and John Carlson all had a TE1-type impact as rookies even though they weren't drafted in the first round. Ebron is an intriguing TE2-type in a potent offense, but he's no shoo-in to make a big fantasy impact in his first season, especially if he’s struggling to learn the offense.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews made quick cuts in consecutive bursts to the end zone. He looks to have gained muscle and weighs 222 pounds, up seven from last August.

From Week 6 on, Ryan Mathews was the #10 RB in fantasy. He averaged 21.5 touches for 104 yards and 0.55 TD over the remainder of the regular season, but petered out in the playoffs after suffering a high ankle sprain. Heading into 2014 fantasy drafts, his stock will be interesting to watch given how many owners he has burned in the past, and Danny Woodhead’s presence doesn’t help matters — he will continue to limit Mathews’ involvement in the passing game. Still, he has finished as a RB1 in two of the last three seasons and GM Tom Telesco confirmed that he is still the team’s “bell cow” RB despite adding Donald Brown to the mix.

While no one is suggesting Raiders RBs Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden are Walter Payton, coach Dennis Allen likes what he sees through three weeks of organized team activities and a day of minicamp.

“When you watch ‘em practice, you see guys that still have explosion, guys that still have run skills, guys that still make people miss,’’ Allen said. “I don’t pay a lot of attention to what the statistics may say. I just see what I see with my eyes, and I see a copule of guys that if they can stay healthy, have the ability to perform at a high level.’’

Quarterback Matt Schaub said the real test will come in pads at training camp, but sees both running backs showing good burst in the open field. He likes their ability to pick up blitzing linebackers and also be explosive in the screen game.

Jones-Drew has been better more recently than McFadden and we feel he has the inside track to the Raiders RB1 job.

After minicamp practice Tuesday Falcons WR Julio Jones said he’s “feeling great.”

“I am back doing the little things I used to do,” Jones said. “I am back to the old Julio. I feel like I am actually stronger now. I’ve been doing back squats loading up and getting my quads more stronger more so than my hamstrings. That might have been a problem as well. (I’m trying) to balance my strength in my quads and my glutes to make sure everything is equal so I don’t put that amount of force and pressure on the outside of my foot.”

Jones was on pace for 131-1856-6.4 prior to his foot injury in Week 5. He has the potential to be the most productive receiver in the league, but the foot injury is a bit concerning, especially since it’s a broken bone in the same location as his pre-Draft injury. If he plays a full season, he’ll very likely finish in the top 5.

Dave Climer of the Tennessean predicts that RB Bishop Sankey will lead the Titans' RBBC in 2014:

"Personally, I expect it to fall into place quickly and for Sankey to emerge as the busiest of the Titans' running backs three or four games into the season. You don't spend a second-round pick on a running back — and make him the first running back drafted — to turn him into a spectator.

"Let's be clear: I'm not saying Sankey will be an every-down back or that his touches will come close to the 21 per game Chris Johnson averaged in his six seasons with the Titans. With a new coaching staff and a different vision for the offense, the Titans will use multiple backs, fitting the player to the situation."

HC Ken Whisenhunt did split RB duties between Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead as the Chargers' OC last year, so we could see Sankey and Dexter McCluster filling those roles in Tennessee. Sankey is probably going to be better in the passing game than Mathews, so he has a bit more upside as a three-down back. The last 13 rookies who were the top drafted RB in their class and joined a backfield with a lackluster incumbent averaged 18.2 touches for 83.1 yards and 0.55 TD, or 11.6 fantasy points per game. That’s about what Ryan Mathews averaged as the #12 RB in 2013.

Head coach Mike Smith said after practice Tuesday that Roddy White will not practice during this week's minicamp sessions, joining receiver Julio Jones on the sidelines as watchers of practice rather than participants. But just because they're not watching doesn't mean they're not involved.

"I think if you sit back and watch Roddy and Julio when they're not participating, they're watching very intently," Smith said. "They're watching the guys that are out there playing their position so they can make comments (in the meeting room)."

Jones and White are expected to be healthy and ready for the season when training camp rolls around and all the changes that have taken place on offense could benefit them the most. Jones was on pace for a career year last season before his injury, and that was without White on the field most of the time. An improved run game and better pass protection will make the Matt Ryan-to-Jones/White connection even more deadly.

After five straight top 10 finishes, White battled injuries during the 2013 season to finish #52 in standard scoring formats. He’s over the hill, right? Not so fast. Once he finally gave his ankle some rest, he returned in Week 10 and averaged 6.1-73-0.38 over his final eight games, and 8.6-100-0.40 in his final five. If Julio Jones comes back strong, the defensive focus will turn to him, and White should benefit. But don’t be worried about targets – Matt Ryan will continue to throw Roddy's way with Tony Gonzalez out of the picture. Meanwhile, Jones was on pace for 131-1856-6.4 prior to his foot injury in Week 5. He has the potential to be the most productive receiver in the league, but the foot injury is a bit concerning, especially since it’s a broken bone in the same location as his pre-Draft injury. If he plays a full season, he’ll very likely finish in the top 5.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne said he’s been cleared for football-related activities, but he won't return until training camp.

“He was ready to run in there at the end of that team drill. Looks great,” HC Chuck Pagano said. “We’re going to have to have plenty of security around so he doesn’t sneak out here in pads come training camp time and get in there too soon.

“We all know what Reggie’s made of and how he’s wired and what his DNA is. He’s champing at the bit to get back out there.”

Wayne was the #19 WR in standard formats and the #17 WR in PPR through the first seven weeks prior to tearing his ACL. He's 35 and coming off of a major knee injury. He may be able to play, but it's hard to envision him returning to his usual form in time for the 2014 season. The Colts signed Hakeem Nicks as insurance.

Now, nearly 11 months after Ravens TE Dennis Pitta had surgery to repair a dislocated, fractured right hip, he is armed with a new contract and said that his hip “feels great” and he is back to full health.

“It’s nothing I even think about when I’m at practice,” Pitta said Tuesday. “That’s a good sign. I feel like I’m at 100 percent and able to run and do what I need to do.”

Pitta also said his explosiveness has returned, which “was a process.” Pitta returned for the final four games of 2013, and caught 20 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown.

Throughout the spring, Pitta has lined up all over the offense. He's seen time split out wide, and also flanking the quarterback in the backfield. Pitta said his role may increase more, but he’s trying to get the base offense down during the spring before he can get in a position to be moved around the field even more.

Pitta missed most of 2013 due to a hip injury and he was sorely missed in the Ravens’ passing game. Upon his return, he saw 33 targets in four games, putting him on pace to finish with the 3rd-most targets in the league. It’s not a solid sample size, but it’s still an indicator of what may come. (He finished with the 12th-most targets in 2012.) The big plus for Pitta heading into 2014 is the arrival of new OC Gary Kubiak who has been very TE-friendly throughout his career, specifically with the development of both Shannon Sharpe in Denver and Owen Daniels in Houston.

Brandon Gibson has spent a month watching his Miami Dolphins teammates practice, but on Tuesday the injured receiver got involved in the action.

Gibson, who is nearly eight months into rehabbing the ACL tear he suffered to his left knee on Oct. 27, participated in all three phases of Miami's first day of a three-day mandatory minicamp.

Gibson was a productive third receiver for the Dolphins last year. He's a player to monitor as he recovers from ACL surgery.

The incoming Bears coaches evaluated Jay Cutler last year, then had a sit-down with him in which they outlined the basics of what they saw every good quarterback doing. Some weren’t the way he was used to operating but he embraced them, including OC Aaron Kromer’s directive to get the ball away on time, which is part of why Peyton Manning’s offensive lines are mysteriously good at pass protection every single season.

“Where in the past [Cutler] may have been willing to hold onto the ball for an extra hitch, wait for someone to come open, we now tell him, ‘get off of it, go to the next guy,’” QB coach Matt Cavanaugh said. “If you are waiting on a guy that may come open if he doesn’t, you’re late to the next guy.

“We just taught a real rhythmic passing game that I think Jay saw the benefit in: ‘I can get more completions. I’m not waiting on someone that might come open and I get the ball out of my hand and I get hit less.”

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick signed a six-year contract extension and has continued to be a vocal leader throughout the offseason. That's even on a Super Bowl-contending club. In showing his moxie, Kaepernick has proved to his coaches that he can handle more on his plate. The fourth-year quarterback is "seeing things" differently, according to offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who has used the offseason practices to emphasize red zone plays.

Kaepernick has a bevy of wide receivers to utilize in minicamp, a group headlined by Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin and boosted with the additions of Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd. The 49ers have sprinkled in receivers, experienced and inexperienced, throughout the offseason. The camp session figures to be one last period for Kaepernick to mesh with his deep group of targets before training camp rolls around.

In his last 18 games with Michael Crabtree in the lineup, Kaepernick has averaged 20.9 FP, which equate to #3 QB numbers. In 11 games without Crabtree, he averaged 16.1 FP. He averages 2.5 more pass attempts (i.e. the 49ers throw the ball more) and his YPA jumps from 7.4 to 8.4 with his top receiver in the lineup. He's a solid QB1 with upside.

Rams WR Brian Quick had a good day, jumping out early with a good route down the seam for about a 20-yard touchdown from Bradford. He even got his share of work with the first team offense.

Quick is entering his third season, and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer spoke glowingly of the young wideout after practice.

"Probably the most improved player I've seen is Brian Quick," Schottenheimer said. "He's doing a great job. Another guy that we're giving an opportunity to, he's competing for playing time and he's made the most of his opportunities. He started today, again just moving guys around in and out of the lineup trying to create competition, and he's stepped up and made a lot of big plays for us."

There is opportunity in the Rams' passing game, but it's not clear who will get starter's snaps. Tavon Austin figures to be the frontrunner, but it's wide open after that.

Rams RB Isaiah Pead has been lost in the shuffle a bit since the Rams found their top two backs in Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham, and then added Tre Mason in the third round of this year's draft. Midway through last season, Pead took a role on special teams and apparently excelled in the role to the point where the Rams view him as one of their most valuable contributors there.

In looking at his role for this season, special teams again figure to be a big part of the plan.

Giants WR Rueben Randle had another show-stopping deep ball today. Unfortunately for Ross Weaver, who was the culprit on Thursday, he was forced to guard Randle again today. Eli Manning hit him in stride on a 30-yard go pattern for a touchdown.

These deep receptions are coming regularly for Randle who seems to be enjoying the team's new offense. He's a nice sleeper who should be around in the 10th or 11th round.

Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. did some individual work today. He did not work in the team portion of practice because, as Tom Coughlin said, he couldn't hit that top speed. If what we saw from Beckham today was not top speed, than the Giants have something to look forward to. Beckham's routes were crisp in practice and he made one leaping grab just before the sideline.

The Titans begin training camp on July 26. Titans QB Jake Locker (Lisfranc) should be even better physically by then, but mentally he should be way ahead of the game. He said he's up to speed in the new offense, and has a good chemistry with his receivers.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt has been been impressed with Locker's work ethic and approach with teammates.

"Jake works hard," the coach said. "He's done a great job as far as studying the offense and understanding his reads. He's really done a good job with a lot of the little things – his footwork, his techniques. We've seen a lot of improvement there and that's really exciting to see. … The team really rallies around him, and that is an important quality to have."

Locker has averaged 15.1 FP in 16 career starts. That extrapolates to 241 points over a 16-game season, or about what Ryan Tannehill scored as the #16 QB in 2013. Health has been his biggest problem, but if he can stay upright, he could grow in Ken Whisenhunt’s offense.

Jets RB Chris Johnson participated in individual drills Tuesday, as the team opened its three-day mini camp. But he did not participate in any 11-on-11 team periods.

Johnson had spent the Jets’ nine organized team activities just rehabilitating his left knee. He rode a stationary bike and worked with trainers on the sideline. Johnson played through a torn meniscus in the knee last season with the Titans. He underwent surgery in January to repair it.

The Jets want to play it safe with Johnson. They expect him to be a valuable asset to their offense, and perhaps use his speed in tandem with running back Chris Ivory’s power.

Once Michael Vick went down in October and Nick Foles stepped in the starting role, Eagles WR Riley Cooper excelled. In 10 games, he made 39 catches for 742 yards and seven TDs. He also pulled in six catches for 68 yards and a TD in the Birds' playoff loss to the Saints.

"He tracks the ball extremely well, especially the ones a long way away from the line of scrimmage," OC Pat Shurmur said. "And he's got size. So he has the ability to go up and over a defender and make a contested catch, which gives him an advantage in some situations."

With Jeremy Maclin out for the season, Cooper had a good year, finishing #24 in standard formats and #31 in PPR. For a five-game stretch from Week 6 to Week 10, Cooper was the #2 receiver in fantasy football, but he definitely faded down the stretch, posting #54 WR numbers the rest of the way. He'll have to hold of rookie WR Jordan Matthews, who has been the talk of camp.

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has spent the offseason mostly avoiding comparisons to last season. But Griffin did acknowledge Tuesday, as the Redskins opened a minicamp, that he’s pleased not to have to wear a knee brace any longer when he plays.

“It feels great,” Griffin said following a morning practice at Redskins Park. “Like I said, I’m blessed to have an offseason this year and not have to wear the brace. But I don’t necessarily look at last year as a downer because of the brace. It’s just better this year not to have it.”

Griffin owned the #3 PPG in his rookie season, but that fell to #17 last season due to the inefficiency of the team’s offense and his ability to run on his surgically repaired knee. The knee should be close to 100 percent entering the season, but there is a new coaching staff in town, led by HC Jay Gruden. The team added DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts in free agency, so RG3 has a great receiving corps at his disposal.

On the topic of the Oakland WR corps...

“Rod Streater has gotten better every week that he’s been here, just works hard and has gotten a little bigger as well,” Raiders OC Greg Olson said. “Greg Little has done a really nice job. I guess there were some questions about his work ethic, but I like the way he has come in and really attacked it. He’s been very consistent catching the ball every day.”

While the Raiders are rotating receivers right now, and Dennis Allen has shrugged off any talk of depth charts, observers say that James Jones, Streater and Andre Holmes are ahead of Denarius Moore, who started last year.

For an undrafted wideout, Streater’s career is moving along swimmingly. After a 39-584-3 rookie season, Streater posted a solid 60-888-4 in his second year, finishing as the #33 WR in fantasy. Among undrafted receivers, he has the 4th most yards (since 1980) in his first two seasons. (Even more impressive, he plays for the Raiders.) Streater could continue to progress provided he still sees starter’s snaps – the arrival of James Jones may be a roadblock – and Matt Schaub returns to the efficient form we’re used to seeing. There are a couple of conditions there, but Streater’s value is in the tank right now, so there is very little risk to picking him up as a WR5/WR6 if he continues to sit atop the Oakland depth chart.

Steelers WR coach Richard Mann on Martavis Bryant: “He’s a big guy. He is different from what we’ve had, as far as his length. We feel like with the addition of him, we can utilize his talents in the red zone. He has a big reach. He has good speed. So we can use him in various ways, as far as clearing things out. He is a deep threat. He does have the speed.”

It appears that Markus Wheaton will start opposite Antonio Brown, with Lance Moore manning the slot.

Steelers WR coach Richard Mann on Lance Moore: “What he can do, and from what I’ve seen so far, he can probably fill that void that we had with losing Jerricho Cotchery. We have a couple of other guys that we are looking at. We might have to jerry-rig a few things to get the blocking aspect of it. But as far as the passing game, I think we are going to be fine.”

Steelers WR coach Richard Mann on RB/WR Dri Archer: “We feel like he can be our ace in the hole, or the joker, since we can use him in various positions. We can move him around. We can utilize his running ability as a running back and his receiving skills. I think it’s up to Coach (Todd) Haley and the offensive staff to put him in places where he can succeed. I think he’s going to be a weapon for us.”

Outside of going down on the last practice of an OTA last month, Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin has shown no ill effects of the ACL tear he suffered early on in training camp last summer. The 26-year-old has been a full participant in all of the drills asked of him this spring according to Chip Kelly and seems to be confident in his surgically repaired knee.

Maclin was the #13 WR in 2010, #31 in 2011 and #27 in 2012 before tearing his ACL last summer. The Eagles don't throw as much under Kelly as they did under Andy Reid, but Maclin has the talent and opportunity -- DeSean Jackson is gone -- to be a fantasy starter in 2014, provided his knee is good to go.

The will-he, won’t-he? Marshawn Lynch debate has ended for now.

The Seahawks running back reported for the team’s mandatory mini-camp Tuesday, putting to rest any ideas that he would hold out because he wants changes to his contract.

Lynch apparently still would like some changes to his contract, which has two years remaining.

But since the mini-camp is mandatory — unlike the earlier OTAs that Lynch skipped — he would have been subject to fines of almost $70,000. So for now, Lynch is in camp, ready for his first official action with the team since the Super Bowl

Drama has followed Lynch around this offseason. The team also implied it was ready to play RBBC given how well Christine Michael played at OTAs, but later backtracked. Lynch could also face suspension from the league after pleading guilty to reckless driving (which started as a DUI arrest two years ago). Still, he has three straight top 5 finishes under his belt, so if the offseason drama passes, he should once again be a rock-solid pick in the late 1st round.

When asked how Eagles QB Nick Foles as improved, HC Chip Kelly had this to say:

"Just a better command and an understanding of what's going on. You know, lining guys up. Coaches were lining everybody up last year. But now Nick has really got a great command of what we are doing offensively to kind of and you can just see it.

"There's a lot more confidence in how he's playing and now it's just a matter of refining the little things for him, footwork, hand offs, carrying off fakes. Not the minor details; they are really major details, but he's not worried with where he's going with the ball. It's just how is he going to do that; how can he manipulate the safety, but he's still going to throw the ball to his left."

Nick Foles posted the #3 PPG in 2013 and in 11 starts (including the playoffs) he averaged 23.1 FP, which was second only to Peyton Manning. DeSean Jackson is gone, but the return of Jeremy Maclin, the arrival of Darren Sproles and Jordan Matthews and the likely emergence of Zach Ertz should offset that loss. The only other question mark is his limited body of work. Sometimes quarterbacks take a step back in their second year as a starter — it’s also Chip Kelly’s second year as head coach — though Foles played at such a high level that even with a step back, he should still be a solid QB1.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III was on the same page with most of his receivers. He rolled out and launched one deep to DeSean Jackson for a big gain.

Griffin also showed signs of developing good chemistry with Jordan Reed. The QB hooked up with the second-year tight end on a few timing patterns over the middle and to the sideline.

Cam Newton did more Tuesday on his surgically repaired ankle than Panthers coach Ron Rivera was expecting, but he won’t be on the practice field for team drills until training camp.

Newton tested his ankle on three- and five-step drops on passes to receivers Tuesday at Panthers mandatory minicamp. After stretching and the short throwing session, he did not participate in any other drills.

“There was an outside chance he’d be able to go full but he’s on track,” Rivera said. “We’re not going to force any issue with him so he was able to do what he was supposed to.”

Newton has finished in the top 4 in each of his three NFL seasons, but his PPG has dropped from 22.9 to 20.6 to 18.7 in that same span. He lost his entire receiving corps and is recovering from ankle surgery, so he hasn’t been able to practice with his new receivers. He should still be a solid RB1 given his ability to run the ball, but there are several red flags heading into the season.

Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman listed Calvin Johnson as a big beneficiary of the new offense and team personnel: "If the Lions end up playing a lot of up-tempo (maybe even no huddle) offense with two tight ends, Johnson should really benefit from that. The addition of tight end Eric Ebron and receiver Golden Tate really gives Matthew Stafford options at the line of scrimmage in an up-tempo offense that will limit substitution packages by the defense. Ebron can be an on-the-line tight end and a big receiver (6-5, 250), which will put some stress on defenses. It’s unlikely Johnson will see some of the triangle and triple coverage he has in the past with Ebron in the slot or on the line on his side and Tate on the other side. If he does, defenses will pay for it."

Dolphins RB Lamar Miller has been receiving first team snaps since OTAs. It was considered only a matter of time before offseason acquisition Knowshon Moreno would at least share the starting load.

But so far Daniel Thomas is actually getting in there before Moreno.

Moreno does not appear to be hurt. He participated in foot drills. But when it came time for 11 on 11s and 7 on 7s, Moreno was nowhere to be found.

Coach Joe Philbin said it simply was a coaches’ decision to distribute practice reps the way they did Tuesday.

The Browns have released wide receiver Earl Bennett about a month after signing him to a free agent contract.

Texans HC Bill O'Brien named Ryan Fitzpatrick the starter at QB.

Fitzpatrick will have a tough time being much of a fantasy option if Andre Johnson doesn't report to camp. If AJ does join the team, Fitzy will be in the mix for streaming/QBBC duties in favorable matchups.

Wanting a new contract, 49ers TE Vernon Davis no showed for today's mandatory minicamp.

Given the holdout and the lack of targets down the stretch, there are a number of red flags surrounding Davis this summer. He finished the 2013 season as the #2 TE, but his numbers took a dip after Michael Crabtree returned to the fold. Davis averaged 3.8-62-.90 on 6.1 targets without Crabtree in the lineup. After his return (and including three playoff games), those numbers fell to 2.4-35-.75 on 4.6 T/G. Those are still top 10 numbers at the position, but Davis simply isn’t a no-brainer top 5 pick with Crabtree in the lineup. Davis has a history of being underutilized in the 49ers’ run-heavy offense, and that’s a possibility again in 2014.

With increased strength, a better understanding of the offense and Eric Decker out of the picture, Broncos TE Julius Thomas' role is expected to expand this season. Don't be surprised if he flirts with 1,000 yards in his second season as a starter.

Thomas is a favorite target in the league’s most productive passing attack, and with Eric Decker no longer with the team, the fourth-year tight end could see an increase in targets as well. He scored 12 TDs in 14 games, but wasn’t simply a redzone threat — he also averaged 4.6 receptions per game, which was 6th among tight ends.

Troubled New York Jets running back Mike Goodson, still facing legal issues from an arrest last year, didn’t report Tuesday morning for the start of the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp, according to a league source.

New Buccaneers starting quarterback Josh McCown looked particularly adept at dropping passes into tight spaces between coverage last week. When it came to timing patterns, particularly on the sideline, McCown often slung darts that looked like they were headed to empty space before the targeted pass-catcher suddenly sprinted into the picture.

If McCown can get into sync with his receivers quickly, he could work his way into a QB2/streaming role by the time fantasy draft season is in full swing.

It’s fair to say that Dolphins RB Lamar Miller and Knowshon Moreno are competing for a starting spot. And in the end Coach Joe Philbin might make it like last year when he frustrates reporters and fantasy football owners by never really naming a starting running back.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce hasn't practiced this spring. He had knee surgery last year, missing all of the season, and has been rehabbing, but Reid held out some hope Kelce could get some work this week.

Kelce could surprise if he can get healthy.

Chiefs RB/WR DeAnthony Thomas hasn't been able to practice since the rookie camp shortly after the draft. Classes had still been in session at Oregon, where Thomas went to college, and NFL rules prohibited him from working with the Chiefs. That ban is now over and it will be interesting to see how Andy Reid utilizes Thomas' speed in the offense. He lined up in a variety of spots during rookie camp, including wide receiver, slot receiver and running back. He also should get a turn as the kickoff and punt returner.

Thomas could take over the Dexter McCluster role in the offense.

The receiver who may be most important to the Washington Redskins wasn’t their leader last fall or a high-profile addition this offseason. But if all goes according to plan, pass-catching tight end Jordan Reed will play a vital role in Washington’s passing game for years to come.

The Redskins are counting on the second-year player to be among the NFL’s most productive at his position. In a solid rookie season cut short because of a concussion, Reed proved he possesses what it takes to become a difference maker.

The next step is for Reed to consistently stand out in Washington’s new-look passing game. New Coach Jay Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay, who formerly coached the Redskins’ tight ends, will put Reed in position to succeed. Reed is confident he can do the rest.

Reed was on pace for 80-887-5.3 (#7 TE-type numbers) prior to his injury, but didn't even crack the 50% snaps played mark until Week 6. In the five games where he played at least 50% of his team's snaps, he averaged 6.2-76-.40 or #3 TE-type numbers. The main concern with Reed is his injury history, specifically with concussions. According to NBC Washington, in addition to a severe concussion in 2013, Reed suffered two concussions while at Florida. If he can stay healthy, he's a likely top 5 fantasy TE, but that's no sure thing.

Panthers WRs Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant provide experience, and rookie Kelvin Benjamin provides a big target (6-5, 240) that will be tough to keep off the field. Tiquan Underwood is the most likely to round out the top four.

Cotchery and Benjamin have the most fantasy appeal of this group. Cotchery was the #31 WR in 2013 thanks to his work in the redzone, which is also where Benjamin is likely to make his biggest impact.

Vikings QB Matt Cassel received the majority of the first team reps during OTAs over Teddy Bridgewater and Christian Ponder. We’ve seen a slight increase in first team reps for Bridgewater during the final week of OTAs. Nothing dramatic to draw any conclusions, and Cassel will probably continue to receive the majority of the first team reps during minicamp, but it’ll be interesting to see if Bridgewater’s first team reps continue to gradually increase. The Vikings clearly don't plan to rush Bridgewater into an immediate starting quarterback, but he has looked good so far.

Bridgewater has the best chance of his rookie class to post decent (low- to midrange-QB2) numbers. The team has already said that they’d like him to win the job, so we have him penciled in as the starter at this point in the offseason. Norv Turner is a capable play-caller, and Bridgewater will have no shortage of weapons at his disposal in Minnesota. Adrian Peterson will be the focus of the defense, so Bridgewater can pick his spots and deliver the ball to Cordarrelle Patterson, Greg Jennings and Kyle Rudolph.

The Lions have drafted placekicker Nate Freese, but insist the competition with Giorgio Tavecchio remains open heading into next month's training camp.

"Both guys are thumping it pretty good," coach Jim Caldwell said. "Giorgio's doing a nice job and Nate's doing a nice job as well. So I think it will be a good, healthy competition."

While the New Orleans Saints toil away in organized team activities this week, the organization's star tight end is about to find out if he's actually a wide receiver.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Jimmy Graham's long-awaited system arbitration will commence Tuesday, launching a two-day process that will help decide whether the talented fifth-year pass-catcher should be franchise tagged as a tight end at approximately $7 million or as a wideout at roughly $12 million.

The Redskins do know that they need to improve in the area of touchbacks, and that’s part of why they drafted Zach Hocker – to compete with Kai Forbath. Meanwhile, Forbath also knows that he must to better in this department, and so he has spent the offseason trying to get better at this. He is – as you noted – very accurate on field goals, and his experience should give him an edge. Jay Gruden acknowledged that it’s hard for a rookie place kicker to come in and have success. But they want to see what Hocker has to offer. The two will compete throughout training camp and the preseason.

Throughout the entire offseason, the Baltimore Ravens have talked about how they believe quarterback Joe Flacco will succeed in Gary Kubiak's offense.

"It’s a timing offense, and to me Joe is really built for that," coach John Harbaugh said.

In Kubiak's new system, Flacco will likely be asked to get the ball out quicker than previous years. Kubiak is teaching Flacco to throw the ball when he hits the ball of his foot on the three-step drop. The West Coast offense is predicated on rhythm and quick releases.

Losing Anquan Boldin to free agency and Dennis Pitta to injury certainly hurt Flacco, who finished #19 after three straight top 14 finishes. Pitta is back, but Boldin is still gone, though the team acquired Steve L Smith to replace him. Expect more low-end QB2 numbers given all the depth at QB.

Through the organized team activities, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has been kept out of competitive drills as well as some individual work as he recovers from December back surgery.

With the Cowboys' minicamp starting Tuesday, Romo will continue down the same road. Romo has said recently he expects to be 100 percent within a few weeks, but that time frame comes after the Cowboys' offseason is over.

Romo has gone through walkthrough drills with the first-team offense and thrown individual routes with wide receivers, running backs and tight ends. He has not taken a snap in 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 drills. He has also sat out of the quarterback's footwork drills as the team attempts to protect him from jarring motions as much as possible.

While it's good to hear that Romo expects to be 100 percent soon, he is missing valuable reps in a new offense, and that's a bit concerning. Much has been written about how Romo will thrive under new “Passing Game Coordinator” Scott Linehan. Under Linehan, the Lions threw the ball 62.2% of the time in the last two seasons. Over the same span, the Cowboys threw it 64.3% of the time, so the Cowboys may not be that much more "pass happy" under Linehan, though the number of plays they run could increase, helping the offense as a whole. The Lions have averaged 1,105 plays in the last two seasons, while the Cowboys averaged just 968 plays, so Detroit ran 14% more plays than Dallas over that span. This bodes well for Romo and Co. Hopefully that back holds up.

Eagles TE coach Ted Williams on Zach Ertz:

"Going into this season, I think he's utilized the offseason very, very well in terms of the training program he's been indoctrinated into. He's getting bigger and stronger. I think he's weighing in in the mid (2)40s. He appears to be stronger. He's fundamentally better as a blocker than he was a year ago because he's worked at it and he wants to be better at it.

"The question is now: Can you take all of that training and all of that learning and translate it into something that's effective on the field?"

One player who could boost the Vikings' after-the-catch production is receiver Greg Jennings. He averaged 5.42 yards per catch from 2006-12 with the Green Bay Packers, better than all but three receivers in the league -- Percy Harvin, Miles Austin and Wes Welker -- during that time. That total dropped to 5.01 last year, as Christian Ponder especially struggled to get Jennings the ball in places where he could put his exceptional quickness to work, but Norv Turner's offense could help rejuvenate Jennings' game.

Wherever they can get it, the Vikings will likely be looking for receivers to produce after the catch this season. Turner's best offenses have had them, and between Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon, Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson, there'll be plenty of candidates to do it in 2014.

Jets QB Geno Smith can cap a positive offseason with a strong performance over the next three days. HC Rex Ryan loves the way the Smith-Michael Vick dynamic is working out, with Smith benefitting from Vick's presence and experience. Of course, it's only June. The landscape changes in training camp, when the scrutiny (and pressure) become more intense.

QB Ben Roethlisberger on TE Heath Miller being fully healthy for practices to date (Miller was recovering from his right knee injury and missed the OTAs and minicamp last year): “(It’s) huge, the way he has looked. He has looked healthy right from the get-go, looks kind of like the old Heath. One of the practices, he caught a pass about 12 yards downfield and made a move and actually made a guy miss and he finished all the way down the field. That was the Heath Miller we love to see. “

Miller finished as the #4 TE in 2012, but wasn't able to crack the top 20 in 2010, 2011 or 2013. His value is touchdown dependent, but it's good to hear that he's moving around better than last season. He's a TE2 streaming option.

Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater met OC Norv Turner for the first time earlier this year, but it hasn't taken long for the Vikings rookie quarterback to gain the ultimate appreciation for his offensive coordinator.

"He's one of the best coaches in the game right now, an offensive mastermind," Bridgewater said.

Bridgewater said he met Turner "multiple times" when the first-year Vikings coordinator was looking at quarterbacks they might pick in last month's NFL Draft. Perhaps the most significant time was April 12 in Bridgewater's native South Florida.

