Training Camp Update

Transcription

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focus shifted onto the third and fourth quarterbacks. Veteran
Matt Barkley appears comfortably ahead of Jake Coker but
comfortably behind Stanton.
Training
Camp Update
Volume 11, Issue 1 – 8/10/16
We say it all the time because it's true: Things change fast in
the NFL. And they never change faster than they do in August.
And nobody covers those changes and team situations more
comprehensively than Footballguys.com. Our Training Camp
Updates come out once a week in August and our staff covers
everything you need to know about every NFL team. This is
the deep stuff that gives you an edge. We're not going to rave
that Cam Newton, Antonio Brown or even David Johnson is
great. You already know that.
Read our weekly updates to get the inside scoop on how the
Bears running backs are practicing and which player is the
best bet for your draft. Or the Saints WR corps. Or which
Browns receiver is shining in practice. It's the kind of
information that will put you over the edge and on the way to
dominating your draft.
Happy reading and let's have a great 2016 season,
Joe Bryant and David Dodds
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Arizona Cardinals
QB: Drew Stanton isn't thinking about replacing Carson
Palmer this year but he revealed that he thinks he will have a
chance to be Palmer's long-term heir in Arizona during the
first week of training camp. Unfortunately, Stanton’s wait got
longer when Palmer signed a one-year contract extension.
Palmer took a day off during the first week of camp as the
RB: The Cardinals can't talk up David Johnson enough.
Cardinals coach Stump Mitchell was the latest to chime in, “I
don't think there's a back in Cardinals history that can do the
things David Johnson can do.” Despite the hype surrounding
David Johnson, Chris Johnson doesn't look set to go anywhere
anytime soon. During the first week of camp Chris said he felt
faster than he did 12 months ago. 12 months ago he was
coming back from being shot during the offseason. Offensive
coordinator Harold Goodwin said, “I think David is a little
more comfortable than Chris in the passing game...but running
the ball, they are both even.” The almost forgotten Andre
Ellington had a solid first week of training camp but he looks
set to mostly be used on special teams unless one of David or
Chris is injured. Kerwynn Williams and Stepfan Taylor will
compete for the fourth spot on the depth chart. Williams
missed time early in the week but returned quickly. Neither
player has distinguished himself to this point.
WR: John Brown suffered a concussion on the first Sunday of
camp. He sat for the rest of the week but that may be the
Cardinals being cautious because they can be given we are
still five weeks from the start of the regular season. J.J. Nelson
was also injured at the start of camp as he suffered a groin
injury that sidelined him for the week. Brown and Nelson's
absences made Jaron Brown the third receiver and opened up
more opportunities for Jaxon Shipley. Shipley impressed beat
writer Darren Urban. Larry Fitzgerald sat out a practice but he
wasn't hurt. He was asked about retirement and brushed off
the question before signing a one-year contract extension on
Friday. With Brown and Nelson injured and Fitzgerald resting,
Michael Floyd was featured prominently throughout the week.
Floyd had an impressive week of practice reeling in a number
of big plays. Head coach Bruce Arians is typically good for
developing receivers on the lower rungs of his depth chart
during training camps but his work over recent years
combined with the presences of Floyd and Fitzgerald mean
that the Cardinals have a deep, stable and established
receiving corps.
TE: Jermaine Gresham missed most of the first week of
practice with a hamstring issue. Bruce Arians' tight ends
typically catch more passes in training camp than they do in
actual games. Troy Niklas took advantage of the opportunities
that went his way by consistently catching the ball while
making good adjustments at the point of attack. Niklas has to
try and force his way ahead of Gresham and/or Darren Fells at
this point. While it's not a position that is going to produce
many fantasy points, this is a rare spot on the Cardinals roster
where there is legitimate competition.
Defense: Tyrann Mathieu signed a 5-year, $62.5 million
contract with $40 million guaranteed in spite of being on the
PUP list following his late-season ACL tear last year. Arians
expects Mathieu back in two weeks. Mathieu hasn't been alone
on the sidelines as the team's first-round pick Robert
Nkemdiche suffered a high-ankle sprain just before the
beginning of camp. Nkemdiche has been making progress but
is expected to miss a few weeks. The other new addition to the
defense line, Chandler Jones, was active throughout the week
and looked imposing. His teammates are talking about him
getting 20+ sacks. Jones is an established player though, so the
more notable development has been the impressive play of
Markus Golden. “Golden has vastly improved...he's gotten
quicker and more explosive.” said General Manager Steve
Keim. The Cardinals GM wasn't alone in his praise, while
Mike Jurecki noted that Jones and Golden were moving
around the formation as pass rushers early in the week. Rookie
cornerback Brandon Williams could play a big role as the
Cardinals' second starter behind Patrick Peterson this year.
Williams needs to win the job first and has played well early
in camp.
Returners: While Patrick Peterson and Kerwynn Williams are
likely to reprise their roles as punt and kickoff returner,
respectively, head coach Bruce Arians has recently given John
Brown and Andre Ellington some reps to help ease the logjam
at wide receiver and running back.
