Footballguys #80 - 7/8 - Exclusive Take On Tyreek Hill's Legal Situation, Crushing Draft's Best Ball Contests, News And Notes And MORE

[New Format: Guillotine Leagues!](=) = 17 teams. Every week, the low scoring team gets eliminated and the entire roster goes to the waiver wire. The last team standing wins! [Find your Guillotine League and learn more here](=). --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #80 - 7/8 - Exclusive Take On Tyreek Hill's Legal Situation, Crushing Draft's Best Ball Contests, News And Notes And MORE Volume 21, #80 -- Monday Night, July 8th, 2019 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]() Howdy {NAME}, Good Tuesday to you. Today's one of those days where I hope you can grab an extra tall cup of coffee and dive in. We've got an exclusive take on Tyreek Hill's legal situation from new Staffer Drew Davenport. Drew's got extensive legal experience including work with the Department of Children's Services. Then our David Dodds breaks down his secrets to crushing the DRAFT.com Best Ball Contests. Then even more with John Norton on IDP, Jeff Tefertiller on Dynasty and Chad Parsons with a Commissioner Guide. And all the News and Notes you need. Giddy Up. J SITE NEWS A. [Tyreek Hill: The Legal Landscape Before Training Camp](=) New Footballguys Staffer Andrew Davenport is an attorney with extensive experience dealing with child abuse, neglect, and the Department of Children's Services. In this article, he dives into legal analysis and possible scenarios for the current Tyreek Hill situation. B. [Crushing Draft's Best Ball 12-Team Contests]() Our David Dodds takes you through his process of crushing 12-team best ball drafts at Draft.com. C. [Eyes of the Guru IDP Info, Part 4: NFC North]() Our John Norton with an overview of defenses in the NFC North with an emphasis on individual defensive players and their fantasy value. D. [Dynasty News, Offseason 2]( Our Jeff Tefertiller with a look at the recent fantasy news from a dynasty perspective. E. [Commissioner Guide, Getting Started]( Our Chad Parsons with The Footballguys guide to starting a new fantasy football league and being the league's commissioner. F. [MFL Import For Draft Dominator Classic]() This utility only imports leagues hosted by MyFantasyLeague.com, so you don't have to manually enter your league variables, scoring, schedules, rosters, salaries, etc. into the Draft Dominator Classic. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [ATL - WR Julio Jones plans to report](#1) 2. [NYG - QB Eli Manning in no rush to retire](#2) 3. [TEN - QB Ryan Tannehill is not going to start](#3) 4. [NO - QB Drew Brees tailed off](#4) 5. [BUF - WR Cole Beasley winning over QB](#5) 6. [BUF - WR John Brown a good fit?](#6) 7. [NFL - Several teams interested in Jalen Thompson](#7) 8. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake a force after contact](#8) 9. [PHI - RB Jordan Howard runs with power](#9) 10. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley churns out yards after contact](#10) 11. [BAL - TE Mark Andrews primed for big second season?](#11) 12. [PIT - WR James Washington could surprise](#12) 13. [TEN - TE Delanie Walker unsure about start of camp](#13) 14. [TB - Jamel Dean officially in the fold](#14) 15. [NO - TE Alize Mack impresses](#15) 16. [NO - Cyril Grayson made a statement](#16) 17. [NO - Three Saints backs competing](#17) 18. [TEN - RB David Fluellen will work as lead blocker](#18) 19. [BAL - Third down crucial for QB Lamar Jackson](#19) 20. [TEN - Anthony Firkser used in red zone](#20) 21. [BUF - RB Frank Gore a welcomed addition](#21) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [ATL - WR Julio Jones plans to report](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Darin Gantt Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones]( said he will not hold out of training camp because of his contract situation. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] According to the report, Jones said he has talked with owner Arthur Blank and is not worried about his contract. We're not worried about it either as the Falcons should once again make Jones one of the highest paid receivers in the league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYG - QB Eli Manning in no rush to retire]() Source: The New Orleans Advocate - Rod Walker New York Giants QB [Eli Manning]( turned 38 in January, making him the third-oldest quarterback in the league. However, he appears to have no designs on retiring anytime soon.'You take it year by year. I've been blessed going into my 16th year. That's been a blessing in itself. I love what I'm doing. I love the work that goes into it. You never know when it's going to be your last year or when it's going to be the end for you, so you try to take advantage of the years you're here and enjoy every moment. ... I'm not rushing into retirement. ... I still love being around the guys and the teammates and playing this game. I'm going to play it for as long as I think I can hang with these guys,' Manning said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Let's also remember, few players are in a rush to retire. In most cases, they're not the one making the decision. Manning perhaps has one more year left as the Giants starter. Daniel Jones was a top-10 pick in the 2019 NFL draft, and he is clearly the quarterback of the future. Most players drafted this highly see action sooner than later. Manning is in the final year of his contract and is likely to have to move on if he wants to keep starting in 2020. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [TEN - QB Ryan Tannehill is not going to start]() Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams Tennessee Titans QB [Ryan Tannehill]( will be the backup to QB [Marcus Mariota](, head coach Mike Vrabel said again on Sunday, July 7. He said Tannehill's job is to make Mariota better. 'His job as a backup - everybody's job as a backup - is to push the guy in front of him,' Vrabel said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] They are certainly getting the message out that Mariota has nothing to worry about in 2019. This is a make-or-break year for Mariota as he is in the final year of his rookie contract. He has to stay healthy and prove that he's the long-term answer for the Titans. However, if Mariota gets banged up again then Tannehill would get some playing time. If Mariota is healthy, we think the Titans ride with him even if he struggles a bit. Tannehill is there to hold a clipboard if things work out the way the Titans want them to. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NO - QB Drew Brees tailed off](=) Source: ESPN.com - Mike Triplett New Orleans Saints QB [Drew Brees]( averaged 285 passing yards per game with 29 touchdowns and two interceptions over the first 11 games, but he averaged 234.5 yards over his final six games, including the playoffs, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's important to note this trend when you're considering Brees in 2019. The Saints are no longer filling the air with footballs on a weekly basis, and they will likely continue to be balanced in 2019. Brees is 40-years old and all great quarterbacks slow down eventually. He's a low-end QB1 with some sweet NFC South matchups (can you say shootouts?) in November that Fantasy GMs will want a part of. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BUF - WR Cole Beasley winning over QB]() Source: BuffaloBills.com - Nate Mendelson Buffalo Bills WR [Cole Beasley]( is going to be a 'safety valve' in the passing game, according to QB [Josh Allen](. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That should be Beasley's main priority for the Bills. He will work the underneath routes to give Allen a consistent target to go to whenever the chains need to move or he's under too much pressure. The Bills are going to feature a run-heavy offense, so that does put a cap on Beasley's potential. From a fantasy perspective, it's fair to project Beasley for around 45 catches in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [BUF - WR John Brown a good fit?]() Source: BuffaloBills.com - Nate Mendelson Buffalo Bills WR [John Brown]('s 'knack for gaining separation on fly routes' should fit well with QB [Josh Allen]('s love of the deep ball, according to Nate Mendelson BuffaloBills.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown had a bit of a bounce-back season in 2018 with the Ravens. He averaged a career-best 17.0 yards per catch and (most importantly) stayed healthy for a full 16-game season...something he hadn't done since his rookie year of 2014. Brown should be the favorite deep threat for Josh Allen, and he could easily outperform his current ADP of WR68 (14.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NFL - Several teams interested in Jalen Thompson]( Source: DraftAnalyst.com - Tony Pauline Washington State S Jalen Thompson is receiving interest from the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The NFL Supplemental Draft is coming up on Wednesday, and there were 26 NFL teams at Thompson's pro day. That means he could have a good chance of getting selected. Pauline reports that Thompson was largely considered a fourth-round pick by the scouting community in the spring and could be selected with a late-round pick. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake a force after contact](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins RB [Kenyan Drake]( is tied with Cleveland Browns RB [Nick Chubb]( for first place with 3.7 yards after contact per attempt among the 54 NFL backs with 100 or more carries when they've been contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage since 2016, per Pro Football Focus. The league average among the group is 2.3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's kind of a surprise given that Drake is not a big back (like Chubb) but it does highlight how slippery the young runner is. We'll see how much new OC Chad O'Shea uses Drake in 2019 as he always was underutilized under former head coach Adam Gase. Drake has a current ADP of RB24 (4.11) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [PHI - RB Jordan Howard runs with power]() Source: Pro Football Focus Philadelphia Eagles RB [Jordan Howard]( has amassed 2,133 yards after contact since 2016 - the third-highest total in the league over that span - according to Pro Football Focus. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We don't need advanced data to know Howard is a power back, but it does highlight how difficult the veteran back is to bring down. He's the lead back for the Eagles this year but will be used in a RBBC with rookie Miles Sanders (and perhaps others). Howard is a two-down thumper and that limits his fantasy value. He's currently going off the board at RB38 (8.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley churns out yards after contact]() Source: Pro Football Focus Los Angeles Rams RB [Todd Gurley]( has recorded 2,192 yards after contact since 2016 - the second-highest total in the league over that span - according to Pro Football Focus. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's what Gurley does...and maybe used to do. We hope beyond hope that Gurley can return to his old form, but the knee problems from last year have put a scare in the fantasy community. Gurley has top-5 talent as a pro running back, but he's falling to RB11 (2.05) in 12-team PPR leagues as people are rightly concerned about his knee. Gurley could pay off big time if he can produce like the top-tier back he used to be. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [BAL - TE Mark Andrews primed for big second season?](=) Source: BaltimoreRavens.com Baltimore Ravens TE [Mark Andrews]( could be 'a featured receiving target' as a big body over the middle or even split out wide if offseason practices were any indication. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Andrews has already built a strong chemistry with Lamar Jackson from the connection they built as rookies in 2018. Even though the Ravens have 2018 first-round pick Hayden Hurst on the roster, Andrews is the more intriguing prospect because of that chemistry and his skill set as a receiver. The Ravens are going to run the ball early and often, but we like Andrews as a low-end TE2 with upside in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [PIT - WR James Washington could surprise]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Pittsburgh Steelers WR [James Washington]( 'will sneak up on people this year,' according to teammate [JuJu Smith-Schuster](. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington has a skill set that reminds some of former Dolphins wide receiver Chris Chambers because of his wingspan and ball-tracking ability. Behind Smith-Schuster there is a vacuum at the Steelers WR position. Guys like Washington, Donte Moncrief and rookie Diontae Johnson (don't forget Ryan Switzer too) will compete for snaps, time and targets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [TEN - TE Delanie Walker unsure about start of camp]( Source: SI.com - Jenny Vrentas Updating previous reports, Tennessee Titans TE [Delanie Walker]( (ankle) isn't sure whether he will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list or not, telling The MMQB that he'll 'leave it up to the coaches.' Walker did return to the field during organized team activities and felt good about his progress, according to The MMQB. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Walker has been working his way back from the ankle injury that cost him most of the 2018 season. He's a long-time veteran who doesn't need to get a ton of work in training camp. The Titans are likely to ease him back once he's ready for action. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [TB - Jamel Dean officially in the fold]() Source: The Athletic - Greg Auman Tampa Bay Buccaneers third-round CB Jamel Dean (Auburn) signed his four-year rookie contract Monday, July 8. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A third-round pick out of Auburn in the 2019 NFL draft, Dean has a fine size/speed combination. He attacks the ball in the air and has speed to burn. Medical issues are a concern as he's had three knee surgeries dating back to his high school days. If healthy, Dean should push for a spot in sub-packages. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [NO - TE Alize Mack impresses]( Source: The Times-Picayune - Rod Walker New Orleans Saints TE Alize Mack has shown great hands this offseason and could battle TE Dan Armold for the third tight end spot. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mack was a seventh-round pick out of Notre Dame in the 2019 NFL draft. He's certainly got incredible athletic traits, and we are excited to see what he can do in training camp and the preseason. Alize is a non-factor as a blocker but can stand out as a receiving threat. Jared Cook is the top tight end for the Saints this year, and we'll see if Alize can make the roster as a reserve/developmental prospect. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [NO - Cyril Grayson made a statement]( Source: The Times-Picayune - Rod Walker New Orleans Saints WR Cyril Grayson made several big plays in organized team activities and minicamp, and he could be the sleeper of the receiving corps. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Grayson is still learning the game of football. He was a track star in college at LSU and never played a down of college football. Grayson did play football in high school, but impressed enough with his speed at LSU's pro day in 2017 that the Seahawks offered him a contract. Now with the Saints, Grayson is trying to earn a spot deep on the roster or at least on the practice squad. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NO - Three Saints backs competing]( Source: The Times-Picayune - Rod Walker New Orleans Saints RBs [Javorius Allen](, Devine Ozigbo and [Matthew Dayes]( are challenging for a roster spot. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Allen and Dayes have NFL experience (with varying degrees) and Ozigbo is the undrafted rookie out of Nebraska. Alvin Kamara is the starter with Latavius Murray as his primary backup. We think Dwayne Washington works as their No. 3 running back, likely leaving only one spot for Allen, Ozigbo and Dayes to fight over. We'll watch this battle in training camp with interest in deep dynasty formats. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [TEN - RB David Fluellen will work as lead blocker](=) Source: PaulKuharsky.com - Paul Kuharsky Tennessee Titans RB [David Fluellen]( is expected to serve as the lead blocker, and head coach Mike Vrabel is reportedly high on Fluellen and his versatility out of the backfield and on special teams. He reportedly added 15 pounds to his frame during the offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fluellen has always had the size and ability to work as a blocker if called upon. That's what the team is doing this year with the big and versatile back. Fluellen is a smooth runner and underrated receiver out of the backfield, but touches will be difficult to find for him as he works as a third-string back or fullback behind Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [BAL - Third down crucial for QB Lamar Jackson](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens QB [Lamar Jackson]( ranked 31st in passer rating (76.0) and 32nd in completion rate (55.1 percent) on third downs last season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson needs to be a better passer in obvious passing situations. The reports about Jackson this offseason have been lukewarm at best in terms of what he's doing with his arm. We'll have to see if Jackson looks improved as a passer in training camp and the preseason before we get too excited about his prospects. However, with Jackson's elite athleticism there is no denying his upside as a fantasy quarterback. He's a QB2 with upside, and Jackson has a current ADP of QB20 (12.11) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [TEN - Anthony Firkser used in red zone]() Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans TE [Anthony Firkser]( made several catches during the red zone portion of minicamp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Firkser was picked up by the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Harvard in 2017. He spent time with the Jets and the Chiefs before finding his way to Tennessee. Firkser is not a huge prospect, measuring in at 6'2" 246 pounds, but he does have a basketball skill set and can adjust to poorly thrown passes on the move. He's the No. 3 tight end on the depth chart, so only monitor his progress if you play in deep dynasty formats. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [BUF - RB Frank Gore a welcomed addition]() Source: BuffaloBills.com - Nate Mendelson Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy]( said he has been 'begging' the front office to sign RB [Frank Gore]( for the last two seasons. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCoy got his wish, and it will likely cost him playing time. This offseason, McCoy, Gore and rookie Devin Singletary have all been getting first-team reps. The Bills are going to run the ball early and often, so this is looking like a RBBC -- perhaps even with three backs. That negatively impacts the fantasy value of McCoy. His RB1 days are long gone, so Fantasy GMs look at McCoy now as a low-end RB3 or RB4. His current ADP is RB40 (8.12) in 12-team PPR leagues. [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](=). 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