Bridgewater has now had more than a month to work with Turner, and he described their relationship as "pretty unique."

"It started back in the pre-draft process," Bridgewater said. "He would come multiple times. He's a great coach. It's somebody who wants the best out of every quarterback on the roster. The relationship we have right now is just a great relationship."

We're expecting Bridgewater to start Week 1, but he'll have to beat out the capable Matt Cassel for the honor.

Perhaps there will be a surprise appearance at minicamp Tuesday, but it currently does not look like Aaron Dobson will be taking part in practices this week.

Dobson, who is recovering from March foot surgery and did not take part in organized team activities, is said to be doubtful for this week’s mandatory minicamp, according to a source.

The original timetable following the procedure was said to be 2-3 months. The wide receiver delayed the surgery to March because there was hope that his foot could heal without surgery. Dobson is no longer wearing a walking boot and is said to be “doing better.”

Dobson is losing valuable practice time. He will have to compete with Brandon LaFell, Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce for snaps once he returns. Whoever wins the starting job will be fantasy relevant in 2014.

On the subject of Cardinals WR Ted Ginn...

"He doesn't have that much experience as a wide out, surprisingly," HC Bruce Arians said. "I have no idea why."

Well, that's about to change. With the Cardinals, Ginn will be primarily used as their third receiver, filling the void left by Andre Roberts, who signed with Washington during free agency. Ginn will still be charged with returning kicks and some punts, but his main duties will be alongside Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd.

"Anytime you can hit a home run in one play, it's easy," Arians said. "The threat of those guys being out there is that every play you can hit one. What they do to the defense to open up everybody else, you don't have to throw it long. You hit a fast guy going across the field, it's easier for him to turn it up and go to the distance."

Arians has been pleased with Ginn's route running and catching ability, which has led to more confidence for Ginn. He'll need it as he embarks on a season as primarily a receiver. He'll still have special teams' duties and QB Carson Palmer hopes Ginn will be able to give the offense shorter fields to work with.

Rookie John Brown has been getting the most offseason press, but the Cardinals added Ginn for his speed and intend to use it. Ginn could be fantasy relevant as a spot starter, especially if either Larry Fitzgerald or Michael Floyd get nicked up.

Ravens RB Ray Rice and his wife met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell today at the league’s New York headquarters, one of the final steps for the embattled running back in dealing with his February offseason arrest before the start of the 2014 football season.

Two sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed the meeting, which has been expected as Rice faces discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy stemming from an aggravated assault charge for allegedly striking his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer, during an altercation in the elevator of an Atlantic City casino.

It’s unclear how quickly Goodell will rule on Rice’s suspension. He traditionally meets with any player facing discipline before making a decision, which is the reason Rice was in New York today.

The expectation is that Rice, who previously had a clean record, will get a multi-game suspension. The Ravens prepared for his expected early-season absence by signing veteran running back Justin Forsett and drafting back Lorenzo Taliaferro in the fourth round of this year's NFL draft. Bernard Pierce, Rice’s backup the past two seasons, is also slightly ahead of schedule in his return from offseason shoulder surgery, according to head coach John Harbaugh.

This was the spring of Lions WR Jeremy Ross. He will make the roster at least as the team’s returner but probably showed enough during the spring to at least enter training camp with a good shot at being the team’s third or fourth receiver. Another surprise was Ryan Broyles, who if he can stay healthy could end up making a contribution in the fall. He isn’t a roster lock yet, but will certainly get some opportunities. The competition for the third (or fourth) outside receiver will be one to watch in the fall.

Lions RBs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell aren’t going anywhere. Theo Riddick was one of the stars of the spring and looks like he’ll end up having a role in the offense beyond special teams this season. Mikel Leshoure missed part of spring workouts, so it is tough to say where his role will be this season, if he has one. But Detroit has its first three running backs pretty set right now unless it makes a free-agent move at the position.

Eagles beat writer Geoff Mosher on expectations for Jordan Matthews and potential playing time for Zach Ertz...

Comparisons between Eagles WR Jordan Matthews and Terrell Owens -- or any top-flight wideout -- are a wee bit overboard. Matthews is doing a nice job catching passes and seems like a hardworking, determined guy, but I’d be real careful about sky-high expectations for the kid in Year 1. Two AFC scouts told me Matthews struggled at the Senior Bowl against press coverage, which isn’t a big deal since he wasn’t among the first seven receivers drafted and wasn’t a first-round pick. But it should reinforce the adage that judgments begin when the pads come out, not in shorts.

Given that Matthews and Josh Huff are both rookies, it wouldn’t surprise me if Chip Kelly showcased more 12 personnel -- two tight ends, two receivers -- early in the season to lean more heavily on experienced veterans than rookies. I think Kelly would feel more comfortable playing an early regular-season game with an offense that featured Riley Cooper, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek and Zach Ertz than one that put Matthews and/or Huff on the field ahead of Celek.

Said Titans TE Delanie Walker: "We’re going to be very physical, we’re going to play until the whistle blows, we’re going to be very tough in the run game and when the passing game comes to us, we’re going to make plays. ...I see the tight end position being of big impact in this offense."

But in terms of creative use, the Titans' top tight end doesn’t necessarily expect to line up all over the place.

“We’re going to move around, but I think you’re going to see more of Dexter McCluster in that spot,” Walker said. “He’s the Swiss Army knife now for this team. He can play multiple positions, and I think you’re going to see Dexter moving around making great plays for us.

“I see myself as that guy as well, but you’re going to see me on the end of the line more too as well.”

Walker is an interesting tight end to monitor this offseason. He finished as the #12 TE on the year, posting 60 catches for 571 yards and six TDs. He was targeted much more heavily in games where Ryan Fitzpatrick was under center (6.8 vs. 4.2 T/G), but Jake Locker did throw three TDs to Walker while he was still the starter. From Week 10 to Week 15, Walker had the 6th-highest PPG (8.7), so he’s capable of playing at a TE1 level. Moreover, new HC Ken Whisenhunt had this to say about Walker: "Working with Antonio Gates got me excited about the position, and I think there's a lot of elements to what Delanie does that are similar in that capacity.” This bodes well for Walker’s usage in Whisenhunt’s offense.

Texans WR Andre Johnson hasn't been to voluntary workouts all offseason in Houston. This week, he'll skip mandatory work for the first time and risk being fined by the team.

"Right now, that's all that he can do,'" Melton said of Johnson skipping work this week. "We've done what we can do, so we're just sitting there waiting."

Melton insisted that Johnson has a great relationship with new coach Bill O'Brien. The seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver seems more dissatisfied with the Texans' lack of a quarterback. Johnson could still skip training camp in July and August, when the fines can really rack up.

"We'll evaluate it in a month or so and see what's going on," Melton said.

It's not clear what Johnson's endgame is -- does he want to be traded? Johnson is missing valuable reps with a new QB in a new offense, and it's not doing much for his fantasy prospects heading into the 2014 season. Buyer beware.

RB Pierre Thomas played in exactly 50 percent of the Saints' regular-season snaps. And he could potentially play a similar role this year, even with younger backs Mark Ingram, Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet clamoring for more snaps.

Now that Sproles is gone, Thomas should be featured heavily in the Saints' passing formations since he's their best receiver out of the backfield and their most reliable pass protector. He may lose some rushing yards but gain receiving yards as his role shifts slightly.

Thomas racked up 224 touches for 1,062 yards and five TDs as the lead back in the 2013 version of the Saints’ committee at running back. With Darren Sproles gone, Thomas’s catches aren’t likely to take much of a hit (though Travaris Cadet should see some of Sproles’s work). The team has shown signs of moving to Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson more in the running game, so PT is not likely to push 150 carries again in 2014. Still, he’ll be a regular part of the rotation in a potent offense and should be a good value in the later rounds. In PPR formats, he has finished in the top 30 in PPG in five of the last six seasons.

“I feel real comfortable,” Redskins QB Robert Griffin III said last week. “I’ve had a chance to have my hands and my eyes in the playbook, on the playbook. I’ve been watching film and everything for a long time now. So I feel very comfortable with it. Like I said, it’s very multiple. We have a lot of weapons out there. It’s just about us getting to the right plays and getting the guys the ball and let them go make plays.”

Griffin and others say they’re pleased with the progress so far but they realize there’s much still to be done.
“We’re continuing to throw a lot of things in there,” Griffin said last week. “Like Coach likes to say, we’re gonna huddle up and try to play smash-mouth football, and then we’re gonna no-huddle and still play smash-mouth football. So we’re doing a lot. We did a little no-huddle today, working that stuff in.

It's interesting that Griffin used the term "smash-mouth" when describing the offense as Gruden was criticized for abandoning the run too often in 2013 while he was the OC in Cincinnati.

Does Jets RB Chris Johnson, who has averaged an eye-opening 1,661 total yards during his six-year career, have a 1,200-yard rushing season left in him this season?

“That’s up to him,” running backs coach Anthony Lynn told the Daily News. “He’s definitely going to get the ball. So, it’s what he does with the ball… He can have as many yards as he wants.”

“He wants every single rep,” Lynn said. “That’s the type of attitude most running backs have. They want every single rep. I think that’s good. I think that’s healthy. It just means that he’s competitive. But how we split those up remains to be seen. By the time we go through the process, the cream will rise to the top like it always does. We’ll go ahead with a couple guys. And then they’ll do it by committee anyway.”

“We’ve always played the hot guy,” Lynn added. “It doesn’t matter who it is. If you go in there and produce, you usually stay in.”

It sounds as if Johnson will have the first crack at carries in the Jets' run-heavy offense. He is currently our #24 RB in standard formats, and has some upside from there if he shows he can still run the ball effectively. Chris Ivory is a very capable RB2.

The Jets can use Jeremy Kerley and Eric Decker in two-receiver sets while putting Kerley in places where he's most effective -- i.e., the slot. OC Marty Mornhinweg has a myriad of ways to attack, especially with the addition of rookie Jace Amaro, a "flex" tight end who can line up just about anywhere.

The idea is to put the best players on the field, so, no, the Jets won't force a receiver into action simply to have a traditional starting lineup. Chances are, it'll be a committee approach, with Decker and a host of role players -- unless, of course, someone steps up in training camp and blows away the competition.

Kerley has been fantasy-relevant as a WR5-type for the last two seasons and may benefit from the attention that Decker will draw as the team's WR1.

After a year dealing with a nagging toe injury that would not allow him to practice during the regular season, San Diego Chargers receiver Eddie Royal is pleased to be back on the practice field on a regular basis.

"It's very important," Royal said. "I'm seeing that now. Just the little improvements I've made with my footwork, and other little things that I wasn't able to do last year -- the ins and outs of running routes based on different coverages -- it's been big for me so far."

A closer look at the 2013 numbers shows that Eagles TE Zach Ertz played 45 percent of the snaps during the second half of the regular season, compared to 36 percent over the first eight games. Twenty-two of his 36 catches came in the second half of the year, as did all four of his touchdowns.

Asked how he sees his role expanding this year, Ertz replied, "I think you kind of saw it the second half of the season what went on, I was used all over the field, so hopefully it's more of that."

HC Chip Kelly explained that Ertz [as well as James Casey] is being used as a "move" tight end in this offense. That is similar to the way Aaron Hernandez was deployed in New England -- as more of a "Joker" that lines up in various spots and is used primarily as a pass-catcher. Brent Celek is more of the traditional "in-line" tight end where blocking is a bigger priority.

It's not really about taking snaps away from the vet at this point -- Ertz and Celek are playing two different positions in a way -- it's more about using packages where they are on the field together. Chances are we'll see a good deal more of Ertz, who averaged 13 yards per reception in '13.

It's going to come down to whether Kelly wants to play Ertz ahead of one of his receivers (Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper or Jordan Matthews) or ahead of Celek. Only four of those five players can be on the field with LeSean McCoy. A rotation could lead to plenty of passing downs for Ertz, but his upside will depend on his playing time.

Hakeem Nicks is gone (signed with the Colts) and Rueben Randle has moved into a starting role alongside Victor Cruz. Jerrel Jernigan, though, might be stuck where he is on the depth chart, because the Giants selected a receiver, Odell Beckham Jr. from LSU with the No. 12 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and the expectation is he will get on the field immediately.

“It didn’t bother me at all,’’ Jernigan said of the addition of Beckham. “Everyone knows we lost Hakeem Nicks, so we had to bring somebody else in.’’

Jernigan at 5-foot-8 and 189 pounds, is well-suited to the slot receiver role, a spot Cruz is most effective in, causing a logjam. Beckham and Randle are considered more adept on the outside.

Jernigan racked up 19 catches for 237 yards and two TDs in the final three games, making him the #2 WR in fantasy in that span. The arrival of Odell Beckham puts a damper on his 2014 outlook.

Jaguars beat writer John Oehser: "Quarterback Chad Henne has drawn a lot of praise, as have wide receiver Cecil Shorts III and tight end Marcedes Lewis."

According to multiple accounts, Ravens QB Joe Flacco looked much more comfortable in last week's OTAs than in the previous two, and there were fewer balls hitting the ground or winding up in the hands of a defender.

Losing Anquan Boldin to free agency and Dennis Pitta to injury certainly hurt Flacco, who finished #19 after three straight top 14 finishes. Pitta is back, but Boldin is still gone, though the team acquired Steve L Smith to replace him. Expect more low-end QB2 numbers given all the depth at QB.

Ravens OC Gary Kubiak is known for not taking as many deep shots. In the past four seasons, Baltimore ranked second in air yards per pass attempt, which reflects how far the ball travels past the line of scrimmage to its target on average. In Houston, Kubiak's offenses were 27th in that category during the same period. If this trend continues under Kubiak, the Ravens could look to getting the ball quicker to Torrey Smith.

The article discusses Smith's reputation as a "one-trick pony" and how Kubiak's arrival might impact how many deep balls he sees in 2014. Smith was the #16 WR through 13 weeks, but petered out down the stretch with just 11 catches (for 176 yards and no TDs) in his final four games. He still posted career highs in catches (65) and yards (1,128), while his touchdowns (4) were a career low. He should bounce back in that category under new OC Gary Kubiak. The return of TE Dennis Pitta should also help loosen up the coverage, though Pitta’s return coincided with Smith’s swoon at the end of the season.

"I am not satisfied," Titans WR Kendall Wright said. "I know I am a better football player and I have room to get better. I can easily do a whole lot better."

Specifically, he wants to break a lot more tackles. He feels like if he'd been more slippery, his yardage total could have been even more staggering on his 94 catches, which ranked seventh in the NFL.

"Some of the short passes that I caught, I maybe let the first person tackle me," Wright said. "I have to break that tackle and get way more yards than I did. And that is what I am working on — my explosiveness. It is great to get 1,000 yards. But I want to do a whole lot more after the catch. I need to make more guys miss."

Wright caught 94 passes for 1,079 yards, but only found the endzone twice. He’s not likely to become a major force in the redzone, though new HC Ken Whisenhunt had success around the goal line with a similar player (Eddie Royal) in San Diego. Royal scored six of his eight TDs from inside the 15-yard line (typically on quick screens), so Whisenhunt may elect to use Wright in the same way.

Less than a week after saying he'd attend the team's mandatory minicamp, 49ers TE Vernon Davis has reversed course, taking over Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback to write: "It's all about getting paid what you deserve. It's not that complicated."

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Davis will indeed be absent from camp when it opens Tuesday, per a source with knowledge of the player's plans.