Cardinals Depth Chart
QB: Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Matt Barkley, Jake Coker
RB: David Johnson, Chris Johnson, Andre
Ellington, Kerwynn Williams (KR), Stepfan Taylor, Jared
Baker
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown
(KR), Jaron Brown, J.J. Nelson (PR), Brittan Golden, Jaxon
Shipley, Amir Carlisle, Damon Powell, Chris Hubert, Jeff
Beathard
TE: Darren Fells, Jermaine Gresham, Troy Niklas, Gerald
Christian, Ifeanyi Momah, Hakeem Valles
LT: Jared Veldheer
LG: Mike Iupati, Taylor Boggs
C: Lyle Sendlein, AQ Shipley
RG: Evan Mathis, Earl Watford
RT: DJ Humphries, Cole Toner
K: Chandler Catanzaro
NT: Rodney Gunter, Red Bryant, Xavier Williams, Corey
Peters,Olsen Pierre
DE: Calais Campbell, Frostee Rucker, Robert Nkemdiche, Ed
Stinson, Josh Mauro, Jason Babin
ILB: Deone Bucannon (SS), Kevin Minter, Donald
Butler, Alani Fua,Zack Wagenmann, Kenny Demens, Daryl
Washington (susp)
OLB: Chandler Jones, Markus Golden, Alex Okafor, Kareem
Martin, Shaq Riddick, Lamar Louis
CB: Patrick Peterson (PR), Brandon Williams, Justin Bethel
(inj), Harlan Miller, Mike Jenkins (inj), Alan Ball, Joel
Wilkinson, Ronald Zamort, Trevon Hartfield, Eli Bouka
S: Tyrann Mathieu (FS/CB), Tony Jefferson (SS), Tyvon
Branch (FS),D.J. Swearinger (SS), Marqui Christian, Chris
Clemons, Matthias Farley
Atlanta Falcons
QB: Matt Ryan is pleased with his new number two wide
receiver, Mohamed Sanu. ”We've all been impressed with the
way he works and the way that he performs in practice,” Ryan
said. “I think as he gets more comfortable, he's going to
continue to showcase what a great player he is.” During the
annual Friday Night Lights scrimmage on August 5, backup
Matt Simms tossed a touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver
Devin Fuller inside the red zone during the two-minute drill.
Sean Renfree also played effectively. Matt Schaub threw two
interceptions during the Friday night event, but remains listed
as Ryan's primary backup on the depth chart. Ryan further
praised his receiving corps: ”Our receivers have done a great
job through the first week of practices. They've came out and
competed and in great shape. They are running hard. I think
we've been improving on a daily basis.“ Ryan also commented
on the improved offensive line play now that Alex Mack is the
team's center: 'It's not a small thing. It's a huge thing. When
you have a veteran guy up in front of you and they understand
what is going on and they are comfortable doing it, it's huge.
For my first five years having a guy like Todd McClure, when
I could just go out there and be on autopilot and he would get
us right - that really helps. I think Alex is that kind of guy.
He's done a great job.'
RB: Tevin Coleman returned to practice Friday after missing
three days with a mild foot injury. He went through the
individual drills but didn’t play during the 11-on-11 portion of
the practice/scrimmage. The current depth chart as of Friday's
scrimmage yielded no surprises: 1) Devonta Freeman, 2)
Coleman, 3) Terron Ward, 4) Gus Johnson and 5) Brandon
Wilds.
WR: As of Saturday, Julio Jones was back at practice, having
overcome the 'tightness' that had held him out of practices
early on during training camp. While Jones was out, Sanu had
some issues with dropped passes, but receivers' coach/assistant
head coach Raheem Morris isn't concerned: “He's had some
challenges in practice,” Morris said. “He's been able to fight
through those challenges. I couldn't be happier with the guy
and what he's bringing to the table... right now he's trying to
fill the second wideout spot. It's being heavily contended with
Justin Hardy. Those three guys have been out there working
together, fighting together. I couldn’t be more pleased with
them. I'm happy with how the group is panning out.” Julio
Jones echoed the excitement for Sanu: “But Sanu, he's a great
addition to the team, and we'll see that when the season comes
around. He looks great out here with his route-running ability,
running little routes, short routes inside, choice routes and
those things.” On Friday, the Falcons signed veteran Lance
Moore; he's seen as a depth player who can help mentor the
younger Falcons' receivers. Moore had 29/337/4 receiving
with the Lions last year (over 14 games played). Jones, Sanu,
Hardy and Moore are the top four receivers on the depth chart
entering the second week of camp. Fuller is among a large
group of players vying for a reserve spot on the roster (12
different wide receivers are listed on the depth chart). Coach
Morris acknowledged the competition: “Aldrick Robinson,
(Jordan) Leslie, J.D. (McKissic) and some of our young guys
in David Glidden, a bunch of guys are fighting. Some of our
new guys, they’ve really been a pleasant addition to the team.”
Nick Williams was also mentioned favorably by Morris.
TE: Austin Hooper had a pass intercepted in front of him
during the night practice on Friday. He remains third on the
depth chart behind Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo. Hooper
had to miss OTAs due to NCAA rules, but he is keeping up
with the NFL pace according to Head Coach Dan Quinn. “You
know what, I don’t feel like he's behind, as hard as he worked
to get up to speed. You can't do anything about the practices
that he missed. But what he did during that time is he made
sure, even though he wasn’t going to be on the field getting
the reps, he was going to have to do it by himself and he did
that. It's going to be important quarters for him during the
preseason getting the looks, getting the reps, getting the plays.
But he's off to a good start,” said Quinn.
Defense: During the Friday Night Lights scrimmage, starting
cornerback Desmond Trufant was held out due to a 'minor' hip
injury. C.J. Goodwin filled in and made an interception. Coach
Quinn was pleased with Goodwin's play. Weakside linebacker
De'Vondre Campbell, middle linebacker Deion Jones and
strongside Vic Beasley opened with the first-team defense
during Friday's scrimmage. Atlanta signed veteran defensive
end Dwight Freeney on August 2nd and will be used as a passrushing specialist. Freeney did some light jogging at the
Friday night event, and is expected to start practicing with the
team this week. Rookie cornerback Brian Poole has been
making a case for playing time which is opportune considering
the Falcons be without nickel corner Jalen Collins' for the first
four games (suspension) of the season. “We’ve played him at
nickel and we've played him at safety, as well,” said Quinn of
Poole. “He's done a nice job in the zone. We are going to keep
forcing it on to see where he can get to.”
Returners: One of the most stable return games in the NFL
was thrown into disarray when the Falcons cut Devin Hester
nearly a month ago. In his place, running back Tevin Coleman
has surprisingly taken an inside track on the kickoff return job,
while veteran Eric Weems is on pace to handle punts.
Falcons Depth Chart
QB: Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub, Sean Renfree, Matt Simms
RB: Devonta Freeman (3RB), Tevin Coleman (KR), Terron
Ward, Gus Johnson, Brandon Wilds
FB: Patrick DiMarco
WR: Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Justin Hardy, Devin
Fuller, Eric Weems (KR/PR), Nick Williams, Aldrick
Robinson, Jordan Leslie, David Glidden
TE: Jacob Tamme, Austin Hooper, Levine Toilolo, D.J.
