Training Camp Preview: NFC East
Mon Jul 25 11:37am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Gallup could be slowed early
This is the fifth in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.
Eagles
The Eagles made some moves this offseason, hoping to bring their team to a new level. The big move was adding receiver A.J. Brown, giving Jalen Hurts an elite receiver on his side. This should be a huge boost to the offense. Expectations are going to be very high for the Eagles. The big thing to watch this camp will be the development of Hurts. Philadelphia needs Hurts to up his game if they hope to improve and make a run at the Super Bowl. Hurts and his teammates train at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Training Complex in Philadelphia, Pa.
Position battle: Miles Sanders is fully expected to start, but the Eagles aren’t going to just hand him the job. He has been up and down in a starting role and the Eagles have never fully committed to him as their No. 1 back. So he will get some competition from Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott for work. Hopefully, Sanders can separate himself from the competition, but this hasn’t happened to date. It is a situation to watch.
Injury watch: Miles Sanders has missed time because of injury each of the past two seasons, missing nine games during that stretch. He has yet to prove he can withstand a full season as a three-down back in the NFL. Sanders needs to shed that label if he hopes to start and play a big role in the Eagles offense this season.
Giants
The Giants made a lot of moves this offseason, most notably adding coach Brian Daboll. He is considered a great offensive mind, so the Giants hope he can transform an offense that struggled last year. Much of the focus for camp watchers should be how Daboll impacts players on that side of the ball, especially guys like Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay. We will get to see all the Giants in action at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center at East Rutherford, N.J.
Position battle: The Giants have a lot of receivers, looking to grab playing time this year. It really is up in the air, especially if you consider the team has a new coaching staff. They are going to play the guys that catch their eye and deserve the work. Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson are all candidates to earn significant playing time this year. And whoever starts should have some fantasy value in an offense that has a chance to be much improved.
Injury watch: Sterling Shepard is returning from a torn Achilles’ tendon suffered in Week 15 last season. He has a long road back but is holding out some hope he might be ready for Week 1. That might be a little wishful thinking, but there is a chance. He also could miss some games to start the year because of the injury. This is an injury situation to watch during training camp. HIs status is up in the air for the start of the season.
Cowboys
There are always high expectations for the Cowboys and this year will be no different. Dallas has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and an owner that can be impatient. This could be a make or break year for the coaching staff. They will need to get the Cowboys performing in a hurry if they hope to make a long run in the playoffs this year. Dallas trains at the Marriott Residence Inn in Oxnard, Calif.
Position battle: Michael Gallup is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, leaving an opening for the other starting job opposite CeeDee Lamb. The two top candidates for that job are James Washington and Jalen Tolbert. There is a lot of buzz for Tolbert right now, but he is going to need to keep making plays and showing well in camp. Washington is an established veteran with past starting experience, so don’t discount him to start over Tolbert. This isn’t a given right now.
Injury watch: Michael Gallup is trying to return from a torn ACL. He is holding out hope to be ready for Week 1, but nothing is set for him right now. Gallup has a real chance to miss a few games to start the year as he recovers from his serious knee injury. We should get a better idea of his injury status during camp and preseason action, though. If Gallup is out there practicing and looking good, don’t count him out to be ready for Week 1.
Washington
Washington had a lot of turmoil with their day to day operations once again, so hopefully this doesn’t the team on the field. It hasn’t in the past, but you never know. The team has a new quarterback once again, hoping to have solved that problem that has plagued the team in recent years. Carson Wentz now gets to take over and try to establish himself as the franchise quarterback. He should be the big talk of camp, trying to bring more consistency to the offense. Washington has training camp at The Park in Ashburn, Va.
Position battle: Terry McLaurin is the No. 1 receiver and top target for Washington, but the other starter is up for grabs. Curtis Samuel was a big addition to this roster last season but couldn’t stay healthy. The Commanders drafted Jahan Dotson this season, adding more talent to the receiver room. Dotson should have a good chance to start from day one, but Samuel has a track record and the coaching staff likes him. Samuel could keep that starting job if he proves to be healthy and is making plays on the field.
Injury watch: Starting tight end Logan Thomas tore both his ACL and MCL last season. He has made good progress from the injury, though, and could be ready for Week 1. But there seems a better chance that Thomas will miss some time early in the year. He has a long history of injury, so the Commanders won’t rush him back unless he is fully healthy.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Dynasty | The Panthers traded up in the second round to select Texas running back Jonathon Brooks. Dynasty Analysis: It's a good landing spot for Brooks, who looks like a player who has a skillset of a premier running back in the NFL. He'll need to get healthy and return from a late season ACL tear but the Panthers are likely playing the long game here. With Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders not doing much to impress, it's hard to see Brooks not grabbing the top spot on the depth chart as soon as his knee will cooperate. Dynasty managers are also going to need to exhibit some patience here with Brooks as well but he still looks like a late first round rookie pick.
