Footballguys #55 - 6/15 - Beginner's Guide To Fantasy Football, Plus News and Notes and More

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Deposit $10 or more* on DRAFT to get your Footballguys season-long pro subscription for FREE. * Note: Offer valid to new DRAFT users only --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 20, #55 -- Friday Night, June 15th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser](=) Howdy {NAME}, Welcome to the Weekend. I hope you're getting your fill of World Cup Soccer. We've the the NFL News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Beginner's Guide to Fantasy Football, Part 1](=) Part 1 of our beginner's series looks at the history of fantasy football. B. [Beginner's Guide to Fantasy Football, Part 2](=) Part 2 of our beginner's series looks at basic league types. C. [Draft Dominator Mobile Apps Are LIVE]( Our game changing Draft Dominator Mobile App is ready for 2018. It's your killer app for drafting the team to beat. It's customizable and dynamic adjusting and recalculating values as the draft unfolds. It's an unfair advantage and we're ok with that. Check it out [here in the iTunes Store]( and the [here in the Google Play Store.]( [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [ARI - QB Sam Bradford likely to be Week 1 starter](#1) 2. [SEA - RB Chris Carson most impressive RB in Seattle?](#2) 3. [DAL - TE Rico Gathers not seeing much work](#3) 4. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster likes playing inside](#4) 5. [ARI - Chase Edmonds saw time with starters](#5) 6. [ARI - Several options for No. 2 WR job](#6) 7. [JAX - WR DeAndre Smelter joins Jacksonville](#7) 8. [MIA - Several TEs work with starters](#8) 9. [MIA - QB Brock Osweiler has problems with accuracy](#9) 10. [BUF - QB Nathan Peterman making push to start](#10) 11. [NYG - Davis Webb impressed during spring practices](#11) 12. [ATL - TE Eric Saubert showing off his hands](#12) 13. [MIN - WR Laquon Treadwell turning a corner?](#13) 14. [CHI - WR Kevin White a pleasant surprise during spring](#14) 15. [SF - Kendrick Bourne could push for expanded role](#15) 16. [CIN - Auden Tate standing out](#16) 17. [IND - Nyheim Hines lining up everywhere](#17) 18. [NYJ - RB Elijah McGuire pegged for third downs](#18) 19. [CAR - D.J. Moore ready to make an impact](#19) 20. [ATL - Calvin Ridley adjusting well](#20) 21. [NE - New England leaning on WR Chris Hogan](#21) 22. [DEN - TE Jake Butt impressing coach](#22) 23. [PIT - Jaylen Samuels doing it all](#23) 24. [PIT - Mason Rudolph pushing for backup gig](#24) 25. [SEA - Rashaad Penny earning trust](#25) 26. [CAR - WR Curtis Samuel back at practice](#26) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [ARI - QB Sam Bradford likely to be Week 1 starter]() Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals QB [Sam Bradford]( likely will be the starting quarterback for the team's Week 1 game even though QB Josh Rosen performed well during offseason workouts, in the opinion of AZCardinals.com's Darren Urban. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's what most expect, but we haven't even got to training camp. Bradford is the seasoned vet who could begin the year as the starter but we all know Rosen is the quarterback of the future. Rosen is known as a quick study and should be properly challenged by Cardinals OC Mike McCoy. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [SEA - RB Chris Carson most impressive RB in Seattle?](=) Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson Seattle Seahawks RB [Chris Carson]( has been 'the most impressive of any running back (in the team's offseason practices) this summer', and general manager John Schneider has said that at times Carson looks like the best player on the field, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Carson has been getting a lot of hype this offseason. It will be an interesting battle between Carson and 2018 first-round pick RB Rashaad Penny. If Penny struggles with pass protection early (as many rookie RBs do), then perhaps Carson could take on a larger role to begin the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [DAL - TE Rico Gathers not seeing much work]( Source: The Dallas Morning News - Kate Hairopoulos Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers 'didn't get many chances to catch the ball in practice' during OTAs, according to The Dallas Morning News' Kate Hairopoulos, who added 'it remains to be seen if the coaches believe he's absorbed the all-around duties of the position.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gathers has the most hype around him of the TEs leftover in Dallas with Jason Witten retiring. He's got the hype because of his size (6'8" 275 pounds) and skill set as a former basketball player. Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin and rookie Dalton Schultz are competing to replace Witten as the Cowboys top tight end. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster likes playing inside]( Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers WR [JuJu Smith-Schuster]( said he likes playing in the slot because it fits his aggressive style of play. 'I like playing inside,' Smith-Schuster said. 'I just love the physicalness of being in the box with the bigger guys.