Tialavea, Arthur Lynch
LT: Jake Matthews
LG: Andy Levitre, Mike Person
C: Alex Mack
RG: James Stone, Chris Chester
RT: Ryan Schraeder, Tom Compton
K: Matt Bryant, Shayne Graham
DT: Tyson Jackson, Grady Jarrett (NT), Ra′Shede Hageman,
Jonathan Babineaux, Joey Mbu (NT)
DE: Derrick Shelby, Brooks Reed, Dwight Freeney, Adrian
Clayborn, Malliciah Goodman, Brandon Williams
MLB: Deion Jones, Paul Worrilow
OLB: Vic Beasley (S), De′Vondre Campbell (W), Courtney
Upshaw (S), Sean Weatherspoon (S), Philip Wheeler, Laroy
Reynolds, Tyler Starr
CB: Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Phillip Adams, Jalen
Collins (susp), Brian Poole, CJ Goodwin, Demarcus Van
Dyke
S: Ricardo Allen (FS), Keanu Neal (SS), Kemal Ishmael (SS),
Robenson Therezie (FS), Damian Parms (SS), Akeem King
Baltimore Ravens
QB: Joe Flacco tore his ACL in Week 11 last season, resulting
in the first missed games of his career. Flacco’s rehab has
gone well. He earned clearance to practice, but he has yet to
do so. The team is handling him with kid gloves. Flacco has
hinted that he may not participate in the preseason at all.
Behind him, 2015 mid-season signee Ryan Mallett has
retained his roster spot. Mallett was released by Houston last
year for being a malcontent – not for being a bad player. He’s
far from the worst backup in the league.
RB: Justin Forsett is 31 years old and returning from a seasonending injury. He entered the preseason as the presumptive
favorite to be the starting running back, but is being pushed by
several other players. Second-year pro Javorius Allen
performed admirably last year when pressed into duty. His
pass blocking and receiving skills are (like Forsett’s) a nice fit
for an offense coordinated by Marc Trestman, who loves using
his backs in the passing game. Former Cleveland third-round
pick Terrance West has impressed many so far in camp.
After failing in Cleveland and Tennessee, West appears to
have re-committed to the game. He lost weight and is making
plays consistently. Rookie Kenneth Dixon is also in the mix.
He tweaked his knee early in camp, but it was minor and
resulted in a week of missed time. Dixon is considered an allaround player who could eventually play every down.
Preseason games will likely have a say how the final depth
chart and 53-man roster shake out. Depending on how well the
younger backs play, it’s not inconceivable Forsett could end
up a roster casualty due to the $3 million in cap savings his
release would create.
WR: This group is as difficult to forecast as any in the NFL.
Steve Smith and Mike Wallace have been pegged as starters
since early in the offseason, but Smith hasn’t been able to
practice yet in OTAs or camp after a double rupture of his
Achilles tendon last season. He’s now 37 years old, and that’s
a massive injury to overcome. Wallace failed his conditioning
test to open camp but has run with the “ones” since. Behind
Smith and Wallace are a pair of University of Central Florida
alums whose paths to the NFL were wildly different. 2015
first-round pick Breshad Perriman still hasn’t played a down
of NFL football after a chronic PCL injury ruined his rookie
season. Perriman partially tore his ACL in spring practices,
but he avoided major surgery. He opened camp on the PUP,
but the team expects him to participate at some point and be
ready for Week 1. Kamar Aiken was an undrafted rookie free
agent and was cut by three teams before landing in
Baltimore. Aiken got snaps by default in 2014 and even more
for the same reason in 2015. Considering Smith’s age and
recovery and Perriman’s inability to get on the field, Aiken
could once again find himself as a starter.
TE: Despite drafting a tight end in the second round last year
and seeing Crockett Gillmore emerge in 2015, Baltimore
signed Ben Watson this offseason. Watson comes off a career
year in New Orleans and could be relied upon as a second or
third target, should he hold off all comers to be the starter.
Last year’s second-round pick Maxx Williams is a talented allaround tight end, but with the team’s depth at tight end, he’ll
have to earn playing time regardless of his draft pedigree.
Gillmore had two shoulder injuries in the offseason (once of
which required surgery) and he has already tweaked a
hamstring in camp. Dennis Pitta is bravely attempting a
comeback, but it was derailed when he hurt his finger in a
camp fight with a teammate. Pitta’s timetable is unknown.
PK: Justin Tucker made headlines when he said he could
make a kick from 84 and a half yards under ideal conditions.
Tucker claims that he hit the crossbar from 85 yards in Denver
last year, but Denver’s punter and kicker both ridiculed the
claim, with Brandon McManus offering Tucker an all-expense
paid trip to Denver to try.
Defense: Up front, Baltimore no longer has the “golden days”
of Haloti Ngata. Instead, Brandon Williams holds down the
fort in the middle. Timmy Jernigan is the team’s best
defensive end with Lawrence Guy book-ending him. Rookie
third-round pick Bronson Kaufusi broke his ankle Thursday
and will likely miss the season, a big blow to depth. The
linebackers are led by pass rush specialists Terrell Suggs and
Elvis Dumervil, though Dumervil is on the PUP with an
injured foot. C.J. Mosley is among the game’s best inside
linebackers. There’s a spirited camp battle emerging for the
other ILB spot between Arthur Brown, Zach Orr, Albert
McClellan and rookie 2nd rounder Kamalei Correa. Correa has
done everything so far in camp, including injuring Dennis
Pitta during a scuffle. Eric Weddle comes over from San
Diego in an attempt to stabilize what was a horrific secondary
in 2015. Weddle’s fellow safety is converted corner Lardarius
Webb. Despite being highly-touted out of college, Webb
didn’t pan out as a corner. Jimmy Smith remains a projected
starter at cornerback, though he’s also injured at the moment
with a calf injury. The injuries are unfortunate for Baltimore
because they need continuity to improve on last year’s putrid
pass defense.