Dynasty | With the early selection of RB Jonathon Brooks (in a trade up, no less), the Panthers seem to have consolidated their backfield. Dynasty Analysis: Both Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard will have a little more time in the sun as Brooks rehabs his torn ACL and gets back into playing shape. But make no mistake, the move to draft Brooks signals an intention in Carolina to feature him in the running game. Sanders will be in the most peril, considering his cap hit, but both backs could be cap casualties and, in the meantime, will serve as backups to Brooks once he is healthy.
Dynasty | The Colts drafted wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Mitchell lasted a little longer than most expected but landed on his feet when he was taken by the Colts with the 52nd overall pick. He'll compete with players like Josh Downs and Alec Pierce for targets behind Michael Pittman. Ultimately, his dynasty value is going to hinge on the health and development of quarterback Anthony Richardson. His fall, along with some uncertainty about his place in the offense is likely going to push him down into round two of most rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The second round selection of WR Adonai Mitchell gives the Colts' franchise QB yet another explosive weapon. Dynasty Analysis: In a drastically shortened rookie campaign, Richardson gave dynasty players a tantalizing glimpse of his playmaking abilities. His obvious strength was in the running game, but after several injuries and an early end to his season, the goal will be to keep him in the pocket and help him get comfortable standing tall and throwing downfield. Adding Mitchell to an already stocked supporting cast of WRs Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, as well as RB Jonathan Taylor, should give Richardson all the weaponry he needs to outperform his QB8 dynasty ranking and join the top three conversation.
Dynasty | Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott was taken in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Sinnott was surprisingly taken in the second round of the NFL Draft by the tight end-needy Washington Commanders. It's a surprising development as most thought Sinnott wasn't going to be taken until day three. The draft capital used combined with the fact he was the sercond tight end taken overall is going to vault Sinnott up rookie draft boards. While he could be taken a little too highly, Washington was a premier draft spot for a tight end and that can't be ignored.
Dynasty | The New York Jets drafted Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley early in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: He should slot in nicely behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams and be allowed to come along rather slowly. Corley is a bit of a project but his ceiling is tantalizing. Aaron Rodgers has been notoriously tough on rookie receivers, so some patience may need to be used here. However, Corley still looks like a pretty solid pick in the late second or early third round of a rookie draft. He's a small school prospect but has some pretty impressive tape out there so he could be a steal in the end.
Dynasty | The Arizona Cardinals drafted Florida State running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Benson was snapped up with the 66th overall selection. It's a solid landing spot for the former Seminole who will presumably pair with James Conner in a new-look backfield in the desert in the short-term. However, Conner's injury history and age is going to likely pave a quick path to a true starting job for Benson sooner rather than later. While he may not reach his potential for a year or two, Benson looks like a very solid pick right around the round 1/2 turn in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | With the early third round selection of RB Trey Benson, the Cardinals prepare for life after James Conner. Dynasty Analysis: Benson was widely regarded as a top two RB in the rookie class, and could prove to be a steal in the third round. But it isn't the type of draft capital that commands an immediate workload. Dynasty managers can expect a dip in Conner's dynasty value long-term; a dip that was coming for the 28 year-old anyways. But the short term value should get a bump as Conner takes on a full workload with Benson's fresh legs waiting patiently until the wheels fall off for Conner.
Dynasty | The Bengals drafted Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Burton was a surprise pick of the Bengals at #80 overall. While he's currently buried on the depth chart, there's a chance he can grow into real relevance if Tee Higgins eventually gets moved. Burton is a project but one with a pretty solid landing spot as he's now paired with Joe Burrow. Alabama receivers obviously have a solid track record in the NFL and Burton was once a highly though of prospect. Perhaps we have a diamond in the rough here with a late round rookie pick.
Dynasty | The Los Angeles Rams drafted Michigan running back Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Corum was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the NFL Draft. Never afraid to take a shot on a runner, Sean McVay has struck again, this time with the uber-productive Corum. Unfortunately, the Rams also have a very talented player in Kyren Williams at the top of the depth chart. Corum is going to be difficult to value in rookie drafts this Spring because he could be one injury away from major value or spend a long time on the bench watching Williams. In the end, he's likely going to be a short-yardage player who is a serious thorn in the side of Williams managers. Corum projects as a likely late second or early third rounder in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in round three of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Now this is interesting. Somehow the 14th wide receiver taken overall, Wilson still has some tantalizing upside. Pittsburgh has historically done very well with receivers taken in the middle rounds and he fits the mold of a player with upside who could blossom in the right environment. With George Pickens the only real certainty on the depth chart, Wilson makes for a solid "high ceiling and low floor" type of rookie pick in the middle rounds of a rookie draft.