The full article can be seen here. Davis finished the season as the #2 TE, but his numbers took a dip after Michael Crabtree returned to the fold. Davis averaged 3.8-62-.90 on 6.1 targets without Crabtree in the lineup. After his return (and including three playoff games), those numbers fell to 2.4-35-.75 on 4.6 T/G. Those are still top 10 numbers at the position, but Davis simply isn’t a no-brainer top 5 pick with Crabtree in the lineup. Davis has a history of being underutilized in the 49ers’ run-heavy offense, and that’s a possibility again in 2014. A contract holdout only serves to complicate matters further. 

It seems as though the question is "when" not "if" Eagles WR Jordan Matthews will make the jump to the first-team. HC Chip Kelly looks like he is burying rookies on the depth chart and making them earn significant practice time, as none of the players selected in last month's NFL draft are seeing time with the first-team on either offense or defense so far.

The second-round pick has caught everything thrown his way from routine crossing routes to one-handed tip-toe catches along the sidelines. At times it's difficult to remember that he is only a rookie and was a second-round pick.

Matthews will likely see snaps in the slot (at least) this season. Jeremy Maclin is working his way back from an ACL injury and Riley Cooper is solid, but unspectacular. There is opportunity in this offense if Matthews has a great summer, and by most accounts he has. Rookie wideouts usually don’t live up to their ADP, but there is the occasional exception.

Bills WR Mike Williams didn't stand out in OTAs and seeing him in action, there isn't a particular skill that he brings to the table that is different from the rest of the receiver group. If Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods become fixtures on the outside and Chris Hogan can continue to contribute in the slot, Williams starts to slide down the depth chart. The Bills will keep Marquise Goodwin and Marcus Easley on their final roster, so Williams will have to fight Hogan and T.J. Graham for the final spot.

It sounds as if Watkins and Woods are penciled in to start for the Bills with Williams at best the WR3/WR4.

"We'll see how it plays out once it goes to training camp," Vikings QB Christian Ponder said via the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "but obviously there's an agenda to try to get (Teddy Bridgewater) ready, and (Matt Cassel) is the starter right now."

Although Cassel will enter camp atop the depth chart, the Vikings hope Bridgewater can close the gap by the end of the preseason action.

In addition to Texans DE Jadeveon Clowney’s sports hernia, DE J.J. Watt has a hyperextended knee.

The injury happened during Thursday’s OTA session. Watt didn’t practice Friday.

“He’s fine,” coach Bill O’Brien said, via Brian Smith of the Houston Chronicle. “It’s not serious at all. We just gave him the day off.”

As Buccaneers QB Josh McCown said, WR Mike Evans has to learn the playbook before he’ll be truly effective. And he’s been bothered by a hamstring injury, which has limited his time in OTAs. But watch him go up and effortlessly pluck the ball with a one-handed grab in OTAs and the comparisons to Alshon Jeffery become even more apparent.

“Oh yeah, he’s missed a lot [of offseason work], there’s no other way to sugarcoat it,” HC Lovie Smith recently said. “We wanted Mike taking every rep — as a rookie you need to take every rep. Around the league, it happens, especially with a lot of new guys that those last couple of weeks they’re doing a lot of traveling, don’t work out exactly how they should, but we saw enough and we know who Mike is. He’s going to help us win a lot of games, [and] he’s gotten better. We need him, we can’t let him re-injure that hamstring, so we’ll be cautious with him.”

The article does a nice job of breaking down how the Bears use Jeffery, and how the Bucs might use Evans. As a rookie, Jeffery struggled to a 24-367-3 season in 10 games, missing time due to a broken hand and an injured knee. Jeffery is now a top 10 wideout after an excellent second season, but the struggles in his first year are a reminder that rookie wideouts rarely live up to expectations.

Per The Star, Chiefs QB Alex Smith and WR Dwayne Bowe have been firing on all cylinders during OTAs. Smith even dispensed with his usual low-risk approach, hitting Bowe on several shots downfield. Reid is encouraged with the offseason results of his top pairing.

"I think Dwayne came back in phenomenal shape, that's one thing, Reid said. "It looks like it out here. He's really moving around well."

Bowe finished the season as the #44 fantasy WR, but was the #26 wideout from Week 11 to Week 16. (The Chiefs rested their starters in Week 17.) He had the 34th-most targets on the season, and he posted 8-150-1 against the Colts in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, so there is some reason for optimism heading into 2014.

The offense being implemented by new Giants coordinator Ben McAdoo is less reliant on the wideouts making their own reads based on how the defense is playing, and that suits Rueben Randle just fine.

"Everything is pretty much black and white, it’s simple. What you have [called] is what you run," Randle said. "Just takes a lot of things off our minds and go out there and play football and just use your ability to get open. That’s what we’re doing."

Randle struggled last year with option routes and wasn't often on the same page as Eli Manning. McAdoo's offense is much more straightforward, which should allow Randle to use his physical ability to get open and make plays.

Bengals RB Cole Harvey was asked about the status of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who has been running behind rookie Jeremy Hill in OTAs: "If I had to guess I'd say that Green-Ellis will be cut before the season. By letting him go the Bengals will save $2.5 million in cap space this season; space that along with other cuts could help fund the contract extensions quarterback Andy Dalton and linebacker Vontaze Burfict are trying to get this offseason. Again, it's possible that a three-back system could work as long as there's a nice balance of pass-catching and power/finesse running among all three backs. Since Hill can play the role of a physical runner and can catch passes, too, it's not so clear that Green-Ellis would be a good fit as a third back in Cincinnati's scheme."

If Hill does take over as the complementary back to Giovani Bernard, then he'll have RB3/flex value since new OC Hue Jackson likes to run the ball a little more than Jay Gruden did.

At the end of the Cardinals' three-day minicamp Thursday, Jonathan Dwyer was unsure of his place in the team's Andre Ellington-dominated running game. Dwyer said his goal throughout camp was to focus on his game, but added he was not uncomfortable playing a supporting role.

"My ideal situation is to do whatever I can to earn as many carries as I possibly can and do whatever I can to help the team win," Dwyer said. "If that's to push Andre, make him a better player, help him along the way and have a running-back-by-committee approach, and be the best running back group in the league, that's pretty much it for me."

We're expecting Ellington to lead the Cardinals in touches, but it's not clear if Dwyer or Stepfan Taylor will be his primary backup. Whoever gets the job may have some red zone value if the Cardinals want to limit Ellington's goal line work.

Former Seahawks safety Jordan Babineaux, who now works for the NFL Network, said on the NFL Network that he spoke with Marshawn Lynch on Thursday and that Lynch — who has two years left on a four-year contract worth up to $30 million — indeed wants to be paid a little more.

And in a separate interview with KJR-AM, Babineaux said Lynch is looking for a “small token of appreciation” from the Seahawks.

Reached tonight by the Times, Babineaux confirmed that money is at the heart of the issue, specifically that Lynch would like to get some more this season, given the realities of NFL contracts and that there’s a chance Lynch wouldn’t be with the team in 2015.

“This year is more (important) than the last year of the deal,” Babineaux said. “It’s this year.”

Babineaux went on to say that Lynch could still decide to retire. We're not sure if the Seahawks are going to respond to Lynch's tactics as it would set a dangerous precedent. Stay tuned.

Jadeveon Clowney, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft by the Houston Texans, is recovering from sports hernia surgery.

Coach Bill O'Brien disclosed the procedure Friday and said Clowney had been struggling with a groin issue. O'Brien said the standout from South Carolina was sent to a specialist in Philadelphia.

“We decided the best thing for (Clowney) and the best thing for our team and the best thing for the organization was to have sports hernia surgery,” O'Brien said.

The surgery was performed Thursday. O'Brien expects Clowney to be ready for training camp, which begins in late July.

The Texans defense could be much improved if Clowney lives up to his draft spot. The hernia surgery is worrisome, but it sounds as if he'll be ready for training camp.

Dolphins RB Lamar Miller’s speed allows him to make the stretch runs that fuel the east-west aspect of a spread offense. Miller's better runs last year feature him getting outside the tackles, which is a staple of his skill set. The problem is Miller has to do a better job catching the ball and blocking to be a three-down tailback.

This doesn't mean that Miller will win the starting job, but he has been running ahead of the out-of-shape Knowshon Moreno.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday that the club has released cornerback Brandon Flowers.

“We appreciate Brandon’s contributions to the team over the last six seasons,” Chiefs General Manager John Dorsey said. “It’s in the best interest of the club and the player to part ways at this time. We wish him nothing but the best as he continues his career.”

Bills WR Sammy Watkins might have been a victim of his own success in rookie camp. Those three days of practice last month consisted of positional drills and routes against air, and Watkins looked the part. His catch radius and precision with his footwork are unmatched by any other receiver on the roster. Yet as OTAs progressed, Watkins reminded us that he's still a rookie. The mental part of the game -- lining up after the huddle, reading defenses, etc. -- just wasn't at the same level as some of his teammates, who needed to direct Watkins to the right spot at times. Again, he's new, so that's not out of the ordinary. But if there was one red flag to be had from Watkins' OTAs, it was his drops this week. His final week of practice was his sloppiest from a pass-catching standpoint. The sticky mitts we saw in rookie camp and early in OTAs weren't there, although they could easily return in minicamp. We'll just have to wait and see.

He’s not landing in a good situation, since the Bills are run-heavy and E.J. Manuel is his quarterback. But with Stevie Johnson out of the way, the potential is there for solid production. By all accounts he has shown a great work ethic, so if he’s a target-hog, he should be a fantasy starter (top 36) in 2014.

When asked who will be the Dolphins' WR3, beat writer James Walker responded: "The leader in the clubhouse right now is Rishard Matthews due to the injuries (Brandon Gibson) and inexperience (Jarvis Landry) of the other competitors. But it’s hard to say the competition is really on until all three players fully participate in practice during training camp. Gibson remains limited in practice following last year’s season-ending knee injury. He is the incumbent, but it depends on how well Gibson returns. He may or may not be the same player. Landry has a shot but still has a lot of ground to make up as a rookie. If the season started today, Matthews would be the No. 3 receiver. But there are still three months left in this competition."

Jets rookie TE Jace Amaro struggled with dropped passes, probably because his brain was overloaded with new terminology. This is a big transition for the second-round pick, who didn't play in a pro-style offense at Texas Tech. He came from a simple, no-huddle system that didn't require a lot of thinking on your feet. Clearly, he has talent, but his development will be dictated by how quickly he assimilates into Marty Mornhinweg's offense. Don't expect it to happen overnight.

Who's the Jets WR2? Don't be surprised if Stephen Hill (yeah, him) emerges as the starter opposite Eric Decker. Right now, I'd say the top candidates are Hill and David Nelson, figuring Jeremy Kerley will be in the slot. Clearly, this is a make-or-break year for Hill, who has yet to transfer his elite measureables into production. Hill did fine in the OTAs. but, remember, there was no press coverage (not allowed under CBA rules).

Even if Hill starts, Kerley is likely to have more fantasy value. He's a solid slot receiver and could earn more snaps on the outside if/when Hill falters.

Jets QB Geno Smith, the likely opening-day starter, drew praise from teammates on two fronts: He was decisive in the huddle, communicating plays quickly and confidently -- a far cry from last season. They also said he was more assertive than his rookie year, demonstrating more vocal leadership. These are the progressions you'd like to see from a second-year quarterback. As for his actual play, it's hard to gauge in OTAs, but there was an obvious reduction in turnovers and sacks. Clearly, it's Smith's job to lose, even if Rex Ryan is reluctant to put it in those words.

During the team's recent organized team activities, Rams WR Tavon Austin has returned fully healed from the ankle injury and much more advanced in his understanding of the position than when he first arrived.

"I understand coverages better, I understand the plays, the depth of my routes, the splits and everything, so I’m way better off right now," Austin said. "I’m just glad to come out here and make some plays to keep on going."

"The game is slowing down right now for me, and hopefully it will just keep on slowing down some more," Austin said. "I feel like it will if I keep in my book and (keep) listening to (receivers) coach (Ray) Sherman and I think I’ll be fine."

Austin had a disappointing year by most accounts, but it wasn’t necessarily his fault. He had trouble staying on the field, playing just 50% of his team’s snaps. His FP/T (0.95) was respectable for a rookie, though it seemed like OC Brian Shottenheimer wasn’t sure how to utilize Austin’s skill set. HC Jeff Fisher said that he expects that the team will do a better job of that in 2014. In the end, Austin did lead the Rams’ WRs in catches (40).

Rookie WR John Brown was compared to both T.Y. Hilton, the Colts’ wideout, and Antonio Brown, the Steelers’ wideout, by HC Bruce Arians when he was drafted. And he looked solid all through the offseason. He did make mistakes sometimes, and there were multiple times when Carson Palmer took Brown aside for a teaching moment. The quarterback doesn’t make that kind of effort unless Brown is going to play a role in what he is doing.

Cardinals beat writer Darren Urban says that TE John Carlson looks very, very good. The veteran tight end hasn’t put on pads. And in the end, his career has been less about an inability to perform as much as the injuries that have stopped him from performing. But as a receiver, he’s more impressive that I expected. Blocking is a big part of the job, and that’s a pads thing, but if Carlson is healthy, they could have a find there.

Carlson was great down the stretch filling in for Kyle Rudolph. He could beat out Rob Housler to start for the Cardinals, but the tight end position doesn't play a huge role in Bruce Arians' offense.

Last year you could hear it in Cardinals QB Carson Palmer’s voice especially, a pump-the-brakes feel when he talked about Bruce Arians’ scheme and the team grasping its responsibilities. Perhaps more than any other player in the locker room, Palmer isn’t willing to dress up a situation just to do it. He won’t start harshly criticizing anything, but you can hear the reticence. That concern was gone this offseason. Palmer isn’t declaring the Cardinals an offensive juggernaut. But there is a comfort level in what Arians does and the people he has doing it.

Palmer was the #22 QB through eight weeks, but was #6 from Week 10 to Week 17, after the team’s Week 9 bye. His receiving corps is pretty solid with Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, who had a breakout season in his second year. While it's good to hear that he's more comfortable in the offense, it’s hard to get too excited about Palmer as anything more than a committee type given the fact that one-quarter of his schedule consists of matchups against the Seahawks and 49ers.

Broncos beat writer Cecil Lammey believes that WR Emmanuel Sanders will be heavily involved in the offense, and if Cody Latimer phases anyone out of the offense, it will be Wes Welker, not Sanders.

Sanders was the #35 WR in 2013, when he saw WR2 targets (112) for the Steelers. Eric Decker (138) and Wes Welker (111) saw a combined 249 targets as Denver's WR2 and WR3. With Decker gone, Welker (and TE Julius Thomas) could see a bit more work, but Sanders should be stepping into a big role if he can beat out Andre Caldwell and hold off rookie Cody Latimer. As OC Adam Gase said, Sanders is a good fit for his system and is versatile to play both inside and outside. He is very quick and is adept at making people miss, so he should thrive in Denver’s screen game.

Raiders beat writer Vic Tafur tweeted that Andre Holmes "seems to be" passing Denarius Moore as the team's WR3.

The key takeaway here may be that James Jones and Rod Streater are locked in as the team's top two wideouts. Streater is an especially nice value in early drafts. For an undrafted wideout, his career is moving along swimmingly. After a 39-584-3 rookie season, Streater posted a solid 60-888-4 in his second year, finishing as the #33 WR in fantasy. Among undrafted receivers, he has the 4th most yards (since 1980) in his first two seasons. Provided he continues to see starter's snaps, he should provide good bench production for fantasy owners.

NYG LB Jon Beason has sesamoid fracture in right foot. Surgery required. Expected 12 week recovery, according to someone aware of diagnosis.

Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Olson said that QB Derek Carr has been "better than we thought he would be," adding (via the San Francisco Chronicle's Vic Tafur): “I really, really like him. Everybody knew he was accurate, but he is more accurate than we thought. … We'll have to wait and see how he does against a live rush, but so far his intelligence, accuracy and quickness in getting the ball out has been excellent.”

The plan is still for Matt Schaub to start, but if the season starts to go sideways, don't be surprised to see Carr under center at some point in the season.

Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson says there’s no firm timetable yet for him to resume practicing with the Washington Redskins as he works his way back from knee surgery in November.

“I’m feeling pretty good right now,” Hankerson said this week at Redskins Park. “I’ve been out here moving around a whole lot more. I’m seven months out now. So I’ve probably got another couple months to go. I should be good by training camp but you never know. Hopefully [there will be] no setbacks or nothing like that. But I’m feeling good right now.”

Hankerson’s anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in his left knee were repaired after he was hurt during a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

One of the more intriguing aspects of the Jets working TE Jace Amaro into their system is the manner(s) in which they can deploy him on the field. The coaches got right down to experimenting with Amaro during OTAs – a no-pads, no-contact portion of offseason workouts that comprised nine practices.

“He’s lined up everywhere,” TE coach Steve Hagen said this week, after the third and final OTA session that was open to reporters. “He’s lined up flexed out, hand down, out by himself (on the) single-receiver side, on the three-receiver side, on the two-receiver side. We use him everywhere we can use him. So we have asked him to do a lot, and we expect him to do a lot. He’s asking that of himself, and he’s delivering, too. It’s been fun to watch him.”

Hagen called Amaro “another dynamic weapon” for the Jets’ offense.

But Hagen made a point of saying that Amaro – or any tight end, for that matter – cannot simply just be a pass-catching threat for an offense. He also must block, in both running and passing situations. This is especially challenging for tight ends like Amaro who were essentially wide receivers in college.

Jeff Cumberland is expected to start, but Amaro has a terrific opportunity to develop into a start in the next two or three seasons.

Speaking with Comcast SportsNet Bay Area’s Henry Wofford on 95.7 The Game on Thursday, Vernon Davis said he intends to take part in the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp next week in Santa Clara.

“You know what? I plan on being there,” Davis said. “I plan on being there.”

Davis finished the season as the #2 TE, but his numbers took a dip after Michael Crabtree returned to the fold. Davis averaged 3.8-62-.90 on 6.1 targets without Crabtree in the lineup. After his return (and including three playoff games), those numbers fell to 2.4-35-.75 on 4.6 T/G. Those are still top 10 numbers at the position, but Davis simply isn’t a no-brainer top 5 pick with Crabtree in the lineup. Davis has a history of being underutilized in the 49ers’ run-heavy offense, and that’s a possibility again in 2014, especially with the arrival of Stevie Johnson, who's likely to man the slot.

Bengals RB Giovani Bernard looks like the breakout star all expect him to be. There were a bit of kid gloves on Bernard last season, especially early in the year. That won't be the case this year.

He's excelling catching the ball from different spots on the field, explosive as ever, become a leader in the room and essentially a foundation of the Bengals weapons. There is everything to love about what Bernard will bring next season and how he's developing entering his second year.

"He's been fantastic," Hue Jackson said. "He had a tremendous practice (Tuesday). He's been doing that all offseason. I don't say too much to him right now because I don't have to. He's been doing well. He's taken a leadership role. He likes to play and he likes the ball and I like to give him the ball."

Bernard was the #16 RB in 2013, but his touches weren’t truly consistent until Week 9. Jay Gruden is gone, so the Bengals have turned to Hue Jackson, who was the team’s RB coach last season. Jackson likes to run the ball, so the team's total carries should increase. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was serviceable as a between-the-tackles grinder and the team picked Jeremy Hill to be the Law Firm’s eventual (or immediate?) replacement. Bernard’s carries are still under pressure, but it sounds like he’ll see an increased role in the passing game. 300 touches are not out of the question.

“As (Tony Gonzalez) has moved on, we’re going to have to find different ways to replace some of the production that he gave us,” Falcons QB Matt Ryan said.

The Falcons don’t have a replacement on the roster. At OTAs last week, Mickey Shuler received a lot of action with the first-team offense. Levine Toilolo was the backup last season, and the team signed blocking tight end Bear Pascoe over the offseason.

So who does Matt Ryan plan to count on? Receiver Harry Douglas.

“I think he can fit into that role really well,” Ryan said.

Douglas finished as the #32 WR in standard formats (#22 in PPR) thanks to injuries suffered by Julio Jones and Roddy White. The Falcons don’t have a solid pass-catching tight end on the roster to replace Tony Gonzalez, so Douglas is expected to fill that role. Gonzalez saw 7.5-7.8 targets per game in the last two seasons, so there is plenty of opportunity for Douglas to shine if the Falcons want to feature him in the slot.

After signing as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, WR Tiquan Underwood has a great opportunity to help the Panthers offense. And with Ted Ginn, Jr. gone, the speedy Underwood has stepped into Carolina's wide receiver competition as a viable deep threat.

Underwood did well with the limited number (46) of targets that he saw in 2013, posting the #10 FP/target in the league (1.48). He's a 4.31 speedster and a good athlete, but hasn't done much in his five seasons in the league. There should be plenty of opportunity in the Carolina offense due to the lack of playmakers in the receiving game. Underwood could be fantasy relevant in 2014 if he sees starter's snaps. At a minimum, Underwood has a good chance to be this year's Ted Ginn, who was the #53 WR in standard formats.

Titans WR Justin Hunter let us in on a little secret the other day.

Asked about the difference between the Titans' new offense and the one they ran last year, Hunter said: "We're throwing it downfield a little more."

A couple of thoughts:

Maybe the Titans plan to throw the ball downfield with greater regularity because that's HC Ken Whisenhunt's philosophy.

Or maybe they'll throw downfield more because Hunter, now a second-year pro, gives them another serious playmaking option in the passing game.

Most likely, it's a combination of the two. The offense is evolving. Hunter is developing. It's a good match.

Whisenhunt's preference for three-wide receiver formations (that was the primary alignment in San Diego last season when Whisenhunt was offensive coordinator), Hunter should be on the field with Wright and Nate Washington a majority of the time.

As a rookie, Hunter checked in with the #18 FP/T (1.41), which is encouraging. He only played 36% of the team’s snaps, while Washington played 82%. The good news is that under then-OC Ken Whisenhunt, Keenan Allen, Vincent Brown and Eddie Royal all played at least 67% of the Chargers’ snaps. So with Whiz calling the plays in Tennessee, there may be room for both Washington and Hunter in the lineup.

If rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins doesn't look up to speed when the Buccaneers start training camp next month, there's a good reason for that.

Seferian-Jenkins missed almost the entire offseason program. The only portion he did make was the rookie camp and he was limited because he still was recovering from foot surgery. Other than that, Seferian-Jenkins wasn't allowed to be around the Bucs this spring.

Rookie tight ends don't often make a fantasy impact, and Seferian-Jenkins is at a disadvantage due to the rules prohibiting him to practice while he finishes up his responsibilities at school.

Packers TE Brandon Bostick missed the first two weeks of OTAs while waiting for clearance to return from foot surgery. He finally returned this week. Bostick, a former college receiver, showed some signs of playmaking ability late last season after Jermichael Finley's season-ending neck injury. He averaged 17.1 yards on seven receptions before landing on injured reserve in December. Bostick had a screw placed in his foot to repair a broken bone.

"I thought Brandon made some real strides by the end of the season," tight ends coach Jerry Fontenot said earlier this offseason. "His effort level was really high. He seemed to have a better understanding of what he was being asked to do. As with everything, great effort can overcome a lot of bad technique. In his case that was happening at a much greater level as his technique improved. Obviously, it's a setback, being not able to practice and getting the timing with the quarterback, getting the timing with the blocking unit up front and getting in protection mode. So he's going to have some hurdles when he gets back and he's able to go full speed just to get his body angles right, his alignment in order and being able to trust his fundamentals again. I think it's going to take some time. The sooner we get him back, the better."

Whoever wins starter's snaps at tight end for the Packers will be fantasy relevant in 2014.

Saints WR Kenny Stills has certainly been seeing a ton of targets during these offseason practices. In fact, he's probably been the Saints' leader in receptions with the first-string offense -- highlighted by his touchdown catch in the Saints' two-minute drill simulation at the end of Thursday's practice.

With tight end Jimmy Graham and receiver Brandin Cooks absent over the past three weeks and former players like Lance Moore and Darren Sproles now gone from the lineup, Stills has been a go-to guy for quarterback Drew Brees.

And this year, his role should probably expand after he was used primarily as a deep threat.

"Kenny can play inside. It would depend on the route, but he's someone that is pretty versatile. He can play more than one position," Payton said. "He is someone that can handle that, so we have to continue to get him different looks and touches.

"He's someone that after looking at him last year, we have to find a way to get him the ball more. His transition, ability to stretch the field and use his hips to get in and out of cuts is something that has helped him."

Stills figures to see a jump in snaps and targets after the Saints lost both Lance Moore and Darren Sproles, who saw a combined 143 targets last year. Stills should get at minimum the 5.5 T/G that Moore saw in the past three years, making him an intriguing WR3 with upside. The arrival of Brandin Cooks does take some of the wind out his sails, but that should only serve to keep his ADP at a reasonable level. Drew Brees had a QB rating of 139.3 when throwing to Stills, the highest in the league. He’s bound to improve as a second year receiver and is playing in one of the best pass offenses in the league. There’s a lot to like here. (For more on Stills, see the Sleeper Alert that John Paulsen issued for the second-year receiver.)

Cardinals Troy Niklas, the second-round pick, is questionable for the start of training camp after suffering a broken right hand last week.

If Niklas isn't healthy by the start of camp, he's going to have a tough time usurping Rob Housler and John Carlson at the top of the depth chart.

“I definitely feel a lot better about my grasp of the offense,” Bills QB E.J. Manuel said. “Sometimes that’s why I get frustrated because I know it’s there, I know it’s there, and if we have one misstep and it doesn’t complete, that’s frustrating.”

Thursday’s final voluntary practice of the spring was a better outing for Manuel. He hit Sammy Watkins on two perfect seam routes that the rookie receiver would have taken for big yards after the catch. Manuel hit Chris Hogan on a nice touch pass down the right sideline.

“Really when you look at the volume we have in, which is really full scale, everything right now, he’s made a great amount of improvement in things he didn’t do as well last year,” HC Doug Marrone said of Manuel. “It starts with the foundation – his footwork. So I’m really excited about where he is and the amount of stuff we’ve put on his plate.”

Manuel was the #29 fantasy QB in his rookie season, but owned the #26 per game average. The team has made an effort to improve the weapons around him. He now has Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams to throw to. There's a chance he could work his way into a QBBC/streaming role by midseason if he can progress.

Kenbrell Thompkins and Josh Boyce are battling it out for the fifth roster spot in the Patriots' WR corps, and both seem to have brought their A-game this offseason. Thompkins appears to have put on some muscle, and Boyce looks impressive coming off an injury-riddled rookie season and a season-ending ankle injury.

The Patriots re-signed Edelman this offseason, and the veteran pass-catcher picked up right where he left off last season — he was the best receiver on the field. He caught passes over the middle and made more than one impressive grab down the sideline.

In fact, Edelman was able to get away from the coverage of cornerback Darrelle Revis to make three nice grabs in Thursday's final media availability at OTAs. Previously, quarterback Tom Brady had been avoiding Revis entirely.

It is noteworthy that Brady hasn't been locking in on Edelman throughout practice, instead spreading the ball around to Kenbrell Thompkins, Josh Boyce and Danny Amendola. So far, though, Edelman is the clearcut top receiver on the field.

Edelman caught a career high 105 passes for 1,056 yards and six touchdowns filling the Wes Welker role in the Patriots offense. Danny Amendola should be healthier this season, but it may not matter — Edelman clearly outplayed Amendola in 2013 and the team rewarded him with a new contract. He should once again threaten the 100-catch mark as Tom Brady’s favorite target not named Rob Gronkowski.

While LeVeon Bell will start, LeGarrette Blount is certain what his role is going to be. And it's not likely to change from quarter to quarter — even if the Steelers and offensive coordinator Todd Haley are experimenting with him in a variety of ways during these May/June practices.

He's lined up multiple times with Bell in an old-style, two-back set and has even been in the slot or flanked outside. What he likes is that he's on the field a lot.

“I know that is going to be locked down, for sure — I know I'm going to run the football here,” Blount said. “All the other stuff is just added on to the pile, and I'm not going to turn it down because I want the ball any chance I get it."

Blount was more effective as a runner than Bell was in 2013, though that may have something to do his playing in the Patriots offense. He'll serve as Bell's backup and is one of the more talented handcuffs in the league.

Rookie wide receivers rarely make a cannonball entrance in Green Bay. Jarrett Boykin will be difficult to dislodge. With Davante Adams, there are unknowns. With Boykin, knowns. He was one source of reliability when the season turned upside down.

Yet he's on notice. Adams may be a more athletic playmaker at receiver long term.

After Randall Cobb went down, Boykin stepped in and served as the Packers de facto WR3, catching 49 passes for 681 yards and three scores. In games where he played at least 59% of the snaps, he averaged 4.3-61-.27, which equates to 124 fantasy points over a full season. That’s about what Marques Colston scored as the #27 WR in 2013. Cobb is back, but James Jones is gone, and Boykin is likely to play a lot in the Packers’ patented three-wide attack, which should be more productive with Aaron Rodgers under center. Rookie Davante Adams is the wild card, but at this point the feeling is that Boykin will hold him off. Randall Cobb only played 27% snaps as a rookie, so Adams should see a similarly limited role.

There was no evidence of the foot injury that hindered Broncos WR Cody Latimer leading up to the draft. He looked big, fast, and more precise on his cuts than you'd often expect from someone so young. He made plays at all ranges, adjusted well to a variety of passes from Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler -- who throw different types of balls, obviously -- and made an impression. Another receiver who quietly found himself catching plenty of passes, particularly short ones, was Jordan Norwood, an ex-Cleveland Brown who made his NFL debut five years ago.

Latimer has the size (6’2”) and speed (4.44 40-yard dash) to replace Eric Decker, but barring injury, he’ll have to beat out the capable and experienced Emmanuel Sanders (along with Andre Caldwell, of course) to get a significant snaps in 2014.

Saints WR Nick Toon said he feels more comfortable with each passing year, and he's started to put together the second of two nice offseasons. Toon was showcased often in the three days of minicamp practice, and outside of one bad drop, he put together several nice plays.

It's clear the Saints see potential in the relatively inexperienced receiver, who spent 2012 on injured reserve. HC Sean Payton didn't talk in terms of roster spots when asked about Toon. Instead, he said he envisioned a bigger plan for him.

"I would expect him to play a bigger role for our offense this season," Payton said. "He's doing well here in this offseason. His progress is important to us. With the loss of a number of players, particularly Lance Moore, I think you'll see more snaps for him and more opportunities."

Marques Colston, Kenny Stills and Brandin Cooks are considered locks to make the final roster, and the Saints typically carry five wide receivers, so Toon is competing with Robert Meachem and Joe Morgan (among others) for the final two spots. From a fantasy standpoint, he won't have much value if he's the Saints' WR4, but he's a player to monitor as the offseason (and attrition) wears on.

Seahawks Marshawn Lynch told two teammates last year he might retire if Seattle won the Super Bowl. They did. Asked a source, could he walk? “He could.” Lynch has saved his money earned in NFL. His retirement thought is real. “I could see him walking away,” source says.