Returners: Baltimore’s punt return job is shaping up as a
battle between Michael Campanaro, who opened last year as
the returner, and Kaelin Clay, who was a standout after
Campanaro went down to injury. Kickoffs will likely be
contested by a pair of rookies— defensive back Tavon Young
and converted quarterback Keenan Reynolds.
Ravens Depth Chart
QB: Joe Flacco, Ryan Mallett, Jerrod Johnson, Josh Johnson
RB: Justin Forsett, Terrance West, Javorius Allen, Kenneth
Dixon, Lorenzo Taliaferro
FB: Kyle Juszczyk
WR: Steve Smith, Kamar Aiken, Mike Wallace, Breshad
Perriman (inj), Chris Moore, Michael Campanaro, Jeremy
Butler, Keenan Reynolds (RB/KR), Chris Matthews, Kaelin
Clay, Daniel Brown
TE: Benjamin Watson, Maxx Williams, Crockett
Gillmore, Dennis Pitta, Darren Waller (susp), Nick Boyle
(susp)
LT: Ronnie Stanley
LG: John Urschel, Ryan Jensen, Vlad Ducasse
C: Jeremy Zuttah
RG: Marshal Yanda, Alex Lewis
RT: Rick Wagner, James Hurst
K: Justin Tucker
NT: Brandon Williams, Kapron Lewis-Moore
DE: Timmy Jernigan, Lawrence Guy, Carl Davis, Bronson
Kaufusi (inj), Willie Henry, Brent Urban, Matt Judon, Mario
Ojemudia, Nordly Capi
ILB: C.J. Mosley, Zachary Orr, Arthur Brown, Albert
McClellan, Kavell Conner
OLB: Terrell Suggs (inj), Elvis Dumervil (S), Za′Darius
Smith (DE),Kamalei Correa, Chris Carter, Brennen
Beyer, Victor Ochi
CB: Jimmy Smith (inj), Shareece Wright, Kyle Arrington
(inj), Jerraud Powers, Will Davis, Tavon Young, Maurice
Canady, Julian Wilson, Sheldon Price, Jumal Rolle (inj)
S: Eric Weddle (FS), Lardarius Webb (SS/PR), Kendrick
Lewis (FS), Anthony Levine (SS), Terrence Brooks (FS), Matt
Elam (SS), Nick Perry (SS), Jermaine Whitehead (FS), Will
Hill (susp)
Buffalo Bills
QB: The Bills saw a lot to like from Tyrod Taylor last year,
but didn’t sign him to an extension so he’s entering the final
year of his contract. All reports throughout the offseason and
early in training camp have been positive, however, and that
has led to speculation that a new short-term deal could be
close. In any event, he has become a team leader and has a lot
riding on his shoulders and legs. It’s key that he shows
improvement throwing over the middle of the field as he did
most of his damage last year throwing outside and deep. EJ
Manuel returns as the backup in the last year of his contract.
The former 1st round pick hasn’t developed as expected, but he
can fill-in for a few games if called upon. Rookie Cardale
Jones won a national championship at Ohio State so he has
exceptional talent but is also very raw. He’s being groomed to
take over the backup job next year, and figures to see a lot of
work in the preseason.
RB: The Bills led the league in rushing last year, and LeSean
McCoy is back to lead the way. The veteran was banged up at
times last year, and figures to see very little time in the
preseason as the team hopes to keep him healthy. His expected
backup Karlos Williams showed up overweight earlier this
offseason, and will also miss the first four games while
serving a suspension. That created an opening for the team to
sign Reggie Bush to an incentive-laden contract, although it
remains unclear how much he actually has left. Rounding out
the group will be rookie Jonathan Williams, Mike Gillislee,
and some additional camp bodies like Dan Herron and James
Wilder Jr. This is one of the deepest position groups on the
team, and that could lead to some tough decisions on cut down
day. Fullback Jerome Fulton is back but the Bills hope he’ll
be pushed by Glenn Gronkowski. The undrafted brother of the
more famous Patriots tight end had a strong college career, but
had a disappointing debut in the team’s scrimmage Saturday
night as he gave up a sack and saw a TD pass sail through his
hands.
WR: Sammy Watkins demonstrated how valuable he can be
down the stretch in 2015, and he will hope to build on that this
year. Unfortunately, he has been injury prone early in his
career and suffered another setback this offseason when he
broke his foot in April and had to have it surgically repaired.
He was cleared for practice on Monday; a welcome sight to
Bills coaches and fans alike. Robert Woods served primarily
as a blocker downfield last year while he played through
injuries. He’s fully healthy this year, and has picked up some
of the slack created by the absence of Watkins during the early
part of camp. The rest of the depth chart is wide open, but
there are some intriguing players with potential that will have
a chance to earn key roles on the team. Greg Salas has had a
strong start to camp, while Greg Little brings some much
needed size to the group. Marquise Goodwin is a deep threat
as he showed on Saturday with a 43-yard touchdown catch
from EJ Manuel. Dez Lewis was an undrafted free agent last
year who also figures to be in the mix for playing time.
TE: This is a position with minimal depth. Charles Clay is the
starter and one of the better 2-way tight ends in the league. Jim
Dray was signed from the Browns to be the primary blocking
tight end, but he doesn’t figure to offer much help downfield.
That leaves players like Blake Annen, Chris Gragg, and Nick
O’Leary to likely fight over one roster spot but none stood out
in the Saturday scrimmage.
PK: The Bills released rookie UDFA kicker Marshall Morgan
to make room for Reggie Bush. Morgan had been seen as
competition for Dan Carpenter, who is making $1.8 million
dollars this year coming off of a season with four extra point
misses. Carpenter’s job appears to be safe now, but the same
can’t be said of kickoff specialist Jordan Gay, who may not be
needed if the Bills decide to avoid touchbacks because of the
new rule putting them at the 25-yard line.
Defense: The Bills defense never really seemed to work
together last year, so Rex Ryan made some changes and
brought in his twin brother to help run the defense. Mario
Williams was released, but the 1st round pick expected to
replace him (Shaq Lawson) underwent shoulder surgery
during the summer and could start the year on the PUP list.
