Footballguys #69 - 6/27 - Our Toughest Picks, Guide To Best Ball, News And Notes and MORE

[2019 Draft Dominator]( The Best [Mock Draft]( AND [Real Draft]( Tool on the planet is NOW FREE. [Download the Footballguys Draft Dominator here](. Did we mention it's FREE. [Download it NOW](. And Dominate. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #69 - 6/27 - Our Toughest Picks, Guide To Best Ball, News And Notes and MORE Volume 21, #69 -- Thursday Night, June 27th, 2019 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]() Howdy {NAME}, Welcome to Friday. I'm in beautiful New York City this week for the Fantasy Sports and Gaming Association Summer Conference. Always a fun time. We've got killer new articles for you plus the News and Notes you need. Let's do this. J SITE NEWS A. [The Gut Check No.473: The 10 Toughest Picks of 2019]( Our Matt Waldman profiles 10 players with a combination of positives and negatives that make them his toughest fantasy picks of 2019. B. [What's Going to Happen in the Denver Backfield?](=) The Footballguys staff offers thoughts on how the Denver backfield will shake out. C. [What's Going to Happen in the Detroit Backfield?]() The Footballguys staff offers thoughts on how the Detroit backfield will shake out. D. [A Beginners Guide to Best Ball Drafts]() Best Ball Drafts are becoming one of the hottest ways to play Fantasy Football. Our Dan Hindery dives into the Basics of Best Ball. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [OAK - WR Ryan Grant is top slot option](#1) 2. [ARI - No rookie role for WR Hakeem Butler?](#2) 3. [CIN - Germaine Pratt finalizes rookie pact](#3) 4. [HOU - TE Kahale Warring making strong impression](#4) 5. [WAS - Collaboration to decide starting QB](#5) 6. [HOU - RB Lamar Miller looking fit](#6) 7. [GB - Green Bay RBs could see more passes](#7) 8. [BAL - TE Hayden Hurst good to go](#8) 9. [NYJ - Chuma Edoga signs](#9) 10. [BUF - Devin Singletary a wild card](#10) 11. [BUF - RB Frank Gore wants to be a factor](#11) 12. [SEA - OLB Shaquem Griffin on the bubble?](#12) 13. [SEA - OLB Mychal Kendricks could start at SLB](#13) 14. [OAK - Chris Warren competing for spot](#14) 15. [BUF - QB Matt Barkley with leg up in backup competition?](#15) 16. [SEA - George Fant expected to play some TE](#16) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [OAK - WR Ryan Grant is top slot option](=) Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Scott Bair Oakland Raiders WR [Ryan Grant]( appears to be the likeliest option to open the season in the slot, in the opinion of NBC Sports Bay Area's Scott Bair, but the team really likes rookie WR Hunter Renfrow, and Bair believes he'll be given every chance to earn a role. Beyond starting WRs [Antonio Brown]( and [Tyrell Williams](, Bair lists WR [Dwayne Harris](, the team's return man, as the only other lock. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The slot could be an oft-targeted stop for short range high percentage passer Derek Carr, but we shouldn't go fishing for value here outside of very deep PPR leagues. It's more likely that the slot usage inhibits the growth of value from Williams or Darren Waller at tight end than it creates standalone value. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [ARI - No rookie role for WR Hakeem Butler?]() Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Arizona Cardinals WRs [Larry Fitzgerald](, [Christian Kirk]( and Andy Isabella were projected to be the team's top three wideouts by AZcardinals.com Darren Urban, who made no mention of Hakeem Butler. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Butler will have to show he "gets" the air raid offense to get playing time. He offers the best combination of size and athleticism, but a feel for getting open is crucial in this scheme. It looks like Isabella is the better redraft option, with Kirk being the best target of the three starters at ADP. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [CIN - Germaine Pratt finalizes rookie pact](=) Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals third-round LB Germaine Pratt (North Carolina State) signed his four-year rookie contract with the team Thursday, June 27. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Pratt should have a lot of early opportunity and has been underrated in dynasty IDP rookie drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [HOU - TE Kahale Warring making strong impression]( Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans TE Kahale Warring may be considered somewhat raw because of his limited football background as a former water polo, basketball and swimming standout, but the Texans are reportedly excited about him.'He brings a lot. He's very athletic and learning a lot. New to the game of football, but I really like what I see from him so far. He's doing a good job,' tight ends coach Will Lawing told the Houston Chronicle. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Warring has a high ceiling, perhaps even higher than last year's third round pick Jordan Akins. Jordan Thomas is the Texans tight end to play as a streamer or GPP cheap option early in the season, but Warring could come on by the end of the year and should be the preferred hold in dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [WAS - Collaboration to decide starting QB]() Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Mike Florio Washington Redskins senior vice president of player personnel Doug Williams recently told NFL Network that there will a organizational collaboration to decide the team's starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2019 season. 'At the end of the day, it's going to be on (coach) Jay (Gruden), myself, probably (team president) Bruce (Allen) and the owner, after what (QB Dwayne Haskins) does during the preseason and see where we are as a team to make that decision,' Williams said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This sounds complicated for what should be a simple decision. If Haskins is ready, he should play, but if he needs seasoning, he should sit. Either way, this is going to be one of the least productive offenses in the league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [HOU - RB Lamar Miller looking fit]( Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans RB [Lamar Miller]( has maintained his conditioning regimen and healthier diet from the 2018 offseason and is said to look even fitter and leaner this offseason. 'I'm feeling better this offseason,' Miller said. 'I think what I did in the offseason last year helped me be more explosive last year. So, I'm going to try and continue doing what I did last year and just try to help this team win any way possible.