Whoa. This is the first that we've heard of a potential retirement, but if it's real, it's just another red flag surrounding Lynch this offseason. He marches to the beat of his own drummer, so anything is possible. Yesterday it was reported that he was unhappy with his contract and may not report to minicamp. Now this. Christine Michael is the obvious beneficiary if Lynch decides to hang 'em up, but Robert Turbin would be in the mix as well.

When you watch Steelers RB Dri Archer’s highlights from his college career at Kent State, he looks very fast. When you watch Dri Archer on the field with the Steelers, he looks very fast. Very fast against Kent State’s competition is one thing, but very fast on a field filled with NFL-caliber players stamps Archer as a weapon-in-waiting.

The Steelers will use Archer's speed to complement LeVeon Bell and LeGarrette Blount, who aren't burners.

Titans RB Bishop Sankey, a second-round pick out of Washington, missed the first nine days of organized team activities because NFL rules prohibited him from practicing as he finished his school commitments.

"Mentally he is in good shape, but physically when he gets on the field, the speed, he is not there yet. So that is going to take some time to adjust to, and you can see it," HC Ken Whisenhunt said. "You can talk to him and he can tell you what he is doing, but when those guys are moving around. …

"I think one thing that is very evident is you are pleased with his movement skills and the way he is coming in here. He looks good. You can tell he has natural vision, runs the ball really well and you like that. I am excited to see what he can do in minicamp and (training) camp."

We’re projecting Sankey to be the clear RB1 in Tennessee after the Titans took him as the first back in the draft. He’s a versatile back who doesn’t have much competition for touches. The last 13 rookies who were the top drafted RB in their class and joined a backfield with a lackluster incumbent averaged 18.2 touches for 83.1 yards and 0.55 TD, or 11.6 fantasy points per game. That’s about what Ryan Mathews averaged as the #12 RB in 2013.

Cardinals WR Michael Floyd has flourished. In his third offseason, Floyd established himself as better than he's been throughout his career -- and that's after coming off a career season. HC Bruce Arians singled him out Thursday, as he has all offseason, for having a great month of practice.

Michael Floyd broke out in his second season with a 66 catches for 1,054 yards and five TDs, gaining at least 90 yards and/or finding the endzone in seven of his last 11 games. He should continue to progress as he enters his third year in the league.

Cardinals WR John Brown is the real deal. Throughout organized team activities and minicamp, quarterback Carson Palmer repeatedly talked about how rookie wide receiver Brown jumped out at him, mainly because of his speed. Brown, who played at Division II Pittsburg State, was considered a head-scratcher when he was selected in the third round by the Cards, but he's proved -- without pads, at least -- that he's capable of being an NFL receiver and returner. Throughout all 16 practices, Brown didn't have his first bad one until this week, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said.

At best, Brown will compete with speedster Ted Ginn to be the team's WR3. Brown doesn't lack for speed either; he ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the Combine.

On the topic of Jets WR Stephen Hill...

"It's a little early to label him as a bust," wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal told the New York Daily News. "When I think of bust, I don't think of him that way. I have seen players who are higher picks that were busts because of their own laziness. Those are busts."

"I have a hard time labeling a guy a bust when he's done everything in his power," Lal went on. "Luck in terms of injuries hasn't been on his side. Therefore, he hasn't produced consistently. And he's still only 23 years old."

Browns running back Ben Tate views his battle for the starting job with rookie Terrance West as "really not anything."

In fact, in Tate's mind, it's not even close.

"Truthfully, I don't look at it like that,'' Tate said Thursday at the conclusion of minicamp. "You guys may see it like that, but there's nobody in that room that scares me. I'm just honest."

New Orleans Saints fans might be worried that first-round draft pick Brandin Cooks could be missing out on valuable learning experiences with the team, but coach Sean Payton quelled that assumption after Thursday's practice.

While Cooks hasn't been allowed to participate in the Saints' organized team activities or minicamp because Oregon State is still in session, he has been in communication with the team since participating in the rookie minicamp last month.

"What we're allowed to do is basically in the evenings we have kind of an online time where we go through practice tape and go through the installation," Payton said. "He was here through the rookie camp and he was able to take the book back with him and work through page by page."

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.

Lions running back Joique Bell and receiver Golden Tate didn’t take part in any of the three minicamp practices this week, but each is expected back for the start of training camp.

Theo Riddick and Jeremy Ross have shined in their absence. Bell and Tate need to get healthy to defend their spots on the team's depth chart.

The player of the final day of Lions minicamp might have been TE Joseph Fauria. The tight end caught multiple touchdown passes in team drills and used his size well in the red zone. Some of the touchdowns were over undrafted free agents, but he needed to have a good camp and he did that.

Conversely, Eric Ebron had what seemed to be a rough indoctrination to the NFL. He struggled with dropped passes throughout OTAs and mandatory minicamp, including two drops on the final day of practice. Drops were an issue for him at North Carolina, so to see him continue this trend during his first few weeks as a professional should be at least a little bit concerning to the Lions. That said, it is still early and he is clearly still learning everything, so it could be an issue of just overthinking on routes and not letting instincts take over. This will be a situation worth monitoring during training camp.

Of the 21 tight ends who have been drafted in the first round in the last 10 years, 14 have managed to play at least 14 games. They averaged 35-371-2.6, or #31 TE numbers. (Oddly enough, that's where Brandon Pettigrew finished in 2013.) It usually takes a while for a young tight end to make a fantasy impact, though there has been the occasional exception. Jeremy Shockey (#3 TE in 2002), Heath Miller (#11 in 2005) and Dustin Keller (#14 in 2008) all posted TE1 or fringe-TE1 numbers as rookie first round picks. Cam Cleeland, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and John Carlson all had a TE1-type impact as rookies even though they weren't drafted in the first round. Ebron is an intriguing TE2-type in a potent offense, but he's no shoo-in to make a big fantasy impact in his first season, especially if he’s struggling to learn the offense.

Lions WR Jeremy Ross had the most impressive minicamp/organized team activities session of any player -- at least from what the media was able to see. He established himself as the team’s returner and spent enough time on the first team that he is going to have a role in the offense as well this fall. Yes, Golden Tate's absence had something to do with the amount of snaps Ross saw, but his speed and size make him attractive as a player who can be used in the slot and on the outside.

Browns HC Mike Pettine said RB Ben Tate was a little nicked up during minicamp but took reps when he could.

Tate should be a decent RB2, but he's going to play for a mediocre offense, he's been injury prone, and he has a talented third round pick breathing down his neck in Terrance West.

In the two years that Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson spent in Oakland, he helped 255-lb Marcel Reece earn the nickname the “Matchup Nightmare.” Jackson used Reece as a fullback, tailback, and even had him line up at wide receiver to take advantage of his unique skills as a runner and receiver.

Could Jackson have similar things in mind for Mohamed Sanu?

“He’s got me doing some stuff,” said Sanu with a grin. “I love it. I’m embracing it and I’m going to do everything that I can to make sure that I’m the best at it.”

“He’s rolling,” said Marvin Jones. “He’s gotten a lot faster and more explosive and it’s good to see out there.”

“He’s running a lot better I think than he has the last two years,” said Andy Dalton. “He looks smooth and I think his speed has increased. It’s been fun to see all of the things that he does. He’s a guy that’s outside, inside, and can play all of the positions. You need a guy on the team like that that can do it all.”

Even before the weather was a factor, it was a practice to forget for quarterback E.J. Manuel and first-round pick Sammy Watkins. In a routes-versus-air drill, three of Manuel's throws directed towards Watkins in the end zone were off-target. Watkins got his hands on each but couldn't haul them in.

Later in the practice, back indoors, Manuel hit Watkins with a well-thrown pass but Watkins couldn't get ahold of the ball. Manuel also had multiple passes on fade patterns sail over receivers in the end zone, a trend during the three weeks of OTAs.

Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins continues to stand out and received a lot of passes from Tom Brady. Thompkins appears to have added some muscle mass this offseason.

Josh Boyce had another decent day of practice, making a few nice catches of passes from Garoppolo.

Browns HC Mike Pettine told reporters Thursday that rookie Johnny Manziel will stare up at Brian Hoyer when training camp opens next month.

"When we put the depth chart together, Brian will be No. 1," Pettine said, per NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala.

While acknowledging that Hoyer's play has been better, Pettine noted that Manziel will see his share of first-team snaps and still has a shot to win the job, saying: "I don't think it's insurmountable."

Manziel has struggled at times with his reads and progressions during offseason sessions, with observers noting that his decision-making and release need work.

n new Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak’s offense, FB Kyle Juszczyk will be a Swiss Army knife. He’ll line up all over the field from out wide, to on the end of the line and in the backfield. He’ll catch passes and lead block too.

After catching zero passes as a rookie last season, Juszczyk could have a big season in 2014.

“Coach Kubiak has said in our meetings that he could see me catching 40 or 50 balls this year, which would be a great start,” Juszczyk said. “I wouldn’t mind that one bit.”

Browns WR Andrew Hawkins won't be limited to snaps in the slot.

“Because of his vertical speed you can move him outside,” WRs coach Mike McDaniel said. “I think he’s a mismatch inside or outside. We move him all over the place.

“His body type is more a fit for slot receiver. But one component he has that guys I just spoke of (Welker, Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman) don’t really have is he’s a 4.3 guy. He’s got the vertical speed. So corners on the outside can’t squat on his routes. They have to respect the vertical threat.”

Hawkins posted a solid 0.17 FP/snap for the Bengals, but he only played 20% of his team’s snaps in 2013. Now he joins a Browns team that will likely be without Josh Gordon, who is reportedly facing an 8-16 game suspension. Without Gordon in the lineup, Hawkins’ main competition for receiver targets may be Miles Austin and Nate Burleson. He could make a living in the slot and become a fantasy factor, especially in PPR formats. Snaps on the outside will only boost his overall value.

On the hype surrounding Eagles WR Jordan Matthews...

In the past decade, four rookie wide receivers - Michael Clayton, A.J. Green, Keenan Allen and Marques Colston - have had 1,000-yard seasons. Five - Eddie Royal, Clayton, Allen, Dwayne Bowe and Colston - have had 70+ catches.

And there's this one from Brent Cohen of Eagles Rewind: 49 receivers have been taken in the second round since 2000 and played at least 10 games as rookies. Average receiving yards for that group has been 437.

All of those numbers are meant for context, and players buck trends all the time. But a really good season for Matthews would be replicating what Riley Cooper did last season, not DeSean Jackson.

Matthews will likely see snaps in the slot (at least) this season. Jeremy Maclin is working his way back from an ACL injury and Riley Cooper is solid, but unspectacular. There is opportunity in this offense if Matthews has a great summer, and by most accounts he has.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is healthy now, as healthy as he's been since the 2011 season.

"Very excited about having Jonathan on the field," coach Ron Rivera said after Wednesday's workout. "He's healthy again. He's moving the way we need him to move. I like what we're getting out of him.

"Even Jonathan is saying this is the first time he's been healthy [in a while]. So that's a good thing."

Rivera said Stewart doesn't need to be a 1,000-yard rusher to be effective. He just needs Stewart to be more effective than he was a year ago when he spent the first seven games on the physically unable to perform list and then missed the last three games after suffering a knee injury at New Orleans.

"We need to be able to rush for 100 yards a game like we did last year," Rivera said. "That's one of the things that really helped us out [last season]. We ran the ball well, we controlled the clock, we controlled the tempo of the game."

Stewart is in a timeshare with DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert, so his fantasy value is pretty low at this point in the offseason. But he's a talented runner and could work his way into RB3/flex status if he stays healthy and gets 8-12 touches per game.

“(Trent Richardson is) one of the guys who has benefited tremendously from the classroom time,” said Colts OC Pep Hamilton. “It was ambitious to think he could come in in week three last year, pick it up and hit the ground running.

“It was one of those situations where the defense knew when we put him in the game, more than likely we were running the ball. They were packing the box, and he was faced with some tremendously tough looks.”

Hamilton speaks from experience for the need to have multiple backs. A pecking order and delineation of duty is not something for the moment.

“The guys we have are very capable of making the big plays. Trent is plenty explosive enough, as well as (Ahmad Bradshaw) and (Vick Ballard),” said Hamilton. “Those guys are versatile enough to play on first, second and third down.

“We know how long the season is. We’re going to need all our guys at some point during the season. We’re not at the point where we have to decide on a rotation or a specific role for anybody in our offense. We’re just working to make sure we continue to grow and put a winning product on the field.”

Richardson averaged a woeful 2.9 YPC after joining the Colts, but he blames the learning curve he faced after joining a new offense midseason. Since they gave up a first round pick for him, he’ll have the backing of this Colts regime, but Hamilton wasn’t afraid to give more work to Donald Brown given the disparity in the quality of play between the two backs. The offseason has gone pretty well for T-Rich — Brown is now out of the way, but the Colts did re-sign Ahmad Bradshaw while Vick Ballard is working his way back from a knee injury.

Arguably the least impressive Steelers wide receiver through the early going has been Martavis Bryant. For the second day in a row, coach Mike Tomlin rode the fourth-round pick hard.

Bryant was expected to compete for a starting job, but now it looks like Markus Wheaton will serve as the Steelers' WR2 while the rookie figures things out. Lance Moore is slated for WR3 duties.

Two reports Wednesday suggested that Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch may hold out of the team’s mandatory mini-camp next week because he is unhappy with his contract, and specifically that he wants more upfront money.

The first report came from Yahoo.com. Yahoo.com said that the team does not expect Lynch to attend mini-camp, crediting the info to “sources familiar with the team’s thinking.”

ESPN.com reported, quoting a source close to the situation, that it is “very, very unlikely” that Lynch will be at mini-camp and that he wants more upfront money. Also, Pro Football Talk reported that Lynch “hasn’t told anyone what he plans to do” in regards to whether he will attend mini-camp.

So there are now three red flags to consider when selecting Lynch in early drafts: 1) he's unhappy with his contract and may miss offseason activities, 2) he has the talented Christine Michael breathing down his neck, and 3) he still may face some sort of punishment for his reckless driving plea (down from a DUI charge) two years ago. He has been one of the most dependable early round picks in the last three years -- three straight top 5 seasons -- but there are some concerns heading into the 2014 season.

This is getting repetitive, but Lions RB Theo Riddick continues to be impressive. He seems a little faster than last season and might have improved more than anyone else on the roster from last season. He is putting himself in position to have a real role in this offense this season after being primarily a backup in 2013.

Joique Bell continues to miss time, and the positive reports about Riddick continue to roll in. We still feel Bell is a great middle round value, but he needs to eventually defend his spot in the depth chart.

Player of Lions practice: For the second straight day, it is Calvin Johnson. Any question about Johnson’s health are now gone. He was once again the best player on the field and caught everything around him. He appears to be completely over his injuries and has his timing with Matthew Stafford down once again. He beat any cornerback the Lions lined up against him during 1-on-1 periods and on one play leapt over DeAndre Levy to catch a pass that he ended up running in for a touchdown.

To help quarterback Matthew Stafford improve his future, the Detroit Lions are reaching back to the past. Kind of.

In order to really focus on the mechanics of the sixth-year quarterback, new coach Jim Caldwell has started to use what he calls a ladder cam during practices. The purpose of the camera is simple. It is essentially Stafford's camera. It focuses on what he sees and the movements he makes.

By doing this, the Lions are hoping they can drill into Stafford the footwork, throwing motion and mechanics they want him to use. It's an idea Caldwell started using back in 1982, when he had someone actually standing on a ladder to create the picture of what the quarterback was seeing down the middle of the field.