Meanwhile, 2nd round pick Reggie Ragland was expected to
upgrade the ILB spot, but he suffered a partial ACL tear
during the first week of camp and could be a candidate for IR
if surgery is required. The Bills immediately made moves to
address this by signing Brandon Spikes and David Hawthorne
on Sunday. The secondary is in great hands at cornerback with
Stephon Gilmore and last year’s rookie star Ronald Darby, but
Gilmore is entering a contract year and looking for a big
money, long term contract. Most of the starting spots are set,
so camp and the preseason will be most important for filling
out the depth charts behind them and making sure all players
are comfortable with the system that Ryan wants to run.
Returners: The newly-signed Reggie Bush figures to
immediately take over as the team’s primary punt returner. On
kickoffs, Javier Arenas is battling to make the roster as a
return specialist. Pay attention to preseason games; if Arenas
is cut, the Bills could go with existing players like Marquise
Goodwin or Mike Gillislee.
Bills Depth Chart
QB: Tyrod Taylor, EJ Manuel, Cardale Jones
RB: LeSean McCoy, Karlos Williams (susp), Mike
Gillislee, Jonathan Williams, Reggie Bush, James Wilder
Jr., Dan Herron, Cierre Wood, Dri Archer
FB: Jerome Felton, Glenn Gronkowski
WR: Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Greg Salas, Leonard
Hankerson, Marquise Goodwin, Kolby Listenbee, Dezmin
Lewis, Marcus Easley, Greg Little, Jarrett Boykin, Walter
Powell
TE: Charles Clay, Jim Dray, Nick O′Leary, Chris
Gragg, Blake Annen,Jacob Maxwell
LT: Cordy Glenn, Jordan Mills
LG: Richie Incognito
C: Eric Wood
RG: John Miller, Cyril Richardson
RT: Cyrus Kouandijo, Seantrel Henderson
K: Dan Carpenter
DT: Marcell Dareus (NT), Kyle Williams, T.J. Barnes, Leger
Douzable, Casey Walker (NT), Justin Zimmer
DE: Adolphus Washington, Corbin Bryant, Lavar
Edwards, Jerel Worthy, Cedric Reed
ILB: Preston Brown (M), Zach Brown, Brandon
Spikes, David Hawthorne, Jamari Lattimore, Kevin
Reddick, Reggie Ragland (inj)
OLB: Jerry Hughes, Shaq Lawson (inj), Manny Lawson
(S), IK Enemkpali, Eric Striker, Randell Johnson, Max Valles
CB: Stephon Gilmore, Ronald Darby, Nickell Robey, Mario
Butler, Javier Arenas, Sterling Moore
S: Aaron Williams (FS), Corey Graham (SS) , Robert Blanton
(FS), Duke Williams (FS), Jonathan Meeks (SS), Johnathan
Dowling
Carolina Panthers
QB: Cam Newton threw two interceptions to safety Dre
Boston over the course of two practices on Friday. Newton
had cautioned the defensive backs on Wednesday about
playing too deep, and threw a touchdown to wide receiver
Philly Brown during a two-minute drill to press home the
lesson. However, he then went over the top of the secondary in
11-on-11 drills and completed long touchdown throws to Ted
Ginn Jr. (on a stop-and-go) and Damiere Byrd. It's fair to say
that the battle between the Carolina defensive backs and
Newton has been lively during the first week of training camp.
As expected, when the first unofficial depth chart came out on
last week Newton was the starter, Derek Anderson was #2 and
multi-faceted Joe Webb was listed third.
RB: The Panthers had great news from Jonathan Stewart to
open training camp, he feels 100% recovered from the foot
injury that dogged him during the Super Bowl loss to Denver.
“When you're working you have to find different ways to
work without putting your body through a lot of stress. But I
feel pretty good. This is my ninth year. I feel like it's my fifth
year,” said Stewart. “My offensive line, they really wanted me
to get to that 1,000-yard mark because I know it means a lot to
them. When you have a 1,000-yard rusher in the backfield it
says a lot about the offensive line and everybody on that
offense.” Stewart missed crossing the 1,000-yard ribbon by 11
yards rushing last year. The first unofficial depth chart of the
season lists Stewart as the starter with Fozzy Whittaker at #2.
Cameron Artis-Payne is running third with Brandon Wegher
and Jalen Simmons in the reserve roles.
WR: Devin Funchess is playing well to open training camp.
According to the Charlotte Observer's Johnathan Jones,
“Funchess is enjoying an outstanding training camp in his
second season. His momentum from the end of last season —
when he had 31 catches for 473 yards and five touchdowns —
has carried into this summer.” Funchess is pleased with his
start to camp. “I'm more comfortable. I just want to do more. I
want to be a bigger part and help the other guys - make sure
we're all making plays and make sure we get the W at the end
of the day.” The Panthers' first depth chart showed Kelvin
Benjamin and Ted Ginn Jr. as the starters, with Funchess and
Philly Brown as the main backups. A gaggle of nine other
receivers are vying for reserve roles. Stephen Hill suffered a
setback/tweak to his surgically repaired knee (massively
repaired - three torn ligaments and a torn hamstring last
season) and missed time during the first week of training
camp.
TE: Backup Ed Dickson spoke about his role: “I signed up to
win a championship. And we put ourselves in a position to
win a championship. I've never been about personal stuff in
my career. I wanted them to see the value I bring to the
table...Say I get 60 catches this year, it just exceeds the
expectations, I know it's within me to do it. There's a positive
way to look at everything and I look at it in a positive way. I'm
trying to get that second ring. I'm trying to get Cam his first
ring and a lot of guys their first ring.” Scott Simonson, Beau
Sandland, Marcus Lucas and Braxton Deaver are all
competing for the third tight end spot.
Defense: The Panthers' first team offense couldn't punch in
rushing scores against the first-team defense during two
attempts at Fan Fest on Friday. Coach Rivera commented: “I
thought that was outstanding. I really liked the energy the guys
played with and the way they attacked. On the inverse, on the
offensive line we’ve got to get our pad level down and knock
them back. That'll be a really good tape for us to watch as
coaches.” According to Joseph Person of the Charlotte
Observer, the Panthers may be introducing rookies James
Bradberry and Daryl Worley as their starting cornerbacks in
Week One, with rookie Zack Sanchez possibly manning the
slot (depending on how Bene Benwikere's surgically repaired
leg holds up in training camp). Benwikere praised the rookie
defensive backs: “That's one good thing is they're not too loud.
