Footballguys #86 - 7/16 - Is George Kittle A Late Round Steal?, Can David Johnson Bounce Back?, News And Notes And More

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And the league prize values are up to $2,300 this season as well, so grab your preferred draft times and dates now! --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #86 - 7/16 - Is George Kittle A Late Round Steal?, Can David Johnson Bounce Back?, News And Notes And More Volume 20, #86 -- Monday Night, July 16th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]() Howdy {NAME}, Good Tuesday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need plus more Content for you. Let's go. J SITE NEWS A. [Cool Stuff Outside of FBG - SI Profiles All 32 Owners](=) From time to time I'll share with you rad things outside of the Footballguys world. This one is a sweet feature by Sports Illustrated profiling all 32 owners with info on how they acquired the team and more. Good stuff. Thanks to my Buddy Jason Wood for sharing. B. [FREE Feature - George Kittle is the Late-Round Tight End to Target]( Our Phil Alexander with a detailed look at George Kittle's fantasy prospects for 2018. This feature is 100% FREE for everyone to read and gives an idea of the quality and type of content we have for our Footballguys Season Long Pro Subscribers. C. [4 Reasons Why Joe Mixon Won't Fool You Twice]() Our Ryan Hester with a detailed look at Joe Mixon's fantasy prospects for 2018. D. [Can David Johnson Bounce Back?]( Our Daniel Simpkins with a detailed look at David Johnson's fantasy prospects for 2018. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PIT - No deal for Le'Veon Bell](#1) 2. [PHI - Bigger load for RB Jay Ajayi?](#2) 3. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers wants to play to 40](#3) 4. [LAR - S Lamarcus Joyner does not receive deal](#4) 5. [DET - No deal for Ziggy Ansah](#5) 6. [CHI - WR Kevin White likely safe](#6) 7. [CHI - RB Jordan Howard has been used often](#7) 8. [SF - TE George Kittle poised to produce?](#8) 9. [NYG - Drops an issue for TE Evan Engram](#9) 10. [NYJ - Brandon Bryant officially signs](#10) 11. [BAL - Marshal Yanda starts on PUP list](#11) 12. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles won't play as much](#12) 13. [DAL - Blake Jarwin making early impression](#13) 14. [WAS - Two linebackers should be ready for camp](#14) 15. [CHI - Roy Robertson-Harris may push for job](#15) 16. [LAC - Justin Jackson on track to make team](#16) 17. [ATL - TE Austin Hooper needs consistency](#17) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PIT - No deal for Le'Veon Bell]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell was not signed to a long-term deal prior to the deadline Monday, July 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Steelers and Bell were not able to come to an agreement before the 4pm ET deadline on Monday. Now, Bell will play on his $14.5 million franchise tag and is set to become a free agent in 2019. Don't alter projections dramatically for Bell upon this news, even though Bell should stay away for training camp and the preseason like he did last year. He took to Twitter to write "My desire always has been to retire a Steeler...both sides worked extremely hard today to make that happen, but the NFL is a hard business at times...to the fans that had hope, I'm sorry we let you down but trust me, 2018 will be my best season to date." [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PHI - Bigger load for RB Jay Ajayi?]( Source: PhillyVoice.com - Jimmy Kempski Philadelphia Eagles RB [Jay Ajayi]( is expected to see more touches in 2018 as he enters a contract year. In seven games with the Eagles a year ago, Ajayi averaged 10 carries per game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Projecting Ajayi for around 220 carries in 2018 is fair as he's the lead ball-carrier for the Eagles offense. He split time with LeGarrette Blount last year, but with Blount (Lions) moving on the potential for a much larger role is there in 2018. Fantasy GMs are taking him off the board at RB21 (4.07) in current 12-team PPR drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers wants to play to 40]() Source: NBC Sports - Peter King Green Bay Packers QB [Aaron Rodgers](, 34, said he wants to play until he's 40. 'I'd love to play to 40,' Rodgers said. 'I just think that number means a lot. Obviously, Tom (Brady) is kind of rewriting the book. Brett (Favre) had a good season when he turned 40. My goal is be able to move like I do or close to how I do and still be able to do that at 40 ... just because nobody's been able to do that and still move around the same. Steve Young's career was cut short in his late 30s. John (Elway,) the same - he didn't really move the same as when he was younger. So to be able to move the same way at 38, 39, 40 would be cool. That's my aim.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Great news for the Packers and for fantasy GMs (especially dynasty GMs) who love starting Rodgers most every week. Rodgers does scramble around a bit more than Brady so that type of style is a bit of a concern, but we should be able to see him play at the expected level for the foreseeable future. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [LAR - S Lamarcus Joyner does not receive deal](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Los Angeles Rams S Lamarcus Joyner will not receive a long-term deal before the deadline and will play this season on the franchise tag tender. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Joyner enjoyed a breakout season in 2017 when the team moved him to safety on a full-time basis. He's already signed his $11.2 million franchise tender and will not miss any time in training camp or the preseason. With no long-term deal, Joyner is set to be a free agent in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [DET - No deal for Ziggy Ansah](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Detroit Lions DE Ziggy Ansah will not receive a long-term deal before the deadline and will play this season on the franchise tag tender. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ansah will play on the one-year franchise tender worth around $17.1 million in 2018. He had 12 sacks last year but staying healthy has been a concern for the veteran pass rusher as Ansah hasn't played a full season since 2015. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [CHI - WR Kevin White likely safe]() Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Patrick Finley Chicago Bears WR [Kevin White]( likely is a safe bet to make the 53-man roster because his $2.69 million salary this season is guaranteed, in the opinion of the Chicago Sun-Times' Patrick Finley. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The no.7 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft has seen his pro career knocked off track almost completely due to injury. He's appeared in only five games with the Bears and has only 21 receptions in the NFL. White only played one game in 2017 and is looking to finally stay healthy and produce in 2018. The Bears have revamped their WR corps, but we'll still be monitoring White in dynasty leagues...mostly to see if there's anything to get excited about when he goes to a different team. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [CHI - RB Jordan Howard has been used often]() Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Patrick Finley Chicago Bears RB [Jordan Howard]( has rushed the ball 528 times over the last two seasons, which is the fifth-most rushes in the NFL during that span. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Howard has been a top-10 fantasy running back during both of his seasons as a pro. That comes from his talent as an efficient and powerful runner, and it comes from his ability to handle a large workload. That's something he's done since his days in college at both UAB and Indiana. Howard should get around 250 carries this year, and this offseason he's been working on his hands to be a better receiver. Fantasy GMs are currently taking Howard off the board at RB15 (3.02) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [SF - TE George Kittle poised to produce?]( Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner San Francisco 49ers TE [George Kittle]( should have 'no shortage of opportunities' in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com, and Wagoner believes Kittle will benefit from having QB [Jimmy Garoppolo]( throwing him the ball for the entire season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A hot sleeper in fantasy circles is Kittle entering the 2018 season, and he's currently going off the board at TE11 (10.03) in 12-team PPR leagues. Kittle snared 43 passes last year as a rookie, and projecting him for around 45 catches in 2018 is fair. The no.20 fantasy tight end (standard-scoring leagues) last year, Kittle will have to score more touchdowns than he did in 2017 (2) if he wants to be more than a TE2 for fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NYG - Drops an issue for TE Evan Engram]( Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Jordan Raanan New York Giants TE [Evan Engram]('s six drops last year were tied for the second most among tight ends. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Engram is a dangerous receiving tight end, and perhaps some of his drops can be the result of wanting to do much after the catch before securing the pass. Even with the mistakes, Engram did enough as a rookie in 2017 to finish as a top-5 fantasy tight end. The Giants are getting Odell Beckham Jr. back at the wide receiver position, and they added a talented do-everything back in Saquon Barkley in the 2018 draft. Even with those additional weapons, Engram should be able to post TE1 numbers once again this season. He's currently going off the board at TE6 (6.07) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [NYJ - Brandon Bryant officially signs]() Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper New York Jets S Brandon Bryant was officially signed to an undisclosed contract Monday, July 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bryant is a tremendous athlete, measuring in at 6'0" 219 pounds. He can fly all over the field as a safety, but his play lacks consistently and his skill set right now is that of a special teams player only. We'll see if he can develop further as a defensive player as his pro career goes along. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [BAL - Marshal Yanda starts on PUP list]( Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Baltimore Ravens OG Marshal Yanda (ankle) will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Yanda only made it through two games in 2017 before a broken ankle ended his season. He's not yet ready to practice fully but most feel he should be ready for the start of the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles won't play as much]( Source: PhillyVoice.com - Jimmy Kempski Philadelphia Eagles RB [Darren Sproles]( is expected to see the field less as he heads into his final NFL season, primarily due to the emergence of backup RB [Corey Clement](. Sproles should still be used consistently on special teams, however. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This contradicts earlier offseason reports that predicted Sproles would have a large role on the Eagles offense. The potential is there for Sproles to catch 25 or so passes as a change-of-pace back for the Eagles. Keep his name on the waiver wire speed dial in PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [DAL - Blake Jarwin making early impression](=) Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jori Epstein Dallas Cowboys TE [Blake Jarwin]( was regularly targeted by QB [Dak Prescott]( during organized team activities this offseason, specifically in red-zone scenarios. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This offseason there have been several reports about Jarwin making plays...and dynasty GMs should take notice as the team looks for their Jason Witten replacement. Prescott praised Jarwin for his ability to get open and Jarwin said he's glad to have already developed some chemistry with Prescott. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [WAS - Two linebackers should be ready for camp]( Source: NBC Sports Washington - JP Finlay Washington Redskins LB Mason Foster and Zach Brown should be ready for the start of training camp after dealing with season-ending injuries last year. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A foot injury ended Brown's 2017 season, but he was leading the league in tackles for most of the year before getting shut down. Brown is a tackling machine for Washington and a top-10 ILB for IDP players. Foster missed the majority of 2017 with a torn labrum but was a top-20 linebacker for fantasy GMs back in 2016. He's recovering well and we'll see if Foster can regain his form for Washington this season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CHI - Roy Robertson-Harris may push for job]() Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Patrick Finley Chicago Bears DE Roy Robertson-Harris is expected to push DE Jonathan Bullard for one of the starting defensive end jobs during training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Undrafted out of UTEP in 2016, Robertson-Harris measures in at a whopping 6'7" 295 pounds. He always had athleticism and quickness but those attributes didn't lead to much production (only 10.5 sacks in four years with the Miners). In 13 games last year for the Bears, Robertson-Harris snared 2.0 sacks playing 211 snaps. We'll see if he can push for more playing time in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [LAC - Justin Jackson on track to make team](=) Source: Chargers.com - Ricky Henne Los Angeles Chargers RB Justin Jackson appears to be the leading candidate for the No. 3 running back job entering training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Versatility and consistency are the hallmarks for Jackson's game from his days in college at Northwestern. Jackson rushed for over 1,000 yards in four years of college ball, and he caught 122 passes during that time. Measuring in at 5'11" 190 pounds, Jackson runs larger than his size and has great vision for finding lanes others don't see. He'll compete for a roster spot behind starter Melvin Gordon and change-of-pace back Austin Ekeler. We love Jackson in dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [ATL - TE Austin Hooper needs consistency]( Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons TE [Austin Hooper]('s position coach, Wade Harman, has 'harped' on him about being more consistent this season, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hooper saw plenty of targets (65) last year but only had two games with more than 50 yards receiving in 2017. In fact, from Week 11 on Hooper was only good for two or three catches per game even though he was getting around 50 snaps regularly. We'll see if Harman's coaching will improve the consistency Hooper plays with this season. [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: =