Browns HC Mike Pettine said that WR Andrew Hawkins has stood out at practice: “Short area of quickness, the ability to get in and out of breaks. There was a play today that the defense was called, the coverage was ‘51 double’, which meant double him, and he still got open. That’s when (Browns offensive coordinator) Kyle (Shanahan) got after (Browns defensive coordinator Jim) O’Neil a little bit and said, ‘You’re going to have to put three on him. He’s a guy that can win in the slot, and I think it’s important that if you have a guy that can win at tight end, and we think (Browns TE) Jordan (Cameron) can be that guy, and when you can win in the slot, that causes some issues defensively, when you have to now allocate maybe two defenders to the slot receiver as opposed to one."

Hawkins posted a solid 0.17 FP/snap for the Bengals, but he only played 20% of his team’s snaps in 2013. Now he joins a Browns team that will likely be without Josh Gordon, who is reportedly facing an 8-16 game suspension. Without Gordon in the lineup, Hawkins’ main competition for receiver targets may be Miles Austin and Nate Burleson. He could make a living in the slot and become a fantasy factor, especially in PPR formats.

Saints QB Drew Brees on WR Nick Toon: "I think he has come along extremely well. I’ve been very impressed with some of the things I’ve seen from him out here. He’s another big target that can run well, he transitions very well for a big guy. You watch the way he catches the ball sometimes and it’s so confident, he goes and he goes after it and plucks it. He’s very natural and confident when he catches the ball which you like to see. I think he can have big contributions on this team. I know that it’s extremely competitive with the receiver position right now with a lot of guys fighting for spots but he’s certainly right in the mix.”

Toon is going to struggle to see snaps behind Marques Colston, Kenny Stills and (probably) Brandin Cooks, but he appears to be earning a roster spot with a strong offseason.

Jets WR Eric Decker means a lot for the offense, of course, and he picked up where he left off with a strong showing today, especially during red zone work.

There’s no doubt that Decker is going to see a downgrade at QB going from Peyton Manning to a combination of Geno Smith and Michael Vick. But as the Jets’ clear WR1, he should see enough targets to become a fantasy starter even if his per target production is likely to drop. For more on his potential production, click here.

Saints WR Kenny Stills made a great effort to come back for a diving catch after Drew Brees chucked one to him from all the way across the field on the run in full-team drills. Stills also made a nifty one-handed catch in earlier passing drills, among other nice catches.

Stills has looked good throughout offseason workouts this year. He certainly looks like he’s ready to keep rising after a breakout rookie year. And HC Sean Payton said after re-watching the film from last season, the Saints felt they needed to get Stills some more opportunities this year.

Stills figures to see a jump in snaps and targets after the Saints lost both Lance Moore and Darren Sproles, who saw a combined 143 targets last year. Stills should get at minimum the 5.5 T/G that Moore saw in the past three years, making him an intriguing WR3 with upside. The arrival of Brandin Cooks does take some of the wind out his sails, but that should only serve to keep his ADP at a reasonable level. Drew Brees had a QB rating of 139.3 when throwing to Stills, the highest in the league. He’s bound to improve as a second year receiver and is playing in one of the best pass offenses in the league. There’s a lot to like here.

Saints WR Marques Colston says, unlike last year, he has no foot issues. 'Feels completely different ... no restrictions.'

After four straight top 20 seasons, Colston finished #27 in 2013. He got off to a decent start (#27 WR through the first four weeks) before a midseason swoon where he caught a combined six catches for 44 yards against the Bears, Patriots and Bills. Then, over the final 10 games (including the postseason), he averaged 6.1 catches for 76 yards and 0.50 TD, which equate to fringe WR1-type numbers. The 31 year-old should benefit from the loss of Lance Moore and Darren Sproles, who saw a combined 143 targets last season. Health is a concern, but Colston has only missed four games in the last five seasons.

Rookie wide receiver John Brown didn't have the best day of practice, missing a couple of passes but it was one of first bad days.

"He was a rookie today," Arians said. "He dropped a ball, the first one he dropped, and he fell down wide open. He got to be a rookie. I think he's reading his press clippings." Arians said it all with a laugh.

The Redskins still don’t know when wide receiver Leonard Hankerson will receive clearance to practice. The receiver, recovering from torn knee ligaments, continues to work on the side with trainers.

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III looked sharp in Week 1 of OTAs, and was a little erratic last week. He looked sharper today, and in addition to Jackson, connected with tight end Jordan Reed and wide receiver Ryan Grant for long touchdown passes. HC Jay Gruden said he’s “very happy” with the chemistry that Griffin is developing with his receivers. Griffin meanwhile, said he feels “very comfortable” with Gruden’s offense, although he admits he still has much left to learn.

Redskins WR DeSean Jackson, who this week returned to action after nursing a strained hamstring last week, was heavily involved in the offense during today’s drills. The receiver lined up in a variety of positions and was used in a number of ways, just as he had during the limited action that we saw from him two weeks ago before he pulled the hamstring. Jay Gruden said that Jackson still isn’t yet totally 100 percent healthy, but that he had recovered enough to practice fully. The coach said Jackson has to hold back while making a few different cuts, but that he is doing well. Jackson displayed his speed as he created separation on a couple of crossing routes. He also had enough of a burst to get a slight step on rookie cornerback Bashaud Breeland to catch a pass from Robert Griffin III.

Eagles K Alex Henery has kicked very well this spring and wants to work on his consistency from last year. He knows what's going on, and he knows he has to be better.

Eagles beat writer Dave Spadaro on the team's offense: "Not talking about depth chart or who is playing where, and instead I focus on the offense as a whole when practice is open for reporters and the unit looks tight. Very fast. Quarterback Nick Foles has a great command of the scheme and where to go with the football and the presence of Darren Sproles adds an entirely new dimension. What changes will fans see in the offense? Well, just guessing here, but the formations are going to largely be the same, but there are going to be more variables in the pass routes and the options. Foles has really looked sharp, and he remains as unflappable a young man as I've seen in these halls for many, many years."

Running back Ben Tate has been participating in individual drills during the first two days of minicamp, but when it comes to 11-on-11 drills, Terrance West has been getting reps with the first team.

Last season, Tate battled through four cracked ribs much of the season to rush for 771 yards and four TDs in 14 games, including seven starts.

West has shown power through the first level and quickness when eluding defenders. The Townson product is expected to play a major role for the Browns offensively.

Chris Ogbonnaya has also taken reps with the first team.

We'll see how much first team work West gets once Tate returns, but he's one reason why we're not all that crazy about Tate's upside heading into 2014. Tate should be a decent RB2, but he's going to play for a mediocre offense, he's been injury prone, and he has a talented third round pick breathing down his neck.

Eagles RB Chris Polk’s strong second season has him thinking even better things are in store for year three.

"I definitely have a lot more confidence because reality is the best teacher," Polk explained. "Getting in the game, getting a feel for it, getting tackled, getting adjusted to the game speed - that helps. Last year, I felt like I was walking on egg shells because I didn’t have a lot of experience. I was out there just wide-eyed, but now the game is starting to slow down for me. I’m learning a lot from Darren and Shady to take my game to the next level."

What makes Polk’s 2013 campaign even more impressive is that he did most of his damage while dealing with a shoulder injury. Now fully healthy, Polk hopes to put any concerns about injuries behind him and play to his fullest in his third season in Philadelphia.

"I dislocated (my shoulder) in the Tampa Bay game and I had to wear the two straps, so I was kind of constricted," Polk explained. "I could only go so far when I was running, and it’s kind of hard to run without your arm, but now they’re free and I’m really looking forward to this year.

"He (was productive last season) and he's really had a great offseason," head coach Chip Kelly explained. "He worked extremely hard rehabbing his shoulders, but he was one of our key special teams players for us and you look at from probably the Detroit game on, he had a couple really big runs in that game and started to develop as a back, and (we’re) just trying to figure it out again where he fits in that piece. Obviously we have a talented one in (McCoy), and then when you add Sproles to the mix, where does Chris fit into it? But I think in terms what has he done in the offseason, I think he's really put himself in the picture."

The Panthers' receiving corps is aware of its perceived standing in the league.

“The elephant in the room has already been stated,” Cam Newton said, via the Charlotte Observer. “Those guys have already accepted the challenge. You don’t have to go in there and tell those guys, ‘Hey, you’re projected the sorriest receiver [group] in the NFL.’ We already know. But with that, those guys already have that fire in their eyes. I would rather those guys be like that and for them to go out there and bust their tails like they’ve been doing. It’s kind of like a slap in–not only their face–but my face as well. The things that have been said, the reports, who cares? Because at the end of the day, we will be ready to play football, and Carolina Panthers football. Hard-nosed, and everybody’s going to have to do their job.”

While Steve Smith has long been held in high regard, Newton points out that there were questions about Carolina’s overall receiving corps heading into last season as well. Things went well enough for Newton to throw 24 touchdowns and the Panthers won the NFC South, so his confidence that everything will come together doesn’t come totally out of left field.

We're projecting Jerricho Cotchery and Kelvin Benjamin to start, with Tiquan Underwood playing the Ted Ginn role in the offense and Jason Avant manning the slot. That's not pretty, but if Benjamin can progress, then the team won't be that far behind where they were last season. Cotchery is a sleeper given the circumstances.

Head coach Ron Rivera wishes his star quarterback could be out there, but the recovery process is on schedule, and Rivera is still optimistic Cam Newton will partake in minicamp from June 17-19.

"He's right on track," Rivera said. "We're very pleased with where he is. We just have to pick and choose when we have him on the field."

Newton has finished in the top 4 in each of his three NFL seasons, but his PPG has dropped from 22.9 to 20.6 to 18.7 in that same span. He lost his entire receiving corps and is recovering from ankle surgery, so he hasn’t been able to practice with his new receivers. He should still be a solid RB1 given his ability to run the ball, but there are several red flags heading into the season.

Despite underwhelming results from last year’s corps and the lack of new additions, Rams coach Jeff Fisher says he doesn’t consider it a gamble to go with his current group of receivers. One reason for that may be Tavon Austin’s feeling that the game is starting to slow down for him after a rocky transition to the professional ranks last year.

“It’s all about getting comfortable,” Austin said, via the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “It was a pretty big adjustment for me at first. The playbook was different. The speed of the game was different. I eventually caught on and the game settled down.”

Austin had a disappointing year by most accounts, but it wasn’t necessarily his fault. He had trouble staying on the field, playing just 50% of his team’s snaps. His FP/T (0.95) was respectable for a rookie, though it seemed like OC Brian Shottenheimer wasn’t sure how to utilize Austin’s skill set. HC Jeff Fisher said that he expects that the team will do a better job of that in 2014. In the end, Austin did lead the Rams’ WRs in catches (40).

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said Wednesday he hasn't heard a word from RB Mike Goodson, who hasn't attended any of the eight organize team activity practices, but he "definitely" expects the troubled running back to show up for next week's minicamp based on the fact that it's mandatory.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson is suspected of still recovering from a March 10 surgery on his left foot to repair a stress fracture. He returns in his second season with a ton of competition on hand, including Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell.

Whoever starts outside for the Patriots is likely to be fantasy relevant. Dobson is probably the favorite, but he needs to get healthy before he can win the job.

Vikings QB battle update: After both Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewater looked sharp in last week's open OTA, each of them had a rougher day on Wednesday. Cassel had his final throw batted down in 11-on-11 work, and Bridgewater was intercepted by Dom DeCicco on a pass over the middle. The rookie also was sacked a couple times during a blitz drill, and missed three of his four throws. The Vikings' defense was using a number of different looks on Wednesday, though, and it seemed clear that the offense was trying to digest a number of new concepts while facing a more nuanced defense. Days like Wednesday are part of the growing pains in a new system. Christian Ponder didn't get as much work as Cassel or Bridgewater, but he actually made some nice throws, hitting Jarius Wright on a throw over the middle in a receiver-vs.-cornerback drill and connecting with Kain Colter on a long pass off a broken play during a two-minute drill.

Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders' quick burst and ability to stretch the defense remains on display. He caught a long touchdown pass from Peyton Manning.

Sanders was the #35 WR in 2013, when he saw WR2 targets (112) for the Steelers. Eric Decker (138) and Wes Welker (111) saw a combined 249 targets as Denver's WR2 and WR3. With Decker gone, Welker (and TE Julius Thomas) could see a bit more work, but Sanders should be stepping into a big role if he can beat out Andre Caldwell and hold off rookie Cody Latimer. As OC Adam Gase said, Sanders is a good fit for his system and is versatile to play both inside and outside. He is very quick and is adept at making people miss, so he should thrive in Denver’s screen game.

Ravens WR Steve L Smith was the star of Tuesday's practice. It was impossible to cover him on slants over the middle, which should become a staple of the offense. When defenders were able to stick with Smith, like the time Asa Jackson was draped on him, the 35-year-old still made the catch in the end zone. Smith likes to spin the ball after every big catch in practice. On Tuesday, the ball was spinning a lot.

After being limited last week because of a nagging hamstring pull, Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been a full participant in this week’s OTA sessions, despite not being 100-percent.

“He feels good running straight but it’s just sometimes coming out of cuts a little bit he’s still a little bit tentative,” Jay Gruden said at Redskins Park. “We’re just watching. He looked good, obviously. We had hoped he could run this week, so that’s why we kept him out last week. It was a minor deal, we thought and he thought.”

Tony Scheffler is retiring from the NFL.

Scheffler told The Associated Press on Wednesday that having three concussions over the past four years had "a lot" to do with his choice.

“I’m definitely not there,” Dolphins RB Knowshon Moreno said when asked by The Miami Herald if he’s where he needs to be physically. “This is just the beginning. It’s just the beginning, getting your feet wet, and when you have time off, working at those little things, getting back to where you need to be, and once camp comes, it’ll be good.”

So no, as Moreno acknowledges, he is not in game shape yet. And it might be why Miller took the bulk of the snaps with the starters at Monday’s Organized Team Activities.

Moreno is still by far the most accomplished running back on the roster, and just one of three current Dolphins to appear in a Super Bowl (Dannell Ellerbe and Mike Wallace are the others).

“We aren’t lining up until September 7th,” Philbin said last week. “The big thing is providing opportunities for repetition. ... We want to get a lot of plays on tape, take a look at it [and] teach it. Obviously, we are studying personnel and who can do which job the best. There will be a time and a place for all of that, but right now we are just interested in getting guys some work and exposure.”

Philbin also expressed a willingness to let one of his rushers get featured-back carries (250-300 a season) this fall – which would give the Dolphins far more balance than a year ago. They called passing plays on nearly two-thirds of their snaps in 2013.

The Eagles dealt Bryce Brown on draft day, and one of the reasons was their optimism in Chris Polk. The running back had offseason shoulder surgery, but he’s a player that the coaching staff likes quite a bit. Polk has good size and an aggressive running style. He had only 11 carries last season, but he finished with 98 yards and three touchdowns. Polk’s workload will depend on LeSean McCoy’s health and how involved Darren Sproles is in the running game, but the Brown trade should be viewed as an encouraging sign for Polk.

“Obviously we have a talented one in LeSean, and then when you add Sproles to the mix, where does Chris fit into it?” Kelly said. “ But I think in terms what has he done in the offseason, I think he's really put himself in the picture.”

Eagles HC Chip Kelly insists Darren Sproles is a running back and not just a receiver out of the backfield. Sproles has had more receptions than rushes in three of the past four seasons. He said that’s the way the coaches want to use him in New Orleans’ offense. He has never been a primary running back in his career, which has also helped extend his career. Sproles operates best in space, away from big bodies. The Eagles don’t want Sproles to siphon carries away from McCoy, so don’t expect Sproles to become a major rusher in Philadelphia, but he will still be used in the running game.