That's good, they're all humble and they take coaching very
well. I know our coaches and the staff love that.” When asked
about the possibility of starting three rookie defensive backs in
regular season, Rivera pointed to the 1981 San Francisco
49ers, who started three rookie defensive backs – Ronnie Lott,
Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson. And they won the Super
Bowl. So you just never know. Defensive end Kony Ealy
resumed practicing after being cleared from a concussion
sustained early during training camp.
Returners: Disappointed with last year’s results, the Panthers
have been working with primary punt returner Ted Ginn over
to handle kickoff returns, as well. Should Ginn falter, Fozzy
Whittaker and Joe Webb have also been receiving lots of early
work at the position.
Panthers Depth Chart
QB: Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb (KR)
RB: Jonathan Stewart, Cameron Artis-Payne, Fozzy
Whittaker (KR), Brandon Wegher, Devon Johnson, Jalen
Simmons
FB: Mike Tolbert, Andrew Bonnet
WR: Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn
(KR/PR), Corey Brown, Brenton Bersin, Stephen
Hill, Keyarris Garrett, Kevin Norwood, Damiere Byrd, Miles
Shuler
TE: Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Beau Sandland, Scott
Simonson, Jake McGee, Braxton Deaver, Marcus Lucas
LT: Michael Oher
LG: Andrew Norwell, Chris Scott
C: Ryan Kalil, Gino Gradkowski
RG: Trai Turner
RT: Mike Remmers, Daryl Williams
K: Graham Gano
DT: Star Lotulelei (NT), Kawann Short, Paul Soliai, Vernon
Butler, Kyle Love, Robert Thomas (NT), Eric Crume
DE: Charles Johnson, Kony Ealy, Mario Addison, Ryan
Delaire, Wes Horton, Arthur Miley, Larry Webster, Rakim
Cox
MLB: Luke Kuechly, Ben Jacobs, Jared Norris
OLB: Thomas Davis (S), Shaq Thompson (W), A.J. Klein
(W/M), David Mayo, Jeremy Cash, Brian Blechen, Jared
Barber
CB: Bene Benwikere, James Bradberry, Robert
McClain, Daryl Worley, Zack Sanchez, Teddy
Williams, Leonard Johnson, Louis Young, Ras-I
Dowling, Shaq Richardson
S: Kurt Coleman (SS), Tre Boston (FS), Colin Jones
(SS/CB), Trent Robinson, Dean Marlowe (SS)
Chicago Bears
QB: Jay Cutler had one of his best seasons in 2015, and much
of the credit went to offensive coordinator Adam Gase. He’s
now the head coach in Miami, so Cutler will get his 6th
different offensive coordinator in 8 years as QB coach Dowell
Loggains was promoted. For a quarterback prone to turnovers,
the Bears hope Loggains will provide some stability and help
Cutler continue to play within himself. The Bears made a
significant upgrade to the backup position when they signed
veteran journeyman Brian Hoyer in the spring. He’s certainly
capable of winning games, as he showed during his time with
the Browns and Texans, but he offers limited upside. David
Fales figures to hold down the #3 job again, but undrafted
rookie Connor Shaw will also compete for that spot.
RB: Matt Forte is no longer around, so it’s a new era for the
Bears running game. Jeremy Langford looked perfectly
capable as an all-around back last year, but he’ll likely get
some competition from rookie Jordan Howard who has more
of a between-the-tackles power game. In anticipation of taking
on a full-time role, Langford bulked up during the offseason
which isn’t always an ideal decision (major weight shifts tend
to be overplayed by the media). At minimum, Howard figures
to see time early on as the short-yardage back and that could
limit Langford’s fantasy potential. Ka’Deem Carey and
Jacquizz Rodgers are also still around to provide additional
depth, but both are complementary players. The Bears may
start to make use of the fullback position as they signed
veteran Darrel Young last week, who spent the first 7 years of
his career with Washington. They also have a former rugby
player from New Zealand competing for a roster spot in Paul
Lasike, who spent last year on their practice squad.
WR: The Bears have the makings of one of the best receiver
tandems in the league, but Alshon Jeffery just can’t seem to
stay on the field. He only started 8 games last year, but still
managed to pick up 54 receptions for 807 yards so the
potential is obviously there for some huge numbers. He’s been
sitting out during the early part of camp with a strained
hamstring, and will hope to prove himself while playing on a
1-year franchise tender. Meanwhile, last year’s 1st round pick
Kevin White is expected to provide a boost after missing his
entire rookie year, but he’s been having some struggles early
in camp as he attempts to adjust to the NFL game. Slot
receiver Eddie Royal has been going through the league’s
concussion protocol the past week, so hasn’t had much of a
chance to rebuild his rapport with Cutler either.
TE: Martellus Bennett was one of the better 2-way tight ends
in the league, but he was shipped out of town for a 4th round
pick from the Patriots back in March. He may have been a
problem in the locker room, so it could be addition by
subtraction but his absence puts a lot of pressure on Zach
Miller. He’s looked impressive when he’s played, but that
hasn’t happened all too often and he’s already missing time in
camp with a concussion. Rob Housler has experience with the
Cardinals and could wind up playing a bigger role than
expected this year.
Defense: The Bears are in Year 2 of their transition to a 3-4
run by coordinator Vic Fangio. They brought in Akiem Hicks
up front to try and solidify the defensive line, and also signed
two productive veteran inside linebackers in Danny Trevathan
and Jerrell Freeman. That should give them a much stronger
core on the defensive side of the ball, as Trevathan won a
Super Bowl with the Broncos last year and is very good
against the run. Meanwhile, the pass rush should get a boost
from the addition of 1st round pick Leonard Floyd, although he
may only see time as a specialist early on. The secondary is a
huge question mark as cornerback Kyle Fuller needs to
become more consistent and comfortable in this system.
