Footballguys #33 - 5/24 - Team Reports, Backfield Study, News and Notes and More

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Check out our [FBG Staff Round Table for some general strategy]() before you hop in a draft. * Note: Offer valid to new DRAFT.com users only --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 20, #33 -- Thursday Night, May 24th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser](=) Hi {NAME}, Welcome to Friday. We've got more Team Reports and Content and the News and Notes you need. Let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [AFC North Backfield Study](=) Our Sigmund Bloom takes a look at AFC North backfield productivity, volume, and efficiency numbers in 2017 and how to use that data in 2018 drafts. B. [Cardinals Team Report](=) Our Footballguys Team Reports pull all the team info you need into one spot. In this one, we look at the Cardinals. C. [Rams Team Report](=) Our Footballguys Team Reports pull all the team info you need into one spot. In this one, we look at the Rams. D. [Seahawks Team Report](=) Our Footballguys Team Reports pull all the team info you need into one spot. In this one, we look at the Seahawks. E. [49ers Team Report](=) Our Footballguys Team Reports pull all the team info you need into one spot. In this one, we look at the 49ers. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [BUF - Two QBs splitting Bills' reps](#1) 2. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski nearing reworked deal](#2) 3. [IND - QB Andrew Luck may not throw for a while](#3) 4. [NYJ - QB Teddy Bridgewater could be Week 1 starter](#4) 5. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy limited Thursday](#5) 6. [BAL - QB Joe Flacco focused on the present](#6) 7. [NO - RB Mark Ingram to report to minicamp](#7) 8. [NO - WR Cameron Meredith ahead of schedule](#8) 9. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin full go at OTAs](#9) 10. [DAL - WR Tavon Austin a jack of all trades](#10) 11. [DAL - TE Geoff Swaim works with starters](#11) 12. [ARI - Josh Rosen could be starter](#12) 13. [GB - GB, TE Marcedes Lewis meeting Thursday](#13) 14. [ARI - Christian Kirk signs deal](#14) 15. [BAL - WR John Brown not at workouts](#15) 16. [BUF - Josh Allen running with threes](#16) 17. [BUF - WR Zay Jones has surgery](#17) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [BUF - Two QBs splitting Bills' reps]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Vic Carucci Buffalo Bills QBs AJ McCarron and [Nathan Peterman]( are splitting repetitions with the first-team offense, according to head coach Sean McDermott. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCarron was signed to be a 'bridge' quarterback for the Bills. He's wanted to be a starter for some time, but McCarron just sat behind Andy Dalton with the Bengals. Peterman was turnover prone (that's being nice) for the Bills last year as a rookie, and he shouldn't be much of a threat for the starting job. We all know that Josh Allen, 2018 first-round pick out of Wyoming, is set to be the quarterback of the future when he develops. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NE - TE Rob Gronkowski nearing reworked deal]( Source: The Athletic - Jeff Howe Updating previous reports, New England Patriots TE [Rob Gronkowski]( is close to a reworked contract, according to sources. It's unknown if he's signing an extension or receiving a raise. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Patriots will figure out something with Gronkowski, as they can't really afford to not have him around. We expect him to be a top fantasy option at tight end. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [IND - QB Andrew Luck may not throw for a while]() Source: The Indianapolis Star - Stephen Holder Indianapolis Colts QB [Andrew Luck]( (shoulder) did not throw during organized team activities Wednesday, May 23, and head coach Frank Reich said he is not sure if Luck will throw before the end of June minicamp but is confident that Luck will ramp things up in time for training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners are incredibly nervous about this situation and for good reason. The nerves can be calmed down if/when Luck starts throwing and shows no setbacks. He's QB14 (10.05) at this time in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NYJ - QB Teddy Bridgewater could be Week 1 starter]( Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets QB [Teddy Bridgewater]( will be considered for the starting quarterback job Week 1 if he plays well during the preseason and QB Sam Darnold shows he is not ready to play, according to sources. QB [Josh McCown]( likely would be the starter if Bridgewater and Darnold struggle during the preseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Neither outcome is shocking to anyone who has paid attention to the Jets this offseason. We are a little excited to see what Bridgewater is capable of after such a long layoff, but the lack of good and reliable weapons around him limit his upside. McCown would be the same middling quarterback he's always been and not really worth rostering. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy limited Thursday]() Source: WKBW.com - Joe Buscaglia Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy]( (illness) was limited during organized team activities Thursday, May 24, because of an illness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is nothing that should impact his season naturally considering how early on it is. McCoy is likely to be one of the top fantasy backs in football again this year, since the Bills are likely to be running an awful lot with either an inexperienced or rookie quarterback under center. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [BAL - QB Joe Flacco focused on the present]() Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens QB [Joe Flacco]( was relatively mum regarding his opinion of the Ravens selecting QB Lamar Jackson with their first pick. 'When you draft anyone in the first round, there is always a plan,' Flacco said. 'What that plan is? I don't know. I'm worried about right now.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Reports indicated Flacco did not initially return the calls/texts of Jackson after he was selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Jackson could be the quarterback of the future for the Ravens, but it might take some time for him to develop his raw skill set. In the meantime, the team is still in Flacco's hands. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NO - RB Mark Ingram to report to minicamp]( Source: NFL.com - Herbie Teope New Orleans Saints RB [Mark Ingram]( is expected to report to the mandatory three-day minicamp in June despite being suspended for the first four games of the regular season, according to head coach Sean Payton. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're going to see just how much of a load Alvin Kamara can carry, aren't we? He's going to be featured and then some while Ingram is out suspended. Kamara is a top ten overall fantasy pick at this point in the offseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [NO - WR Cameron Meredith ahead of schedule]( Source: NFL.com - Herbie Teope New Orleans Saints WR [Cameron Meredith]( (knee) is way ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, according to head coach Sean Payton. Payton added that the Saints have a 'clear vision' on how they want to use their new receiver. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Meredith will likely be featured in three-wide sets, which in the New Orleans offense could produce some decent numbers and make him a reasonable bye week filler with upside. He's got a current ADP of WR44 (10.05) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin full go at OTAs]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Vic Carucci Buffalo Bills WR [Kelvin Benjamin]( (knee) is a full participant and off to a good start at organized team activities, according to head coach Sean McDermott. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team needs him on point with Zay Jones (knee) out for the summer. There's not a lot of value in this offense (not named LeSean McCoy), especially with the questionable quarterback group, but Benjamin could be the one bright spot in the passing offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [DAL - WR Tavon Austin a jack of all trades]() Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota Dallas Cowboys WR [Tavon Austin]( will be implemented into the offense in a variety of ways, according to QB [Dak Prescott](. Austin can line up in the backfield, play X and Z wide receiver or line up in the slot. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This has been done before, and while it works enough to be OK for actual NFL play, it doesn't work when it comes to fantasy games. Austin continues to be a guy we will likely pass on due to lack of production. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [DAL - TE Geoff Swaim works with starters]() Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota Dallas Cowboys TE [Geoff Swaim]( worked with the first-team offense during organized team activities Wednesday, May 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Without Jason Witten (retired), the Cowboys are looking for a new starting tight end and they have a collection of players vying for that spot. TE Blake Jarwin was on the field when the team lined up in two-tight end sets. TE Rico Gathers worked with the second-team offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [ARI - Josh Rosen could be starter](=) Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks said he has not ruled out QB Josh Rosen being the starting quarterback this upcoming season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rosen only has Sam Bradford to beat out for the starting job. The rookie from UCLA is a talented passer who loves to be aggressive through the air. We'll see if he can capture the top spot early in the regular season. He's clearly the QB of the future for the Cardinals. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [GB - GB, TE Marcedes Lewis meeting Thursday]( Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein Updating a previous report, free-agent TE [Marcedes Lewis]( (Jaguars) is meeting with the Green Bay Packers Thursday, May 24, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] I mean the Packers have yet to find a good tight end solution. Lewis is productive but probably wouldn't change that very much. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [ARI - Christian Kirk signs deal](=) Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals second-round draft choice WR Christian Kirk signed a four-year contract with the Cardinals Thursday, May 24. Financial terms were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cardinals haven't had much luck with new wide receivers, and Larry Fitzgerald will retire soon. Perhaps Kirk can work out for them as the rookie from Texas A&M has a knack for getting open and making plays after the catch. Kirk will come along with new quarterback Josh Rosen too, which should help with chemistry and perhaps the young receivers development. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [BAL - WR John Brown not at workouts]( Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens WR [John Brown]( (personal) was not present for organized team activities Thursday, May 24, because of a personal issue. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Since 2015 when Brown top thousand yards this production has declined every year. We're not seeing an uptick in his future right now, so he looks like he's going to be no more than a bye week wide receiver with almost no upside. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [BUF - Josh Allen running with threes]() Source: Sirius XM NFL Radio - Vic Carucci Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen is running with the third-team offense, according to head coach Sean McDermott. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He's going to take time to develop, as Allen needs to improve his accuracy and anticipation as a passer. He's the quarterback of the future, but the team isn't going to rush him into the lineup. At this point in the process, the third team is where he should be. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [BUF - WR Zay Jones has surgery](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Buffalo Bills WR [Zay Jones]( (knee) had knee surgery Thursday, May 24, and will miss the remainder of the offseason program. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's not great, especially with new quarterbacks he needs to get used to. The team better hope Kelvin Benjamin steps up this year because there is precious little there to work with, for either A.J. McCarron or Josh Allen. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =