Training Camp Preview: AFC South

Wed Jul 20 10:16am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Titans need Henry back healthy


This is the third 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.

Titans

The Titans had another great season last year but came up short in the playoffs. Tennessee certainly has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but can’t seem to get over the hump. Will this be the year? The team might be running out of time with Derrick Henry another year older. The window could be closing, making this camp an important one to see if this team can take one more step forward. That Titans hold training camp at Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn.

Position battle: The Titans traded their No. 1 receiver, A.J. Brown this offseason, leaving some big shoes to fill at receiver. The team did bring in Robert Woods and Treylon Burks to help fill that void. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also will be in the mix to start, though, do don’t discount him. All three players will battle it out for the right to start in Tennessee. Burks is the projected top receiver but missing workouts this offseason didn’t help matters for him. He had some asthma issues, causing him to miss time. And Woods is recovering from a torn ACL, so nothing is certain with this receiver room right now. It should get sorted out this training camp. 

Injury watch: Derrick Henry missed half of last season because of a foot injury, which required surgery. This is a serious injury to return, but Henry has looked great in offseason workouts and looks back to 100 percent. This is still an injury to watch going forward. Just make sure he is back to his old self in camp and preseason action before using a high draft pick on him this year. 

Colts

The Colts made a change at quarterback once again this offseason. Indy traded for Matt Ryan and dealt Carson Wentz after just a season. The Colts hope Ryan can steady the ship at quarterback and take this team to a new level. Ryan certainly has the track record to help this team reach new heights. So much of the focus of this camp will be getting Ryan up to speed in the offense. Ryan and the offense will get going at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind.

Position battle: Michael Pittman is the No. 1 receiver for the Colts, but the starter opposite him is up for grabs. Parris Campbell and rookie Alex Pierce should challenge for that other starter spot. Campbell has performed well on the field but hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Pierce is a very talented rookie, but could need some seasoning before he is ready to jump into a starting role. This one is really up for grabs.

Injury watch: Parris Campbell has played 15 games in three seasons. He has a world of talent and has produced when on the field, but he can’t stay healthy. He is returning from foot surgery this time. His health will be a big thing to watch this training camp for the Colts. Campbell can be a difference maker for the offense, but needs to be on the field.  

Jaguars

The Jaguars were a disaster last year because of a coaching situation that didn’t work out. The team made changes to the coaching staff once again, hoping this is the right fit. Training camp will be a good time for the coaching staff to get the team on the same page. Plus, the Jaguars made a lot of changes to the roster this offseason, hoping to find new talent for franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. There is a lot of new in Jacksonville, which should make for an intriguing training camp. Jacksonville trains at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Fla.

Position battle: The Jaguars added plenty of playmakers offensively this offseason. The receiver spot really looks different with Christian Kirk and Zay Jones added to the mix. Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault are still around, though, and will look for playing time. These four players should battle it out for playing time this camp and preseason. 

Injury watch: Travis Etienne missed his entire rookie season because of a Lisfranc injury suffered during the preseason. He is well on his road to recovery and should be all systems go for training camp and the start of the season. As long as he is healthy, Etienne will play a huge role for the Jaguars offense. He has a load of talent and can be used on a variety ways offensively. 

Texans 

Houston had another tough season last year, leading to another change to the head coach. Veteran Lovie Smith will look to get this team going in the right direction. The good news is the Texans have a lot of young talent and competed hard last year. This team might not be as far off as many think. We will get a better idea during training camp and preseason action, though. Houston holds training camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Texas. 

Position battle: The Texans are looking for a No. 1 running back. The team drafted Dameon Pierce but he is not going to be handed the job by any means, especially since he was a fourth-round pick. Marlon Mack might be No. 1 on the depth chart right now, followed by Rex Burkhead. It would seem Pierce has the best chance to emerge, but Mack could be the one to open the season as the starter. 

Injury watch: Marlon Mack has a chance to be the starter for the Texans, but will need to be healthy and at full strength to win that job. He has played six games the last two seasons. Last year he was a healthy scratch much of the season, but injuries have always been an issue for Mack throughout his career. They are always going to be a concern going forward for Mack. Hopefully, he has a clean camp and can earn a big role with the team.  

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.

Player Notes
Gus Edwards Apr 18 12:13am CT
Gus Edwards

Dynasty | The Chargers are signing running back JK Dobbins to a one-year deal. Dynasty Analysis: Once one of the most coveted running backs in all dynasty leagues, Dobbins' career has been shattered by injuries, including a torn Achilles that happened in week one last season. When healthy, Dobbins has been one of the most effective runners in the league. However, since being drafted in 2020, he has been able to suit up in only 24 career games. He'll conceivably pair up with Gus Edwards and could have some dynasty value again should Los Angeles fail to add to the depth chart through the upcoming NFL Draft.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Rashaad Penny Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Rashaad Penny

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly visited with unrestricted free-agent running back Rashaad Penny on Wednesday. Seattle is pretty familiar with Penny after taking him with the 27th overall pick in the 2018 draft out of San Diego State. The 28-year-old flashed moments of brilliance in the first five seasons with the Seahawks but just was never able to stay healthy enough to stay on the field for long stretches. Penny averaged 5.7 yards per carry with 1,918 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 337 carries in Seattle while also catching 27 passes for 222 yards and another score. He had his smallest role yet with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, carrying the ball 11 times for 33 yards in three regular-season games. A move back to Seattle would have Penny serving as backfield depth behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Wesco Apr 17 11:10pm CT
Trevon Wesco

The Cleveland Browns reportedly visited with Tennessee Titans undrafted free-agent tight end Trevon Wesco on Wednesday. Wesco was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round (121st overall) in 2019 out of West Virginia. The 28-year-old spent the first three years of his NFL career in New York before single-year stints with the Chicago Bears and Titans in each of the last two seasons. He has just nine receptions on 17 targets for 134 yards and no touchdowns in 69 games (23 starts) in his five-year NFL career. Wesco has made a career out of being a blocking-first tight, so he won't even be close to the fantasy radar if he lands in Cleveland as depth in the TE room behind David Njoku and alongside names like Jordan Akins, Giovanni Ricci and Zaire Mitchell-Paden.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Apr 17 7:00pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) plans to sign a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers according to his agent. Dobbins appeared in just one game in 2023 before he tore his Achilles and missed the remainder of the campaign. The veteran runner will be reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who called plays for the Baltimore Ravens during a portion of Dobbins' stint there. Signs indicate that new head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to operate a run-heavy offensive approach with the Chargers, which would be good news for Dobbins, provided he's healthy. Consider this a good landing spot for Dobbins, who will look to prove his health in hopes of landing a long-term deal next offseason.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slay Apr 17 3:50pm CT
Darius Slay

The Philadelphia Eagles concluded pre-draft visits with Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold and Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean this week. Philly is clearly interested in adding defensive back talent to its defense after allowing 252.7 passing yards per game last year (second-worst). The organization holds the No. 22 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is right in the range where Arnold and DeJean could be selected. Arnold, a 2023 first-team All-American, racked up 20 pass deflections and six interceptions over the last two seasons. DeJean totaled 13 pass deflections and seven interceptions in his final two collegiate campaigns, and he averaged 13.1 yards per punt return. Both players are considered top cornerback prospects in this cycle, so Philadelphia would make a great landing spot for either one as James Bradberry (30 years old) and Darius Slay (33 years old) have likely seen their best days in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Apr 17 3:40pm CT
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has not yet reported to voluntary offseason workouts this week, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. The 27-year-old is seeking a contract extension after posting 50 receptions for 770 yards and four touchdowns last season. He led the team in receiving yards last year, and he has done so in four of the last five campaigns. He's due to make $6.2 million in 2024. Although Slayton is far from a fantasy football superstar, he's been productive at times -- making this a situation worth monitoring. He should be a top wideout target in New York's offense once again, though they might take a wideout in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and second-year receiver Jalin Hyatt could take on a larger role.

From RotoBaller

Cam Brown Apr 17 3:30pm CT
Cam Brown

Free-agent linebacker Cam Brown is signing with the Miami Dolphins, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Brown spent the last four seasons with the New York Giants after being selected by the organization in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Penn State. In his first 60 NFL games, the 26-year-old accumulated 35 tackles (24 solo) and two forced fumbles. He posted seven special teams tackles last season, which is where he will likely contribute for the Fins in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Apr 17 1:50pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday. McMillan was a three-year starter in college and is projected to be a Day 2 selection in the upcoming NFL draft next week. The 22-year-old ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in February and also has good size at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds. In his career with the Huskies, McMillan had 164 receptions for 2,143 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 38 games played. Even though Cincy still has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins around, they are expected to take a receiver in this year's draft. They have three Day 3 picks, including two third-round picks at Nos. 80 and 97.

From RotoBaller

Christian Wilkins Apr 17 1:30pm CT
Christian Wilkins

The Miami Dolphins will exercise the fifth-year option for linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles), according to general manager Chris Grier. The former 18th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft, Phillips has been an integral piece for the Dolphins defense since he entered the league three years ago. He set a Dolphins rookie record with 8.5 sacks in 2021 and had seven sacks in 2022 before playing in only eight games in 2023 because of an Achilles tear. Before his injury, he was on pace for a career-high 14 sacks. The Dolphins expect Phillips to make a full recovery for the start of the 2024 campaign. Miami can't afford for Phillips to regress after his injury after losing Christian Wilkins this offseason. If healthy in 2024, Phillips should be on the IDP fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Apr 17 1:20pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has impressed fans after showing up to voluntary offseason workouts this month looking to be in excellent shape physically. Already one of the most impressive offensive rookies in 2023 with the most yards per rush (7.8) with a minimum of 100 attempts, his fantasy stock is soaring heading into his sophomore campaign this fall. Achane stands at only 5-foot-9, 188 pounds, but he packs a punch and is one of the fastest players overall in the NFL already. The only knocks on the 22-year-old are that he missed six games with injury, and that Raheem Mostert, who scored 21 total touchdowns in 2023, is still around. Achane had 103 carries for 800 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 regular-season games (four starts). Even with Mostert around, Achane, when healthy, has some of the most upside of any RB in the league.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Bo Nix

The New York Giants visited with Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler this week, according to sources. The Giants continue to do their due diligence on the QB position ahead of this month's NFL draft at all levels of the draft. Nix is a potential first-round pick, but he's not expected to go as early as New York's sixth overall pick. Rattler is seen as a mid-round selection. The G-Men have six picks in this year's draft with one in every round other than the seventh. They continue to say that Daniel Jones (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL, is their starter when healthy, but they are wisely planning to have better depth behind him in 2024 and beyond if he gets hurt again or disappoints this fall.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Apr 17 1:10pm CT
Brock Bowers

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is visiting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday. Bowers also has visited with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets this week, so he's making the rounds with interested club's with the NFL draft coming late next week. Even after missing his pro-day workout with a minor hamstring injury, the 21-year-old is projected to be a top-15 pick in this first round next week after dominating as a pass-catching tight end in college with the Bulldogs. Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns in three seasons, even after missing a big chunk of 2023 due to an ankle injury. It's probably unlikely the Bolts would take Bowers fifth overall, but if he did end up in LA, we could easily see him being fantasy relevant in Year 1 after the team lost pass-catchers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Deuce Vaughn Apr 17 12:13pm CT
Deuce Vaughn

Dynasty | The Cowboys have signed free agent running back Royce Freeman. Dynasty Analysis: The well-traveled Freeman joins Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Snoop Conner in a makeshift backfield for the Cowboys at the moment. While the signing is a little intriguing on paper since Freeman has proven to be capable before, it seems highly likely Dallas takes a running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. At this point, he simply needs to be added to dynasty watch lists in case the Cowboys really do punt on the position and employ some kind of committee with this group,

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Royce Freeman Apr 16 8:10pm CT
Royce Freeman

The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of Oregon spent last year with the Los Angeles Rams and had 77 carries for 319 yards and two rushing touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (zero starts) while adding a 13-yard catch on two targets. Even with Tony Pollard departing via Tennessee in free agency this offseason, it might be tough for Freeman to make a huge impact in Dallas' backfield in 2024 alongside the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. The Cowboys could also add more competition at the position via the upcoming draft. At best, Freeman could be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option in fantasy in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Nick Chubb

While Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (knee) has been working hard in the weight room, there's no timetable yet for his return in 2024. "I don't know that we'll go past today and this week at least that's the way I'm looking at it," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "I can promise you he's working very hard early in the morning. He's here, he's attacking his rehab. That's the best way I can put it. When he's ready, he'll be ready." The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last year. While he'll be sticking around with the team in 2024, it's unclear if he'll be ready by training camp this summer or if the Browns will be forced to ease him into the fold in the opening portion of the 2024 campaign. Because of the uncertainty around how Chubb will bounce back, it will make him an extremely risky RB1 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Trent Taylor Apr 16 7:10pm CT
Trent Taylor

The San Francisco 49ers signed free-agent wide receiver Trent Taylor to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday. It will be a reunion between the two sides after the Niners selected Taylor in the fifth round (177th overall) in 2017 out of Louisiana Tech. The 29-year-old pass-catcher spent the first three years of his NFL career in the Bay Area before two years with the Cincinnati Bengals. He went catchless on two targets in 17 games (zero starts) for the Chicago Bears in 2023. Taylor is most likely to pitch in on special teams for the 49ers after Ray-Ray McCloud left in free agency this offseason. In his six NFL seasons, Taylor has 87 receptions on 137 targets for 834 yards and three touchdowns, with most of the production coming in his first two seasons with the 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Apr 16 3:50pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence missed just one game last season, but he dealt with multiple injuries to his lower and upper body that could have affected his play in 2023. In a media availability on Tuesday, the former No. 1 overall pick said he did not feel 100% healthy until March. "When March hit, I felt really good, like lifting and doing everything like totally normal," Lawrence said. "But until March, I'd say that's when I started to feel like 100%, do stuff that I normally do." The 24-year-old threw for 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, and the Jaguars lost a Week 18 game against the struggling Tennessee Titans that would have sent them to the playoffs. Ultimately, it was a disappointing season for Lawrence and the Jaguars alike, but a healthy Lawrence could yield better results in 2024. The team has uncertainty at the wide receiver position after the departure of Calvin Ridley, but they are likely to add weapons in the upcoming NFL Draft. Lawrence figures to have a low-end QB1 upside, though he's likely to produce mid-range QB2 numbers in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Rashard Higgins Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Rashard Higgins

Veteran wide receiver Rashard Higgins and linebacker Christian Kirksey are signing one-day contracts with the Cleveland Browns to retire with the organization, the team announced on Tuesday. Higgins was selected by Cleveland in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and racked up 137 receptions for 1,890 yards and 12 touchdowns in 82 games from 2016 to 2021. He spent the 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers but did not log a snap. Kirkey was a 2014 third-round pick by the Browns and played for the team until 2019 before brief stints with the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. Overall, he secured 779 tackles, 16.5 sacks, seven interceptions, and 34 passes defended in 114 career games.

From RotoBaller

Nyheim Hines Apr 16 3:40pm CT
Nyheim Hines

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he is "not sure" when running back Nyheim Hines (knee) will practice with the team for the first time. The 27-year-old is rehabbing from a torn ACL that he suffered off the field last offseason as a member of the Buffalo Bills. Despite that, the Browns signed him to a one-year, $1.15 million deal after free agency began. Since being traded to the Bills in the middle of the 2022 campaign, Hines has rushed for negative three yards and caught five passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Cleveland has Nick Chubb (knee), D'Onta Foreman, and Jerome Ford on the roster. That said, it'd be surprising if Hines has a role in the offense this season, but he could be a factor in the kick return game if he can work his way back from the unfortunate injury.

From RotoBaller

Matt Ryan Apr 16 3:20pm CT
Matt Ryan

The Atlanta Falcons secured quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason on a four-year, $180 million deal, setting them up to have above-average quarterback play for the first time since Matt Ryan parted ways with the organization. However, the team is not done adding to the quarterback room. "We're definitely gonna add a quarterback," Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said. "We're not going to into the season with two arms." The team has Cousins and Taylor Heinicke on the roster, but most teams carry between three and five quarterbacks in the offseason. It's unlikely that Atlanta will consider a first-round quarterback in this year's class, but they could begin to take fliers on signal-callers as soon as Round 2 begins. Cousins will turn 36 years old before the start of the 2024 season, so throwing a dart on players like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix would make sense if they fall to the second round. On Day 3 of the draft, Spencer Rattler, Michael Pratt, and Joe Milton III are potential project options to consider. Although any quarterback Atlanta adds can be safely ignored in single-quarterback formats, they might be worth rostering in deep superflex and two-QB setups considering Cousins' age and the major Achilles injury he is coming off of.

From RotoBaller