Meanwhile, there will be a competition for the starting spot
opposite him although Tracy Porter is expected to hold off the
challengers. 2nd year pro Adrian Amos figures to hold down
one of the safety spots, but the other position could see as
many as four different players competing for playing time.
There are some solid pieces in place here – particularly in the
front 7 – but this is still a work in progress.
Returners: Return specialist Marc Mariani is having a great
training camp and is well on his way to earning a roster spot
and the starting punt return duties. Last year’s top kickoff
returner, Deonte Thompson, has likewise impressed and
should be able to secure another roster spot.
Bears Depth Chart
QB: Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer, David Fales, Connor Shaw
RB: Jeremy Langford, Jordan Howard, Ka′Deem
Carey, Jacquizz Rodgers, Senorise Perry
FB: Khari Lee (TE), Darrel Young, Paul Lasike
WR: Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White, Eddie Royal, Marquess
Wilson (inj), Marc Mariani (KR/PR), Daniel
Braverman, Deonte Thompson (KR), Cameron
Meredith, Joshua Bellamy, Darrin Peterson, Derek Keaton,
Kieren Duncan
TE: Zach Miller, Rob Housler, Ben Braunecker, Tony
Moeaki, Gannon Sinclair
LT: Charles Leno, Nick Becton
LG: Cody Whitehair
C: Hroniss Grasu, Ted Larsen
RG: Kyle Long
RT: Bobby Massie, Nate Chandler
K: Robbie Gould
NT: Eddie Goldman, Terry Williams
DE: Akiem Hicks, Jonathan Bullard, Will Sutton, Mitch
Unrein, Keith Browner, Ego Ferguson (IR)
ILB: Danny Trevathan, Jerrell Freeman, Christian Jones, Nick
Kwiatkoski, Jonathan Anderson, John Timu
OLB: Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, Willie
Young, Leonard Floyd, Sam Acho, Roy RobertsonHarris, Lamin Barrow
CB: Kyle Fuller, Tracy Porter, Bryce Callahan, Sherrick
McManis, Deiondre′ Hall, Jacoby Glenn, Kevin
Peterson, De′Vante Bausby, Taveze Calhoun, Joel
Ross, Brandon Boykin (IR)
S: Adrian Amos (FS), Deon Bush (SS), Chris
Prosinski, Harold Jones-Quartey, Deandre Houston-Carson
(FS), Demontre Hurst (SS)
Cincinnati Bengals
QB: Last preseason, all eyes were on Andy Dalton, watching
carefully to see if he could put together a complete and
consistent season. Though the season ended in yet another
early playoff loss, Dalton avoided many of the critical
mistakes that had plagued him earlier in his career. All eyes on
are Dalton for a different reason as the 2016 opener
approaches. With Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu lost in
free agency and Tyler Eifert likely to be unavailable for the
start of the regular season, Dalton will be looked upon to keep
this offense moving without many of its formerly productive
options. Dalton, with the help of A.J. Green, has looked very
good in the first two weeks of camp. In last weekend’s
scrimmage, Dalton tuned up the Cincinnati defense by
completing nine passes for around 120 yards in just two
drives. He’ll have to remain at the top of his game in
September. A.J. McCarron continues to be more than solid as
Dalton’s backup.
RB: Jeremy Hill has reportedly looked strong early in camp.
That’s reassuring after a disappointing 2015 season behind a
strong offensive line and a brutal playoff fumble ended his
season on an even lower note. The Bengals may need to lean
heavily on Hill with the wide receiver group in flux and Tyler
Eifert likely to miss time as the season begins. Gio Bernard is
also expected to see heavy use with Eifert out. Bernard will
see slot snaps in rotation with Tyler Boyd.
WR: No one can cover A.J. Green in camp. Healthy and in
sync with Andy Dalton, Green has been abusing every
Cincinnati defensive back. In two series in last weekend’s
team scrimmage, Green had four catches for 70 yards in two
series and could have had more had he not dropped a wellthrown ball on a long sideline route. For now, Brandon LaFell
is drawing the majority of first team reps opposite Green, with
Tyler Boyd getting the majority of slot reps. Boyd has been
particularly impressive, drawing the praise of his coaches and
every writer on the Bengals’ beat. Like Mohamed Sanu before
him, Boyd has also been asked to contribute by running the
football. If he can maintain his strong start, Boyd could get the
bulk of the opportunity left with Marvin Jones and Sanu gone
in free agency.
TE: Tyler Eifert underwent ankle surgery in late May and the
early timetable for return was 3-4 months. That’s an
aggressive timetable, however, and there are already
indications Eifert will miss multiple regular season games.
Tyler Kroft was expected to fill Eifert’s role as a pass-catching
option, but sprained a knee last week and is expected to be out
for 4-6 weeks. Any hiccups in Kroft’s rehab would keep him
out of the season opener, too. C.J. Uzomah is the next tight
end up and has been very good so far. In the team’s weekend
scrimmage, Uzomah caught a 30-yard pass on a well-run
crossing pattern then grabbed a 7-yard touchdown pass on a
seam route to end the drive.
PK: Mike Nugent hadn’t missed yet in training camp as of
Saturday and appears to be in great shape to hold off Zach
Hocker. Hocker missed the mock game over the weekend for
an undisclosed reason, while Nugent nailed a 38-yard field
goal.
Defense: The Bengals’ defense is a work in progress. The
stellar defensive line returns intact and has added rookie
Andrew Billings to the defensive tackle rotation. Vontaze
Burfict came to camp with a foot injury but has been activated
and practicing well. He’ll miss the first three games this
season due to repeated safety violations. First round pick Will
Jackson suffered a torn pectoral last week and is in jeopardy of
missing the season. With veterans Leon Hall and Reggie
Nelson gone in free agency, the secondary will need to stay
healthy and gel quickly.
Returners: The Bengals have been sharing return duties
between the steady Brandon Tate and the boom/bust Adam
Jones for several years, and the status quo is likely to be
maintained in 2016. The Bengals have been giving Mario
Alford plenty of reps at kickoff returner to see if he could push
Tate a bit in the role, though.
