Footballguys #51 - 6/12 - Sleepers, Overvalued Players, Instagram, News & Notes and MORE

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #51 -- Monday Night, June 12th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Tuesday to you. As we race towards Father's Day this Sunday, don't let your kids be this guy... Let them buy you something you want this year - [A Footballguys Insider PRO or Insider PRO Plus subscription.]( Just buy it for yourself and let them "give" it to you. Or if you want to give a subscription, [click here]( and you can purchase a gift subscription. Either way, you're going to have some VERY happy Fathers here. Ok then. We've got some more of the always popular Value Series articles for you plus the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Follow Footballguys On Instagram]() Yup, [I'm on Instagram with Footballguys.]() Fun pictures and good discussion. You guys guide me there with the comments as to what you'd like to see. B. [Value Plays - Running Backs](=) The Value Plays Series is one of the best things we do at Footballguys as the key to drafting success is finding undervalued players and avoiding overvalued players. We put our Footballguys staff to work polling them to see how they see this season unfolding. In this one, we look at running backs who may be undervalued this year. C. [Overvalued Players: Running Backs]( The Value Plays Series is one of the best things we do at Footballguys as the key to drafting success is finding undervalued players and avoiding overvalued players. We put our Footballguys staff to work polling them to see how they see this season unfolding. In this one, we look at running backs who may be overvalued this year. D. [Deep Sleepers: Running Backs]() The Value Plays Series is one of the best things we do at Footballguys as the key to drafting success is finding undervalued players and avoiding overvalued players. We put our Footballguys staff to work polling them to see how they see this season unfolding. In this one, we look at running backs who may not be getting enough attention this year. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [BAL - WR Jeremy Maclin chooses Ravens](#1) 2. [CAR - No throwing for QB Cam Newton](#2) 3. [NYJ - WR Eric Decker released](#3) 4. [CAR - Christian McCaffrey to miss two days](#4) 5. [BAL - Baltimore may still pursue WR Eric Decker](#5) 6. [KC - No kick returns for WR Tyreek Hill](#6) 7. [NYG - WR Odell Beckham Jr. returns to team](#7) 8. [DET - Receiver competition brewing in Detroit](#8) 9. [DEN - QB Paxton Lynch still developing](#9) 10. [WAS - WR Josh Doctson the new WR Pierre Garcon](#10) 11. [CLE - QB Cody Kessler to be first in drills](#11) 12. [WAS - WR Jamison Crowder will be starter](#12) 13. [TB - QB Jameis Winston off to historic start](#13) 14. [DET - RB Ameer Abdullah the 'best two-way back on roster'](#14) 15. [CLE - Joe Thomas likely to rest during minicamp](#15) 16. [CLE - Two top Browns rookies working with backups](#16) 17. [NYJ - RB Jordan Todman expected to join Jets](#17) 18. [HOU - Duane Brown not expected at minicamp](#18) 19. [LAR - Cooper Kupp to serve as safety blanket?](#19) 20. [NO - QB Ryan Nassib joining Saints](#20) 21. [JAX - TE Mychal Rivera earning reps](#21) 22. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery finding a rhythm](#22) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [BAL - WR Jeremy Maclin chooses Ravens](=) Source: BaltimoreRavens.com Free-agent WR [Jeremy Maclin](=) (Chiefs) signed a two-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens Monday, June 12. Financial terms were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He choo-choo-chooses the Ravens like Ralph chose Lisa on the Simpsons. Maclin chose Balitmore over both Philadelphia and Buffalo. His final year in Kansas City was cut short and hampered by a groin injury, and when healthy he may not quite be the speed merchant he was a few years ago. He could man the slot for the Ravens with Mike Wallace and Breshad Perriman cleaning up on the outside. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CAR - No throwing for QB Cam Newton]() Source: Panthers.com - Bill Voth Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton](=) (shoulder) will not throw during the minicamp this week, according to head coach Ron Rivera. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even though he won't be throwing this week, the team reportedly has been encouraged by Newton's recovery from shoulder surgery. They'll work him at minicamp without throwing so they can have him ready to go for training camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [NYJ - WR Eric Decker released](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New York Jets WR [Eric Decker](=) was released Monday, June 12, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Jeremy Maclin picking the Ravens (the team perhaps interested in trading with the Jets), Decker's release was imminent. This move saves the Jets $7.25 million in cap space. Decker is coming back from an injury shortened 2016 and has been recovering from hip and shoulder surgeries. If healthy, Decker can still make plays at the pro level. Expect a team like the Bills or Eagles to show the most interest. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [CAR - Christian McCaffrey to miss two days]() Source: Panthers.com - Bill Voth Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey will not be allowed to participate in the upcoming minicamp until Thursday, June 16, because Stanford is still having final exams. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The NFL rule prohibits rookies who played at quarter-system schools (like Stanford) to join their pro team until the school's final exams are complete. Stanford students won't be done with exams until Wednesday evening, so therefore McCaffrey has to wait until Thursday to make his on-field debut with the veterans. This rule has kept McCaffrey out since rookie minicamp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BAL - Baltimore may still pursue WR Eric Decker](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New York Jets WR [Eric Decker](=) could still be part of the Baltimore's plans even with the Ravens signing WR [Jeremy Maclin](=). [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Ravens need all the help they can get at the wide receiver position. Maclin gives them another veteran to go along with Mike Wallace, but that's about it for experienced wideouts. Adding Maclin and Decker may seem a bit outlandish, but never say never in this crazy league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [KC - No kick returns for WR Tyreek Hill]() Source: The Kansas City Star - Terez A. Paylor Kansas City Chiefs WR [Tyreek Hill](=) will not be returning kickoffs this season, according to special teams coordinator Dave Toub. Toub and the Chiefs view Hill as too valuable of a wide receiver in light of free-agent WR [Jeremy Maclin](=)'s (Chiefs) release. Hill will remain the Chiefs' punt returner, however. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Head coach Andy Reid has already said that managing Hill's workload won't be an issue. Reid has managed similar players in former Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook and Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR DeSean Jackson. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NYG - WR Odell Beckham Jr. returns to team](=) Source: Instagram New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham Jr](=). posted on Instagram that he has reported for organized team activities Monday, June 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The mandatory part of minicamp has begun, so it's no surprise Beckham is out there. Beckham had been skipping voluntary OTAs, likely as a protest to his current contract situation. The Giants used the fifth-year option on Beckham, so they have him under contract through 2018. With three seasons over 1,300 yards receiving, the Giants could wrap up a new deal for Beckham now that might be cheaper than the one he'd see on the open market in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [DET - Receiver competition brewing in Detroit]() Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman Detroit Lions WR [T.J. Jones](=) and WR Jace Billingsley currently have a leg up in the battle for the remaining receiver spots behind WR [Marvin Jones](=), WR [Golden Tate](=) and WR Kenny Golladay, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] T.J. Jones has spent time as the slot receiver for the first-team offense during OTAs, and he's got the edge in the competition for the no4 wide receiver. As it currently stands, Jones has no fantasy value for re-draft leagues. However, we'll be watching him in the preseason for the dynasty leagues we play in. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [DEN - QB Paxton Lynch still developing]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos QB [Paxton Lynch](=) 'remains a work in progress' heading into minicamp, according to beat writer Mike Klis. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lynch isn't a finished product, but there have been signs that he's 'getting it' on the field ...and off it. He's got a big arm, is more athletic than some think and has a willingness to challenge a defense deep. Lynch needs to work on the boring stuff to become a quality starter. The 5-yard passes that he's errant on need to be cleaned up. He needs to stay on schedule as a passer from the pocket if he's truly going to play up to his potential. Lynch will compete in training camp for the starting job with Trevor Siemian. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [WAS - WR Josh Doctson the new WR Pierre Garcon]() Source: The Washington Times - Nora Princiotti Washington Redskins WR [Josh Doctson](=) will be used in the Z receiver role to start the season, head coach Jay Gruden said. Last year, San Francisco 49ers WR [Pierre Garcon](=) occupied the Z receiver role for the Redskins. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That means Doctson should be in for over 100 targets this year. Projecting 50 catches (or more) for the second-year pro is not outlandish. Doctson is behind WR Terrelle Pryor and TE Jordan Reed in the pecking order (perhaps WR Jamison Crowder too), but he's still got WR5/flex appeal for fantasy owners. He has a current ADP of WR56 (12.11) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [CLE - QB Cody Kessler to be first in drills](=) Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns QB [Cody Kessler](=) likely will continue to be the leading quarterback during drills at the upcoming minicamp even though head coach Hue Jackson said he considered changing the quarterback rotation. Kessler has been followed by QBs [Brock Osweiler](=), DeShone Kizer and [Kevin Hogan](=) during offseason workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kessler has the experience from last year, but he'll have to be a bit more daring this year to win the starting job. Osweiler may be the main competition for the job (if he makes the team), while Kizer is seen as a potential QB of the future. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [WAS - WR Jamison Crowder will be starter]() Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Washington Redskins WR [Jamison Crowder](=) will play on the outside in two-receiver sets and inside in three-wide sets. He'll also return punts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Crowder's numbers keep going up, and in 2017 he may post career highs in all the major categories. The team is going to distribute targets differently with DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon moving on in free agency. It sounds like Terrelle Pryor will be the "X" receiver while Crowder will play the "Z" receiver. There was a report last week that Josh Doctson would play the "Z" but he might only get on the field when Washington goes to three wide receivers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [TB - QB Jameis Winston off to historic start]() Source: NFL.com Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB [Jameis Winston](=) is the only quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 4,000 yards and 20-plus touchdowns in each of his first two seasons. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We expect Winston to once again eclipse those numbers in 2017. The Bucs went out and added WR DeSean Jackson in free agency. Then they selected potential star TE O.J. Howard in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. With better weapons around him, Winston could turn in his best season yet. He could be a top-10 fantasy QB in 2017. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [DET - RB Ameer Abdullah the 'best two-way back on roster']() Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman Detroit Lions RB [Ameer Abdullah](=) makes the offense noticeably better and is "the best two-way back on the roster", in the opinion of Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's true and all, but it's not like the Lions have a stacked backfield. The Lions will use a RBBC featuring Abdullah as the lead back. Theo Riddick will still be their main pass-catching back with Zach Zenner working in as a short-yardage and/or red-zone back. Abdullah has a current ADP of RB26 (6.03) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CLE - Joe Thomas likely to rest during minicamp](=) Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns OT Joe Thomas is not expected to do much during the upcoming minicamp so he can keep his body rested for the start of the season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Browns have a good offensive line, and Thomas is the anchor of the unit at left tackle. The rest of their offense is a work in progress, so they need Thomas and company to help lead the way. There is a chance the Thomas sits out the entire minicamp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CLE - Two top Browns rookies working with backups](=) Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett and S Jabrill Peppers worked with the third-team defense during organized team activities. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We should see both of these rookies climb the depth chart in training camp. Garrett was the no1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, and he's drawn comparisons to a young Julius Peppers. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NYJ - RB Jordan Todman expected to join Jets](=) Source: SiriusXM Radio - Adam Caplan Free-agent RB [Jordan Todman](=) (Colts) is expected to sign with the New York Jets, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Behind Bilal Powell and Matt Forte, the Jets have 2017 sixth-round pick Eli McGuire. Todman plays a lot like McGuire because he's a change-of-pace back. Don't expect Todman to do much of anything if he's added and if he makes the final roster. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [HOU - Duane Brown not expected at minicamp](=) Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans OT Duane Brown is expected to skip the mandatory minicamp that starts Tuesday, June 13, because he is unhappy with his contract situation, according to a source. The Texans can fine him as much as $80,400 if he decides to miss all three days. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown is under contract through 2018, but there's no more guaranteed money remaining on his deal. He's got a cap hit of $9.6 million in 2017 and $9.7 million in 2018. Brown missed the first four games of 2016 with a torn quad, but he was a standout tackle upon his return. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [LAR - Cooper Kupp to serve as safety blanket?](=) Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp is a solid candidate to be QB [Jared Goff](=)'s safety blanket, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Alden Gonzalez. Gonzalez cites Kupp's route-running, football smarts and polished game as reasons for being Goff's go-to guy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kupp's game is all about reliability. He's a sound route-runner with the ability to gash a defense with run after the catch yards. Robert Woods may be the flashier guy and Tavon Austin may be quicker, but Kupp could be the security blanket Goff needs in year two. Kupp has a current ADP of WR61 (13.08) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [NO - QB Ryan Nassib joining Saints]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Free-agent QB [Ryan Nassib](=) (Giants) is expected to sign with the New Orleans Saints, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nassib is likely just a camp arm the team is taking a look at. He'll compete with Garrett Grayson for the no3 job behind starter Drew Brees and primary backup Chase Daniel. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [JAX - TE Mychal Rivera earning reps](=) Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran Jacksonville Jaguars TE [Mychal Rivera](=) has been seeing starter-level snaps during OTAs, and head coach Doug Marrone praised Rivera for his dependability. '[Rivera] is a player that makes the plays he should make,' Marrone said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Julius Thomas traded to the Dolphins, the Jaguars need to find a new starting tight end. Marcedes Lewis has the veteran experience advantage, but he's likely to lose some targets to Rivera. After a 58-catch, 534 yard season in 2014 Rivera's stats have steadily declined. We don't see him bouncing back this year as he'll continue to be stuck in a timeshare. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery finding a rhythm]( Source: ESPN.com - Tim McManus Philadelphia Eagles WR [Alshon Jeffery](=) said he and QB [Carson Wentz](=) and the rest of the offense are starting to click. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's great news for Eagles fans and fantasy owners. Jeffery signed a one-year 'prove it' deal with Philadelphia earlier this year. If he plays up to his potential in this offense, Jeffery could get that 'break the bank' deal he wanted. Fantasy players should look at him as a WR2 with upside. His current ADP is WR16 (3.08) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being a part of Footballguys. It's an honor. 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 *