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith-Schuster has been limited to individual drills in OTAs and minicamp due to a lingering knee issue. He's expected to be a full participant once training camp rolls around. Right now, Smith-Schuster is going off the board at WR20 (4.08) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [ARI - Chase Edmonds saw time with starters]() Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds received some snaps with the first-team offense when RB [David Johnson]( was not at offseason workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watch out for the Fordham rookie (fourth-round pick) in deep dynasty formats. Edmonds is compact, measuring in at 5'9" 205 pounds but he's got the willingness to run inside. Even though he's not a pile pusher, Edmonds can break arm tackles and has some burst at the second level. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [ARI - Several options for No. 2 WR job]() Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals WRs [Chad Williams](, JJ Nelson, [Brice Butler](, [Greg Little]( and Christian Kirk could all be candidate for the No. 2 wide receiver job during training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cardinals have a talented group of WRs behind Larry Fitzgerald. Nelson can take the top off the defense, but so can Butler with his trademark speed. Williams has the size/speed combination to be a problem in the red zone. Kirk, the team's second-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft, is the prototypical slot receiver. We'll watch this battle unfold in training camp with Nelson perhaps having a slight edge as the incumbent. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [JAX - WR DeAndre Smelter joins Jacksonville]( Source: Jaguars.com Free-agent WR [DeAndre Smelter]( (49ers) signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars Friday, June 15. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A fourth-round pick of the 49ers in 2015 out of Georgia Tech, Smelter has only appeared in two games as a pro. At 6'2" 226 pounds, Smelter is a big target with great concentration. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued his game, even dating back to his college days for the Yellow Jackets. He'll be hard pressed to make the 53-man roster for the Jaguars. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [MIA - Several TEs work with starters]( Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins TEs Mike Gesicki, [A.J. Derby](, [MarQueis Gray](, Durham Smythe and [Gavin Escobar]( all received snaps with the first-team offense during offseason workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Dolphins don't have a clear picture at the TE position. Derby is an interesting 'F' tight end who can be used as a receiver only. Gesicki, the rookie second-round pick from Penn State, is also an 'F' tight end and a larger target than Derby...and likely more athletic. He can be groomed as the TE of the future, but Gesicki may take some time to develop in the pros. Gray is a physical player with surprising athleticism (former quarterback), while Smythe (2018 fourth-round pick) is your traditional 'Y' tight end with an all-purpose skill set. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [MIA - QB Brock Osweiler has problems with accuracy]( Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins QB [Brock Osweiler]( struggled with his accuracy during offseason workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This headline could be from any year of Osweiler's pro career. He's bounced around the league during his short time in the NFL with two stops with the Broncos where he failed to grasp the long-term starting job. Looking for a second chance with the Dolphins, Osweiler will compete with David Fales for the backup job behind Ryan Tannehill in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [BUF - QB Nathan Peterman making push to start](=) Source: ESPN.com - Mike Rodak Buffalo Bills QB [Nathan Peterman]( has looked sharp during offseason practices and 'should be considered a serious contender for the starting job,' according to ESPN's Mike Rodak. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Peterman had a disastrous rookie season for the Bills in 2017. He replaced Tyrod Taylor as the starter for a brief time, only to lose his opportunity due to multiple interceptions (five INTs in Week 11 vs Chargers). Peterman now is competing with free agent addition A.J. McCarron and 2018 first-round pick Josh Allen to be the team's starter. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NYG - Davis Webb impressed during spring practices](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan New York Giants QB Davis Webb 'easily has the best arm of the bunch' and has 'the look of a player who could potentially develop into a franchise quarterback,' according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Webb has been working hard to prepare himself for the 2018 season. He was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft by the old regime with the Giants. Webb will have to impress the new regime to stick around as a developmental quarterback behind Eli Manning. He's competing with rookie Kyle Lauletta to be the primary backup in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [ATL - TE Eric Saubert showing off his hands](=) Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons TE [Eric Saubert]( did 'a nice job' catching the ball during offseason workouts and could push for a meaningful role after playing only 31 offensive snaps last season, according to ESPN's Vaughn McClure. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Saubert is a great dynasty sleeper we love to roster in super deep TE-premium leagues. He's got incredible concentration and has the body control to make difficult catches. He's competing with Logan Paulsen for snaps behind starter Austin Hooper in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [MIN - WR Laquon Treadwell turning a corner?](=) Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin Minnesota Vikings WR [Laquon Treadwell]( spent spring workouts running with first-team offense and reportedly feels as if he is working smarter in his third season than he has before, putting him in the conversation to challenge for the No. 3 receiver role, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A first-round pick in 2016, Treadwell has looked like a bust over the last two seasons. If he's turned the corner and is playing up to his potential, then Treadwell could be a nice third WR for the Vikings behind Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. He's competing with free agent addition Kendall Wright for that spot. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [CHI - WR Kevin White a pleasant surprise during spring](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Dickerson Chicago Bears WR [Kevin White]( is to stay healthy throughout the off-season program and 'looked better than expected,' according to ESPN's Jeff Dickerson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] White's game has been set back by injury in the pros. A first-round pick in 2015, White has appeared in only five games with the Bears. If they get anything from him in 2018 that's a bonus. White is competing for a spot on the depth chart behind Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and rookie Anthony Miller. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [SF - Kendrick Bourne could push for expanded role](=) Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner San Francisco 49ers WR [Kendrick Bourne]( has been one of the most consistent pass-catchers in the offseason program and could potentially push for an expanded role in 2018 behind [Pierre Garcon]( and [Marquise Goodwin](, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Undrafted out of Eastern Washington in 2017, Bourne is a super deep dynasty prospect we're monitoring. He's a possession receiver who can track the ball well on deeper passes if need be. Bourne is an interesting player, but we still love the idea of Dante Pettis (the rookie second-round pick from Washington) emerging as the best young wide receiver in San Francisco. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CIN - Auden Tate standing out]() Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Dehner Jr. and Jim Owczarski Cincinnati Bengals WR Auden Tate was one of the most impressive players during OTAs and minicamp this spring thanks to his size (6-5) and ability to high-point the ball. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Another day and another positive report about Tate coming out of Cincinnati. Earlier reports indicate the Bengals are going to keep him at wide receiver despite his TE-like size. A seventh-round pick out of Florida State in the 2018 NFL draft, Tate is a big-bodied target (6'5" 228 pounds) with great body control. He's not fast off the line and he's not quick out of his breaks, but Tate presents a large target and can win at the catch point versus smaller defensive backs. We're monitoring his progress in super deep dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [IND - Nyheim Hines lining up everywhere]( Source: The Indianapolis Star - Zak Keefer Indianapolis Colts RB Nyheim Hines has been lining up in the backfield, in the slot and out wide in practice. Hines was among the most active players on the offense through spring and summer workouts, a clear indication that head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni have big designs for him. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Keep an eye on Hines this year, as he was one of the most explosive players in the 2018 NFL draft. Hines is a compact runner at 5'8" 198 pounds with the quickness and agility to create his own space. He's not proven as a receiver and needs to work on that part of his game. Hines has the makings of a good change-of-pace back, and that could have some flex appeal in deep PPR leagues. Stay tuned and monitor his progress through training camp and the preseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [NYJ - RB Elijah McGuire pegged for third downs]() Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets RB [Elijah McGuire]( is expected to be the third-down back, in the opinion of beat writer Manish Mehta. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A sixth-round pick for the Jets in 2017, McGuire can make plays as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. McGuire played a part-time role as a rookie, compiling 315 rushing yards, 177 receiving yards and two touchdowns. With Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell ahead of him on the depth chart, McGuire might not do much more than he did last season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [CAR - D.J. Moore ready to make an impact](=) Source: Panthers.com - Max Henson Carolina Panthers WR D.J. Moore is 'more than ready to contribute' for the offense, according to Max Henson of Panthers.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The 24th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, Moore has a bit of Stefon Diggs (Vikings) to his game. Like Diggs, Moore is supremely athletic with great concentration. Moore has incredible foot frequency which he uses to get open on underneath routes. He's a weapon from the slot who should quickly become a favorite of QB Cam Newton. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [ATL - Calvin Ridley adjusting well](=) Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has impressed head coach Dan Quinn with his performance in OTAs, particularly his football IQ. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ridley is an exciting rookie wide receiver who gives the Falcons yet another Alabama weapon at wideout (like Julio Jones). He's known for being a quick study and a fantastic route runner. Ridley may not be Marvin Harrison in terms of getting open with his technique, but the fact that he's sometimes compared to the Hall of Fame WR shows what kind of natural talent could be there. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NE - New England leaning on WR Chris Hogan]() Source: The Athletic - Jeff Howe New England Patriots WR [Chris Hogan]( will be asked to shoulder a bigger load in the offense in 2018. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hogan could be a huge play for fantasy owners over the first month of the season while Julian Edelman serves his four-game suspension. After that, Hogan could continue to be a strong play in PPR formats. Hogan has a current ADP of WR27 (6.04) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [DEN - TE Jake Butt impressing coach](=) Source: The Denver Post - Kyle Fredrickson Denver Broncos TE Jake Butt (knee) is 'obviously a playmaker,' according to head coach Vance Joseph, and Joseph said he is 'very excited' with Butt's progress. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Butt is your classic 'Y' tight end with an all-purpose skill set. He missed all of his rookie season in 2017 while recovering from a knee injury suffered in Michigan's bowl game. The former Wolverine has a dash of Kyle Rudolph to his game, which is potentially great news for QB Case Keenum. We'll monitor Butt in dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [PIT - Jaylen Samuels doing it all]() Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Samuels has been doing all the things RB Le'Veon Bell normally does for the offense during practice. 'He's a hybrid guy who can move around and do some things,' wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said. 'I like his skill set.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Samuels is a hybrid player who really doesn't have a position. He's listed as a running back, but he can play H-back, tight end, fullback and even slot receiver if need be. The rookie will compete for a spot on the depth chart behind Bell and his primary backup James Conner. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [PIT - Mason Rudolph pushing for backup gig]() Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph has lived up to expectations, according to offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, and could open the year as the No. 2 quarterback. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Landry Jones is not an exciting option, but he's been okay (kind of/sort of) for the Steelers as a reserve. Rudolph could be groomed as the quarterback of the future behind Ben Roethlisberger. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [SEA - Rashaad Penny earning trust](=) Source: Seahawks.com Seattle Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny looks 'comfortable' in pass protection, according to head coach Pete Carroll. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Penny isn't really able to show much in pass protection until we get to training camp and the preseason. The rookie first-round pick could win the starting job for the Seahawks if the team likes the way he protects the quarterback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [CAR - WR Curtis Samuel back at practice]() Source: Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person Carolina Panthers WR [Curtis Samuel]( (ankle) participated in practice Thursday, June 14. He sat out practice Wednesday, June 13, because he is recovering from an ankle injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This isn't going to help him earn a bigger piece of the pie. We don't expect Samuel to have a big impact this year as it is, but he needs to be on the field to get any targets at all. [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: =