Footballguys #10 - 5/2 - Detailed Stat Projections, Rankings & MORE

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #10 -- Tuesday Night, May 2nd, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, It's a big day today as our Detailed Stat Projections are ready as well as our Staff Rankings plus our Combined Rookie Draft Board and More. It's May 3, but we are rolling hard for NFL News and Analysis. Let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Detailed Stats Projections Ready by David Dodds](=) Our Detailed Stat Projections are the foundation of everything we do at Footballguys. Multiple Footballguys Staff Experts project every stat that matters for every player. This allows us then to build custom cheatsheets based on your exact scoring system. Here's our David Dodds with his first cut for the year. B. [Detailed Stats Projections Ready by Jason Wood]() Our Detailed Stat Projections are the foundation of everything we do at Footballguys. Multiple Footballguys Staff Experts project every stat that matters for every player. This allows us then to build custom cheatsheets based on your exact scoring system. Here's our Jason Wood with his first cut for the year. C. [Combined Rookie Draft Board]( Our Dr. Jene Bramel with a visual look at a full offense-IDP rookie draft board with position-by-position commentary. D. [Footballguys Staff Rankings With Comments]() Our Footballguys Staffers are constantly updating their rankings and we have our first cut ready. You can sort and manipulate the rankings to view them the way you like. For many of the players, you can mouse over the ranking and see additional comments by the Staffers. E. [Player Spotlight - Michael Thomas]() Our Player Spotlights are some of the most detailed breakdowns you'll see anywhere for players. In this one, our Justin Howe looks into Michael Thomas. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles joining Broncos](#1) 2. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles confident in his knee](#2) 3. [BUF - No option for WR Sammy Watkins](#3) 4. [NO - RB Adrian Peterson remains confident](#4) 5. [NO - Saints using 'three-headed monster' at RB?](#5) 6. [NYJ - New York will have QB competition](#6) 7. [NE - RB Mike Gillislee terms](#7) 8. [CLE - Cleveland not pressuring DeShone Kizer](#8) 9. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green part of offseason work](#9) 10. [NE - WR Devin Street claimed by Patriots](#10) 11. [ATL - Alex Mack healthy again](#11) 12. [CAR - WR Kelvin Benjamin's option exercised](#12) 13. [GB - Kalif Phillips signs with Packers](#13) 14. [DET - TE Eric Ebron's option exercised](#14) 15. [PIT - WR Martavis Bryant absent from workouts](#15) 16. [CAR - Curtis Samuel to be used primarily in slot](#16) 17. [SF - Coach high on C.J. Beathard](#17) 18. [GB - Kevin King could start](#18) 19. [DAL - Taco Charlton's position determined](#19) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles joining Broncos](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Free-agent RB [Jamaal Charles](=) (Chiefs) will sign with the Denver Broncos after agreeing to terms Tuesday, May 2, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Charles stays in the AFC West here. If healthy, Charles has the speed and elusiveness to score anytime he touches the ball. But that's a big "if". We'll be watching closely to see how he works with C.J. Anderson. The Broncos need to monitor Charles' touches in order to keep him fresh and healthy. In a part-time role (but in a Mike McCoy offense), Charles could have at least RB4/flex fantasy value. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [DEN - RB Jamaal Charles confident in his knee]( Source: Cecil Lammey - 104.3 The Fan/Footballguys.com In a conference call with Broncos reporters, newly signed running back [Jamaal Charles](=) expressed confidence in his knee. "I've been working out, I feel good. I feel confident in my knee." Charles said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Charles has missed most of the last two years due to knee problems. Charles admits that last year he just wasn't healthy and that was certainly the case as he registered a career low 3.3 YPC on only 12 carries in just three games. How the backfield workload is distributed with C.J. Anderson will be a hot topic this summer. Charles will likely be filling a Danny Woodhead-like role for the Broncos. We should see him eased into action this offseason with the plan for him to fully participate in training camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [BUF - No option for WR Sammy Watkins](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Buffalo Bills WR [Sammy Watkins](=) will not have his fifth-year option picked up, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wow. The Bills must be concerned about Watkins suffering another injury as this option is guaranteed only for injury. If he stays healthy and plays up to his massive potential, Watkins is one of the best young WRs in the game today. If Watkins produces at a high level in 2017 then the Bills will have to consider rewarding him with a massive payday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NO - RB Adrian Peterson remains confident](=) Source: NewOrleansSaints.com New Orleans Saints RB [Adrian Peterson](=) (knee) believes he has 'a lot of years left' in the NFL. Peterson is 32 years old and is entering his 11th season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We don't doubt Peterson's confidence, but at some point even he will begin showing more and more signs of wear. The Saints should be using a three-headed RBBC this year with Mark Ingram as the lead back, Peterson as the battering ram and rookie Alvin Kamara as the receiving back. That split could help keep Peterson fresh, but we're not so sure about the 'a lot of years left' thing. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [NO - Saints using 'three-headed monster' at RB?](=) Source: The Times-Picayune - Larry Holder The New Orleans Saints' plan for the upcoming season is 'likely to recreate their 2009 and 2011 potent backfield attack' when they implemented a 'three-headed monster' at running back. This came to fruition when they drafted RB Alvin Kamara, who is a 'prototypical third-down back' to complement RBs [Mark Ingram](=) and [Adrian Peterson](=). Kamara could be in line to play a '[Reggie Bush](=)/[Darren Sproles](=)-type role.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Saints have so much talent at the running back position, it's falling out of Sean Payton's pockets. Ingram should be the lead back with Peterson playing a battering ram role. Kamara could easily be a full-time starter in the NFL, but he's such a great receiver (especially compared to the other two) the Saints should get him on the field in that way as much as possible. It's good news for the Saints, but a three-headed RBBC is difficult to navigate for fantasy owners. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [NYJ - New York will have QB competition]( Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets QBs [Josh McCown](=), Christian Hackenberg and [Bryce Petty](=) will compete for the starting quarterback position this offseason, according to head coach Todd Bowles. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Don't hold your breath here looking for fantasy value. McCown should have the leg up in this competition as he's the most experienced, but with the Jets you just never know how things are going to shake out. No matter who wins the job, fantasy owners will be looking elsewhere for help. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NE - RB Mike Gillislee terms]( Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin Updating previous reports, New England Patriots RB [Mike Gillislee](=)'s two-year, $6.4 million deal includes $4 million in 2017 via a $1.5 million guaranteed salary, a $2 million roster bonus and $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses. He's scheduled to make $2.4 million in 2018 with a $1.9 million salary and $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's a good price for Gillislee, and it's cheaper than what LeGarrette Blount likely wanted on the open market. Gillislee is going to fill Blount's role in 2017, and that has plenty of fantasy value. Getting 1,000 yards rushing with 7-9 touchdowns is not out of the question, and that gives him RB2 upside with a RB4 price tag in your fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [CLE - Cleveland not pressuring DeShone Kizer](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper Cleveland Browns rookie QB DeShone Kizer will be given time to adjust to the NFL and will not feel pressure to take over the starting job right away, according to executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown. 'He's a young man and he's going to have a long time that he's with us and in this league,' Brown said. 'If things go the way I'm sure he's planning on [them going] and the way we hope it goes, we don't have to rush it.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's the smart move. Kizer has a big arm and the athleticism to keep plays alive with his feet, but he needs significant work when it comes to making quick/precise decisions. The rookie has the upside to be a quality starter and does remind some in the scouting community of Daunte Culpepper....a raw version of Culpepper. The Browns should have Cody Kessler as their top QB with Brock Osweiler competing for a backup spot (for now). Kizer needs some time to get up to speed and develop. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green part of offseason work]( Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers TE [Ladarius Green](=) (concussion) is participating in offseason activities. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] In arguably the best tight end class in NFL history, the Steelers passed on selecting one in the 2017 NFL draft. That's good news for Green...if he can stay healthy. His first season with the Steelers was mostly a wash due to injury. It's a good sign that he's out there during offseason activities, but make sure to monitor Green's progress as training camp and the season draws near. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [NE - WR Devin Street claimed by Patriots]() Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Free-agent WR [Devin Street](=) (Colts) was claimed off waivers Tuesday, May 2, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Patriots will kick the tires on Street to see if they can use him in any way. He's bounced around the league so far, and this is his second stop in New England (2016). Street was signed to the team's practice squad on September 5th 2016 but he was lost to the Colts only a couple of weeks later. A fifth-round pick of the Cowboys in 2014, he's a size/speed guy at 6'3" 200 pounds but Street will struggle to make the final cuts with the Patriots. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [ATL - Alex Mack healthy again]( Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter Atlanta Falcons C Alex Mack (fibula) has recovered from the broken fibula he suffered in a playoff win over the Green Bay Packers earlier this year. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mack played hurt through the postseason and didn't miss a snap in the Super Bowl. Now healthy, Mack will lead the way in the middle on a quality offensive line. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [CAR - WR Kelvin Benjamin's option exercised]( Source: SI.com - Albert Breer Carolina Panthers WR [Kelvin Benjamin](=)'s fifth-year option was picked up Tuesday, May 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Benjamin had a fantastic rookie season, but he missed all of 2015 due to a knee injury and then registered a disappointing season in 2016. The option is only guaranteed for injury, so it doesn't automatically lock Benjamin onto the roster in 2018. Benjamin should be looking for a bounce-back season in 2017. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [GB - Kalif Phillips signs with Packers]( Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein Undrafted free-agent RB Kalif Phillips (North Carolina-Charlotte) signed a three-year deal with the Green Bay Packers Tuesday, May 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Packers showed interest in Phillips before the draft, so it makes sense they would add him to the mix as a priority free agent. Phillips is 5'9" and weighed in at a sturdy 218 pounds on pro day. At his pro day, Phillips registered a disappointing 4.64-second 40-yard dash. During 2016 Phillips rushed for 907 yards with four rushing touchdowns. He also chipped in with 20 catches for 242 receiving yards. Even in a revamped backfield, Phillips will struggle to make the 53-man roster. Perhaps he'll be a practice squad player. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [DET - TE Eric Ebron's option exercised]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Detroit Lions TE [Eric Ebron](=) had his fifth-year option exercised Tuesday, May 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ebron has improved each year he's been in the pros, and finished 2016 with a career high 61 catches for 711 receiving yards. If Ebron scored more touchdowns (only one score last year), he would be a better fantasy asset. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [PIT - WR Martavis Bryant absent from workouts]() Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Martavis Bryant](=) was not on the field for the team's 'Phase 2' of their offseason workouts Monday, May 1. He still has 'steps to take' before being able to rejoin his teammates for practices, including securing a local counselor. Bryant is 'hopeful for minicamp or sooner.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bryant should get this done in the near future. Once he secures a counselor, Bryant should be able to get back to practicing with his teammates. The Steelers OTAs begin on May 23rd, and that would be a realistic target date for the talented but oft-troubled wide receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CAR - Curtis Samuel to be used primarily in slot]( Source: Panthers.com - Max Henson Carolina Panthers WR Curtis Samuel said that the team is going to use him 'primarily as a slot receiver,' and that he'll also sometimes be in the backfield. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Samuel was one of the most dangerous players in college football with the ball in his hands. He's super fast, lightning quick and capable of stacking moves on top of moves to create space. Samuel is not a natural hands catcher, and he'll body catch too many throws. We'll see if he can work on that and then thrive in his role with the Panthers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [SF - Coach high on C.J. Beathard](=) Source: SI.com - Peter King San Francisco 49ers QB C.J. Beathard was the only quarterback head coach Kyle Shanahan wanted in the 2017 NFL Draft. Shanahan said Beathard reminds him of Washington Redskins QB [Kirk Cousins](=). [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There's quite a few things to like about Beathard. His deep passes may be some of the prettiest and most accurate of any quarterback in this draft class. Beathard is going to get some time to develop, but we're watching him closely in deep dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [GB - Kevin King could start]( Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers CB Kevin King could open the season as one of the starting cornerbacks, in the opinion of beat writer Rob Demovsky. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] King was one of the top corners available in the 2017 NFL draft. He's got unusual length (6'3") for the position, and the rookie has lined up inside at slot corner, outside at corner and also at safety. His versatility and physical attributes should help him see the field early and often for the Pack. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [DAL - Taco Charlton's position determined]( Source: The Dallas Morning News - David Moore Dallas Cowboys DE Taco Charlton will begin his career at right defensive end, according to head coach Jason Garrett. 'We want to give him every chance to be a right end for us,' Garrett said. 'We feel like he has the traits to do that.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Charlton has the length and burst to get after the passer from the edge. He reminded some in the scouting community of Chandler Jones (Cardinals), and there are many reasons why that comparison works. The Cowboys took him in the first round because Charlton he's got All-Pro potential and is seen as an ascending talent from his days at Michigan. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great Wednesday. 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 *