Sproles is another option for Kelly, and he can become a weapon in man-to-man coverage in the hurry-up offense. Kelly emphasized that he wanted to take advantage of one-on-one coverage; a matchup with Sproles against a linebacker will be an advantage for the Eagles. The key in the offense is to have versatile players who can fill different roles, and Sproles does that. He will also be valuable as a returner. Sproles turned 30, and the Saints were aggressive in moving him, so he needs to prove that he’s not about to take a sharp decline.

Bryce Brown (75 carries, 8 catches) was traded to the Bills, so someone will need to carry the ball to give LeSean McCoy a breather. Sproles is a better runner than people think, as evidenced by his career 5.1 YPC, but he's not a player the Eagles want running inside. It sounds as if Kelly has big plans for Sproles in the two-minute drill and in the passing game.

Eli Manning is healthy, but that's not the only reason to be excited, New York Giants fans.

Manning also sounds rejuvenated by the process of learning a new offense under new coordinator Ben McAdoo.

"It is tough, it's not easy, but it has definitely re-energized me and brought an urgency to this time of year," Manning said Tuesday, on SiriusXM NFL Radio.

"It's definitely challenging. Each night, I'm staying up and preparing, and I feel like I'm in season right now with the amount of preparation I'm trying to put in to get ready for each practice," Manning said.

"Each practice is draining on you mentally, you're thinking so much about everything that has to go on and the different calls," the quarterback continued. "But it is also exciting. As a football player, as a competitor, you like to be challenged."

After eight straight top 15 finishes, Manning (and the Giants offense) tanked in 2013. He finished #21, but his play seemed even worse than that. A bounce back season is likely given his talent and the arrival of McAdoo, who is installing a quick hitting offense from his days in Green Bay. Hakeem Nicks is gone, but Odell Beckham and Rueben Randle are expected to emerge.

Giants WR Victor Cruz is a year removed from the hardest moment of his professional career. Yes, there was a massive contract extension waiting for him at the end, but there were also the moments where he had to shut everyone out and simply trust the process.

He wasn't at OTA's, spending his time at an off-site training facility attempting to recreate the practices. He wasn't with his coaches, even though he wanted to be.

But now...

"I'm extremely happy," Cruz said at an event at Citi Field on Wednesday. "I'm finally at the point where I can just relax and play the game and get better as a player and get better as a teammate, a leader and an individual."

Cruz was the #1 WR through the first four weeks thanks in large part to a 118-yard, three-TD game against the Cowboys in Week 1. (Cruz cracked the 100-yard mark twice more in the first month.) Unfortunately, his production fell off of a cliff in the final 12 games; Cruz was the #59 WR the rest of the way. The Giants’ offense should bounce back under new OC Ben McAdoo who plans to use Cruz in the Randall Cobb role in his version of the West Coast Offense.

Ravens beat writer Jamison Hensley was asked -- Can you envision a scenario where Bernard Pierce takes the opportunity to be the starter for 2, 3, 4 games and runs away with the job, or will it be Rice's when he comes back in all likelihood?

"Rice will get a chance to take back the starting job when he gets back. (HC John) Harbaugh likes sticking with the hot hand, but Rice has earned the right to get first crack at the No. 1 job because of his track record."

At just 26 years old, it was surprising to see Rice's production fall off the way it did, but he was dealing with hip and quad injuries throughout the season. He was also coming off of a Super Bowl run the previous year, which likely wore him down. GM Ozzie Newsome said he expects Rice to return to Pro Bowl form, but HC John Harbaugh said after the season that the team could take more of a committee approach at running back, which would limit Rice's upside. Rice has shown 'good burst' in practice and it appears he is still the RB1 even if he's suspended.

Ravens beat writer Jamison Hensley was asked -- Who will get more game reps, Marlon Brown or Jacoby Jones?

"It should be about equal because both bring different skill set. Jones has an edge because he's familiar with Gary Kubiak's offense. Brown is going to see more time in the red zone."

Packers TE Brandon Bostick participated for the first time since he underwent foot surgery last December.

Bostick could work his way into fantasy relevance if he can earn starter's snaps for the Packers.

Ravens DC Dean Pees is trusting his eyes.

“I really do believe that we’ve gotten faster,” he said. “It sure looks like it, anyhow. I’m really hopeful of that. I think it’s going to show that it’s true.”

Over the past two years, the Ravens have replaced many of their aging defensive players with younger, faster ones. They drafted three defensive players with their top three picks, and all of them are known for their speed or explosiveness.

According to our Field Yates, Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham has been missing the past few weeks because he's been recovering from hernia surgery performed earlier this offseason. He had previously missed the first two organized team activities, both open and voluntary, with an injury coach Marvin Lewis declined to give specifics on.

Fellow tight end Tyler Eifert returned to practice after missing the last open OTA with a shoulder injury. He was limited for part of Tuesday's workout, though. After beginning the session in uniform, he shed his jersey in the final hour to conduct conditioning exercises off to the side.

Gresham finished as the #21 TE in 2013, while Eifert finished #29. Eifert has far more upside, but lacks the experience of Gresham and may not get his chance to shine until Gresham is out of the picture.

The Browns continue to say there is no injury issue, but Miles Austin continues to watch most of the offeason practices. It would be nice to pencil Austin in as the starter -- either opposite Josh Gordon or in place of Gordon when his suspension finally comes down -- but he's barely been on the field since he signed as a free agent.

Redskins beat writer John Keim is monitoring Robert Griffin III’s passing in practice: "It was fine a couple weeks ago, but sporadic when we could watch last week. I’ve seen changes to his mechanics, how he’s consistently holding the ball higher to cut down the length of his delivery for example. Now we need to see some consistency in his accuracy. (Again, he was inconsistent in practices as a rookie, too. Just for point of reference. Last summer when we saw him he looked more off than on.) Griffin’s had a good offseason in terms of getting work done and tweaking his game. I do expect a bounce-back season, but to what extent?"

It's hard to imagine running back Travaris Cadet playing a huge role for the New Orleans Saints this year because he's stuck in such a deep position group.

But then again, it's hard to ignore how many opportunities the third-year pro has been getting so far in offseason practices -- and how well he's taking advantage of them.

Cadet has been showing off his speed and elusiveness while both running the football and catching passes out of the backfield.

If he keeps this up throughout training camp and the preseason, Cadet may indeed get a chance to take over a big chunk of that runner/receiver role that Darren Sproles played in New Orleans' offense before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.

Cadet could step in and (partially) fill the role vacated by Darren Sproles, but the Saints also want to get Khiry Robinson more work in the backfield and drafted Brandin Cooks to man the slot.

The Broncos' prized rookie receiver, Cody Latimer, was lined up with the starters in a three-wide receiver set as the Broncos worked from the endzone’s doorstep. At the snap, quarterback Peyton Manning quickly found Latimer on the inside and the 6-foot-2, 215-pounder blasted through the traffic for what had the appearance of a scoring play.

It was just the kind of look at Latimer the Broncos have been waiting for. Tuesday was the most extensive work Latimer has done in team drills since the Broncos made him a second-round pick in the May draft. Latimer had surgery Jan. 19 to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot and the Broncos have limited him some as he works his way back, having put him in individual drills much of the time.

Latimer will have to compete with Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker for snaps in the team's three-WR formation. He has a chance to make an impact as a rookie, but Sanders has been excellent by most accounts.

Darren Sproles, RB: It is nearly impossible to guess where the Eagles are going to line up Sproles next -- and it is still just minicamps. The Eagles have been moving the running back all over, from the backfield, to the slot, even to the outside at times. Sproles has looked ready for the part, as the explosion and crisp cuts he showed in New Orleans with the Saints have clearly come with him to Philadelphia.

Jordan Matthews, WR: No player has opened more eyes than Matthews, who makes 4-5 catches per practice that draw a reaction from the players. Matthews is currently running with second team, but that will be changing soon. "I've never seen a rookie do work like he can," said quarterback Mark Sanchez of Matthews. Watching Matthews, it's hard to disagree.

Matthews will likely see snaps in the slot (at least) this season. Jeremy Maclin is working his way back from an ACL injury and Riley Cooper is solid, but unspectacular. There is opportunity in this offense if Matthews has a great summer, and by most accounts he has. He's an upside pick in the later rounds.

In his first full year as a professional, Marquess Wilson gained weight, experience and knowledge.

The 6-3 receiver reported to the Bears’ organized team activities — which resume Wednesday at Halas Hall — last month at 207 pounds, having added bulk and explosiveness after participating in fellow receiver Brandon Marshall’s offseason workouts in Florida.

‘‘It’s better [than] last year because last year I was thinking a lot on the field,’’ Wilson said. ‘‘This year I can just play. I feel freer on the field. It just feels good.’’

The Bears are counting on him. Despite catching only two passes last season, Wilson is penciled in as their No. 3 receiver behind Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.

‘‘If I know my role and if I know the plays, I shouldn’t feel pressure on myself,’’ said Wilson, a seventh-round draft pick in 2013. ‘‘I can’t play with pressure. I’ve got to play with confidence.’’

Wilson is the rare WR handcuff because he's likely to post fantasy starter numbers if either Brandon Marshall or Alshon Jeffery miss time with injury.

Lions WR Golden Tate missed the first day of mandatory minicamp Tuesday with a shoulder injury, which provided more opportunity for Jeremy Ross to strut his stuff for the new staff.

He worked with the first unit, and continued to impress by hauling in every ball thrown his way.

"Ross has been great out there," Calvin Johnson said. "He's having a great offseason. He's catching everything, he's smart, he knows what to do, he's in the right place at the right time."

Rams RB Zac Stacy has taken to his role as something of a mentor to Tre Mason, who, as a mid-round draft pick positioned behind multiple veteran backs, finds himself in a similar position to Stacy from a year ago. As for his own development, the ever-improving Stacy named pass protection and growth in receiving as key additions to his 2014 game.

“For me, despite the success I had last year, I still have a lot of improvements (to make),” Stacy said. “That’s what I’m most excited about, the improvements I can make to be a better back and become a complete running back. That’s really my main focus right now.”

After toying around with Daryl Richardson for a few weeks, the Rams turned to Stacy in Week 5, and he never looked back, posting #8 RB numbers the rest of the way. He scored eight TDs in his final 10 games and will enter the 2014 season as the Rams’ bellcow back, though he’ll receive some pressure from rookie Tre Mason, who will have a chance to earn a role as the RB2.

Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon, who left the field clutching onto wide receiver Julio Jones, ruptured his Achilles tendon Tuesday while working out with the training staff.

Aaron Rodgers said he and backup quarterback Matt Flynn recently discussed that when the Packers drafted TE Richard Rodgers in the third round, at least one analyst on the TV broadcast of the NFL draft said he’d rated Rodgers a sixth-round prospect.

“Which is pretty laughable when you watch the talent he’s got and the ability, especially some of the plays he made today,” Aaron Rodgers said. “Again, it’s helmet and shorts, but you have to be excited about his body type and the hands. He’s made some incredible catches, makes it look easy. I think he’s going to push for some playing time if he can transfer what he’s done in the spring now to the fall and have the potential to be an impact player.”

Buccaneers OC Jeff Tedford on rookie WR Mike Evans: "Mike obviously tweaked his hamstring a little bit but he'll be back. He showed his first couple days he's a real talent, there's no doubt about it."

Evans is likely to start opposite Vincent Jackson. He should be fantasy relevant provided the Bucs' passing offense is competent.

“We tried to run a zone (blocking) scheme last year,” Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith said Tuesday. “But (OC Gary) Kubiak is that guy. It looks a lot better (this year) than last year. He’s done it all before. He knows what it’s supposed to look like.”

Bengals OC Hue Jackson trusts his eyes. He sees a different Andy Dalton.

"I think he's throwing the ball fantastic," Jackson said. "I really do. He's improved. I see it. I see it on the practice field."

"I see a very confident player who goes in and calls the play and makes decisions, who redirected things and gets us in the right place," Jackson said. "There's not a lot of negative football plays. That's what you want. He's taken charge and control."

For a guy who has finished #17, #12 and #4 in his first three seasons, Dalton doesn’t get a whole lot of respect. He’d be ranked higher this year if not for new OC Hue Jackson’s propensity to run the ball. However, Jackson’s 2011 Raiders threw the ball 52.9% of the time with Carson Palmer under center, which isn’t too far off the Bengals’ 55.0% pass rate in 2013. We’re expecting fewer pass attempts, but Dalton should still be a quality option for owners who like to stream the position or draft a committee.

Free agent wide receiver Lance Moore has continued to impress heading into the third and final week of organized practices.

Cardinals WR wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald did not practice because of a hamstring injury.

Rookie tight end Troy Niklas broke his right hand after catching it in another jersey. Head coach Bruce Arians said Niklas got his finger twisted in a jersey last week, which caused the break. Niklas, the Cards’ second-round draft pick, is expected to be ready for training camp in July.

Tight end isn't a featured spot in Bruce Arians' offense, and the depth chart is crowded, with Rob Housler and John Carlson ahead of Niklas. A broken hand won't help matters.

Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak said it’s evident that Joe Flacco put in the work with the playbook before Ravens organized team activities (OTAs) began. Kubiak’s said his signal caller is “ahead of the curve.”

“I think he worked his tail off when he was away from me,” Kubiak said after Tuesday’s practice.

“When it was time to go to work, when we could get our hands on him and do those type of things, it was obvious when he came in how hard he had worked and he knew what he was doing. He’s way ahead of the guys from that standpoint.”

Ravens RB Ray Rice had an impressive day on the field. He made a one-handed snag at one point, and had several plays where he showed a good burst out of the backfield. He took a pitch during an 11-on-11 drill and beat everybody to the edge to get upfield. He seems to have regained the speed that was lacking because of a hip injury last season.

At just 26 years old, it was surprising to see Rice's production fall off the way it did, but he was dealing with hip and quad injuries throughout the season. He was also coming off of a Super Bowl run the previous year, which likely wore him down. GM Ozzie Newsome said he expects Rice to return to Pro Bowl form, but HC John Harbaugh said after the season that the team could take more of a committee approach at running back, which would limit Rice's upside. Rice is facing suspension for his offseason incident in Atlantic City. Stay tuned.

Ravens Steve L Smith is looking good at practice.

“I watched him today and it was his best day with me out here,” Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak said. “Each day he is getting more comfortable with what we’re doing.”

The veteran wideout was all over the field during practice, hauling in passes down the sidelines and over the middle. Nothing thrown his way hit the ground.

Smith practices at a high level, and he was consistently running away from defenders.

Packers rookie tight end Richard Rodgers made the catch of the day, one-handing a reception as he was working across the field. He made the catch in stride and flashed down the right sideline.

“Big-time catch today. I think he’s a natural in space. I’m excited to see him in the inline work when we get to camp,” HC Mike McCarthy said of his third-round draft pick.

Rodgers dropped weight and moved to wide receiver last season at Cal, where he was forced to fit himself into a new spread offense. McCarthy believes the move advanced Rodgers’ career as a pass catcher.

“Anytime you play in displacement formation, it’s definitely a learning opportunity,” McCarthy said.

Dolphins beat writer James Walker on the possibility that the team moves on from QB Ryan Tannehill: "It is definitely in Ryan Tannehill’s best interest to show that he is the long-term solution this year. Rarely do starting quarterbacks get four consecutive years to show their worth after mediocre play. The only recent example I can think of is Mark Sanchez with the New York Jets, and his deep runs through the playoffs his first two seasons bought him time through his inconsistencies. Tannehill is 15-17 in his first two years and has no postseason resume to speak of. If Tannehill has another losing season, that most likely will lead to a coaching change. A new coach may want to win or lose with his own quarterback, which means Tannehill could be replaced or have to compete for a starting job."