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We've gone this road with Miller before, and he did have a very strong mid-season tear to help fantasy teams. D'Onta Foreman will get a chance to cut into Miller's workload, but Miller could hold him off for at least the first month or two of the season with good play. His ADP is very reasonable for a starting running back. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [GB - Green Bay RBs could see more passes]() Source: Packers Wire - Zach Kruse Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is preparing to get the team's running backs more involved in the passing game in 2019. 'Oh, I love it when we can get them the ball in the passing game,' LaFleur said to end minicamp earlier in June. 'That's just one more eligible (receiver) the defense has to focus on. When you talk about getting five guys out into a concept, it just opens up more space inside typically.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Aaron Jones came on as a receiver late last year and Jamaal Williams is a solid receiver so both could benefit from this. The Packers offense will be different than what we saw last year, and Jones could be one of the biggest beneficiaries after suffering through inconsistent usage under Mike McCarthy. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [BAL - TE Hayden Hurst good to go]( Source: 105.7 The Fan - Tim Barbalace Baltimore Ravens TE [Hayden Hurst]( (hamstring) said he is good to go for training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hurst's health has been an issue and he is behind Mark Andrews in his development at least in part because of it. He's not draftable right now, but his progress will affect Andrews value, so we'll be watching if he can stay on the field in camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NYJ - Chuma Edoga signs]( Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets third-round pick OT Chuma Edoga signed a four-year, $3.4 million deal with an $867,000 signing bonus Thursday, June 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Edoga could end up starting sooner than later on a weak Jets offensive line. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [BUF - Devin Singletary a wild card]() Source: The Buffalo News - Jay Skurski Buffalo Bills RB Devin Singletary is a wild card in training camp as general manager Brandon Beane called him the most fun player he scouted this year. Singletary has drawn comparisons to RB [LeSean McCoy](, and the team could save $6 million by cutting or trading McCoy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Singletary will become a lot more interesting if McCoy is released, but Frank Gore and TJ Yeldon can still play well enough to have solid roles. Chances are the Bills running game won't produce a consistent fantasy option this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [BUF - RB Frank Gore wants to be a factor]() Source: The Buffalo News - Jay Skurski Buffalo Bills RB [Frank Gore]( landed on the team motivated to be a factor, and he showed up in phenomenal shape during the spring. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gore should be a great fit in the Bills locker room and running back, but like last year, he'll be an obstacle to his backfieldmates fantasy value and not a rosterable player despite everlasting effectiveness running the ball. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [SEA - OLB Shaquem Griffin on the bubble?](=) Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta Seattle Seahawks LB Shaquem Griffin could be competing with LB Barkevious Mingo for one roster spot, in the opinion of the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta, who believes in that scenario Mingo's higher salary could help Griffin make the cut. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mingo has some pass rush ability as an edge, but Griffin is an excellent blitzer and contributes on special teams. Either way, the winner of the spot is a player the Seahawks only want to rely on for depth on defense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [SEA - OLB Mychal Kendricks could start at SLB](=) Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta Seattle Seahawks LB Mychal Kendricks could be the team's starting strongside linebacker alongside LBs Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, according to the Seattle Times' Bob Condotta, who notes LB Barkevious Mingo, last year's starting SLB, is expected to be used as more of a pass rusher this season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kendricks is still a starting quality linebacker, he provides some blitz potential for a toothless edge rush and the team has stuck with him through off-field trouble and suspensions. He should be rostered in IDP dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [OAK - Chris Warren competing for spot](=) Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Scott Bair Oakland Raiders RBs Chris Warren III and [DeAndre Washington]( are likely competing for one roster spot, in the opinion of NBC Sports Bay Area's Scott Bair, who lists RBs Josh Jacobs, [Jalen Richard]( and [Doug Martin]( as locks to make the 53-man roster. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] They are very different backs. Warren is a massive between the tackles pounder and Washington is nimble with application in space. Whichever doesn't make the team could catch on somewhere else. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [BUF - QB Matt Barkley with leg up in backup competition?]( Source: The Buffalo News - Jay Skurski Buffalo Bills QB [Matt Barkley]( is believed to be the frontrunner over QB Tyree Jackson for the primary backup job behind QB [Josh Allen](, according to beat writer Jay Skurski. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson has a skillset and top-end size/athleticism combination similar to Allen's even though he was an undrafted free agent. Some think he could have greatly improved his draft stock if he had gone back to school. He should be slowly developed as a #3, but projects as an ideal backup to Allen. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [SEA - George Fant expected to play some TE]( Source: SeahawksWire - Andy Patton Seattle Seahawks OT George Fant is competing for the starting right tackle job with OT Germain Ifedi, but head coach Pete Carroll also expects Fant to play tight end in 2019, too. 'Now we come back with a real clear idea of what he can do and how we can utilize him,' Carroll said. 'So we're just so much farther ahead in that regard and taking advantage of the mismatch that he creates. And there's not very many 329-pound tight ends in the NFL, you know, and it's fun to be huge.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is what is fun to teams that love to run the ball. Don't look for fantasy value at tight end in Seattle. [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: =