Dynasty | The Green Bay Packers drafted USC running back Marshawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Lloyd was taken in the third round by the Green Bay Packers, a bit of a surprise pick considering the fact they added Josh Jacobs this off-season and re-signed AJ Dillon as well. Lloyd is a developmental prospect with a lot of tread on his tires but this wasn't the best landing spot for his dynasty value. His rookie ADP is going to fall a bit post-draft and he looks like a third or fourth round rookie pick as a result.
After plenty of trade rumors swirling around wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk leading up to this year's draft, the San Francisco 49ers have not dealt either of them through the first three rounds. "We didn't entertain any of that today. We're happy with our wide receiver group. Actually, more than happy. We're thrilled with it. And thrilled to add Ricky to it to make it stronger," general manager John Lynch said. The Niners have definitely been listening to trade offers for both wideouts, but apparently they just haven't been able to work anything out. Aiyuk is looking for a new long-term deal as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, while Samuel is set to count over $20 million against the salary cap next year. Something's got to give. Now that we're onto Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft, it's more likely than not that both Aiyuk and Samuel will stick around for the 2024 season.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have selected Rice University wide receiver Luke McCaffrey with the 100th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The pick marked the end of Round 3 and Day 2 of the draft. McCaffrey is a converted quarterback who transferred from Nebraska to Rice during the middle of his collegiate career. He truly broke out during his final season with the Owls, catching 71 passes for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for an additional 117 yards on the ground. The brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey and son of three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey, Luke demonstrated extreme leadership, football IQ, physicality, athleticism, and route running skills at Rice. He excelled in contested catch scenarios and should be a very reliable weapon for the Commanders and new quarterback Jayden Daniels. He figures to enter training camp as Washington's No. 3 wide receiver behind Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan with the 92nd overall pick in the NFL draft. McMillan totaled 559 yards on 45 catches with five scores in 11 games last season. He plays mostly from the slot and did have a nagging knee injury that limited his catches considerably compared to 2022, where he caught 79 passes. The 22-year-old does well in changing speeds in a route to put defensive backs on their heels. McMillan joins a veteran-led wide receiver room with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. McMillan should be in contention to serve as the number three option with Trey Palmer, who Tampa selected last season. McMillan should be a popular pick in rookie drafts and could carve out a role in redraft as well.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers selected USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th pick in the NFL draft. Lloyd is credited for having great acceleration and the ability to bounce outside the tackles. He averaged over seven yards per carry last season, which showcases his big-play ability. The 23-year-old ran for 820 yards and nine scores last season. Lloyd joins a running back room that just welcomed Josh Jacobs, which will limit his fantasy value early on, but he could grow into a part-time contributor over the course of his rookie season.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected University of Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson with the No. 84 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old was one of J.J. McCarthy's favorite targets on the national champion Wolverines. He caught 49 passes for 789 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, showcasing his speed, hands, and route running skills on a national stage. The Steelers have been looking for wide receiver help ever since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Wilson could immediately slot into the Steelers' No. 2 wide receiver role alongside George Pickens, giving him appeal in both redraft and dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Cardinals selected University of Illinois tight end Tip Reiman with the No. 82 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played four years at Illinois, totaling 420 yards and five touchdowns off 41 catches. While the 22-year-old has plenty of positive attributes, he wasn't as productive at the collegiate level as others in his class. With that said, Reiman will have a chance to carve out playing time in Arizona, a team in a transition phase. However, he'll need to compete for snaps with Trey McBride, one of the league's emerging tight ends.
From RotoBaller
The Bengals selected Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton with the No. 80 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The 22-year-old began his collegiate career at Georgia. However, he played at Alabama in the last two seasons. During his time with the Crimson Tide, he totaled 79 catches for 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also averaged 20.5 yards per catch as a senior. It will be tough for anyone to get consistently involved offensively with Ja'Marr Chase and potentially Tee Higgins in the equation. However, If Burton gets snaps, he could flourish catching passes from Joe Burrow, one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams have selected University of Michigan running back Blake Corum with the No. 83 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The national champion is the third running back off the board following Texas' Jonathon Brooks and Florida State's Trey Benson. He totaled 2,905 scrimmage yards and a whopping 47 touchdowns over his last two seasons. He's not a major contributor in the passing game but clearly carves out plenty of work on the ground and near the goal line. Kyren Williams is still Los Angeles' top running back, but Corum should carve out a role and could even have immediate fantasy appeal given his nose for the end zone.
From RotoBaller