Bengals Depth Chart
QB: Andy Dalton, A.J. McCarron, Keith Wenning, Joe Licata
RB: Jeremy Hill (SD), Giovani Bernard (3RB), Rex Burkhead
(WR),Cedric Peerman, Bronson Hill
FB: Ryan Hewitt (HB)
WR: A.J. Green, Brandon LaFell, Tyler Boyd, James
Wright, Brandon Tate (KR), Jake Kumerow, Mario
Alford, Cody Core, Angelo Russell, Rashawn Simonise, Alex
Erickson, Michael Bennett
TE: Tyler Eifert (inj), Tyler Kroft (inj), C.J.
Uzomah, Matthew Lengel, John Peters
LT: Andrew Whitworth, Jake Fisher
LG: Clint Boling, Christian Westerman
C: Russell Bodine, T.J. Johnson
RG: Kevin Zeitler
RT: Eric Winston, Cedric Ogbuehi
K: Mike Nugent
DT: Geno Atkins, Domata Peko (NT), Brandon
Thompson, Andrew Billings, Pat Sims, Marcus
Hardison, David Dean
DE: Carlos Dunlap, Michael Johnson, Margus Hunt, Will
Clarke, Jack Gangwish
MLB: Vincent Rey, Nick Vigil, Jeff Luc, Trevor Roach
OLB: Rey Maualuga (S), Karlos Dansby (W/M) , Vontaze
Burfict (W) (susp), Jayson DiManche (S), Paul Dawson
(W), Marquis Flowers (S), Darien Harris
CB: Adam Jones (PR), Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze
Dennard, William Jackson III (inj), Josh Shaw, Chris LewisHarris, Corey White, Corey Tindal
S: George Iloka (SS), Shawn Williams (FS), Derron Smith
(FS), Jimmy Wilson, Clayton Fejedelem, Floyd Raven
Cleveland Browns
QB: Despite early reports Josh McCown looked better at
times in spring practices than Robert Griffin III, Griffin has
dominated first team snaps in training camp and was
named the starter on Monday. By all accounts, Griffin has
been getting better with each day of camp. His connections
of 35, 53, and 41 yards with Corey Coleman in Friday night’s
intrasquad scrimmage generated plenty of buzz and Griffin
kept it going on Saturday, finishing 12-of-19 with a pair of
touchdowns during the Browns’ annual scrimmage at Ohio
Stadium. Browns head coach Hue Jackson sounds confident
in Griffin’s ability to revive his career. "The biggest area he
has grown is just his confidence in playing the position,'' said
Jackson. "You have to know how to play quarterback in the
National Football League, and with (associate head coach –
offense) Pep (Hamilton) and myself, we pride ourselves on
getting guys ready to play. He has accepted every challenge
we've given him.'' After Cowboys backup quarterback Kellen
Moore broke his ankle on Tuesday, McCown’s name popped
up in trade rumors. It seems McCown would be open to a
trade, but the Browns prefer to keep him. McCown finished
3-of-5 in Saturday's scrimmage, including a 75-yard
touchdown pass on a deep ball to Terrelle Pryor. Third round
draft pick Cody Kessler has reportedly made good progress
in practice, which makes Austin Davis the odd man out if the
Browns decide not to carry four quarterbacks.
RB: Jackson, Hamilton, and running backs coach Kirby
Wilson have consistently stated they want the Browns to have
a physical, run-oriented offense. Second year back Duke
Johnson backed up those assertions with his comments on the
first day of camp. “We’re looking forward to game in and
game out just being physical,” Johnson said. “That’s
something that Coach wants from everyone, starting up front
and passed onto everybody.” It remains to be seen how
Cleveland will divvy up carries between Johnson and
incumbent early-down back Isaiah Crowell, but it appears
Jackson is not holding Crowell’s controversial Instagram
post against him. The Akron Beacon Journal anticipates
Crowell receiving the majority of the carries, with Johnson
viewed as an explosive receiving threat the coaching staff
won’t want to burn out with too many rushing attempts.
Raheem Mostert, Terrell Watson, and Glenn Winston are
battling for the third spot on the depth chart, with Watson
being a player of interest since Jackson brought him over from
Cincinnati. The Browns’ rushing attack got off to a poor start
in Friday’s scrimmage. “I didn’t like it,” Jackson said of the
running game. “We have got to become a gritty group up
front.” Johnson caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from
Griffin on third-and-goal in Saturday’s scrimmage.
WR: As previously mentioned, first round draft pick Corey
Coleman lived up to the hype in his first week of camp. Even
before putting on a show in Friday night’s scrimmage, beat
writer Tony Grossi called Coleman “the real deal”, while
Hamilton also had high praise for the rookie. “He can score
the ball,” Hamilton said. “That’s what we’re going to need
him to do. We need a big-play threat or two or three on the
perimeter, and we feel like he’s the guy who can do those
things.” Unfortunately, Coleman was forced to watch
Saturday’s scrimmage from the sideline with a hamstring
injury, though it appears minor. "He'll be fine," Jackson said.
"He just had a little hamstring issue, and I didn't want to push
it too far. We're too close to getting ready for the season." The
other standout in the Browns wide receiver corps this week
was converted quarterback Terrelle Pryor. In Coleman’s
absence, Pryor dominated the Orange and Brown Scrimmage,
catching five passes including touchdowns of five and 75
yards. “Before I was like a bear, but now, it’s a gazelle,”
Pryor said after the game. Griffin had high praise for Pryor’s
progress as a receiver. “He’s a big guy, physical, he’s got an
elite trait that you can’t coach and that’s size,” Griffin said.
“So he’s been able to utilize that while he’s been in camp this
spring and we love the progress that he’s made.” Grossi even
went as far as to guess Pryor is the favorite to open the
season as the number two receiver, though Josh Gordon’s
Week 5 return from suspension is bound to shake up the depth
chart. Gordon hasn’t seen the practice field yet due to a quad
injury, but Jackson has been impressed with his dedication.
“He wants to play, he's been outstanding,” Jackson said. “He's
been great in the building, been great outside the building. I
think he has a burning desire to be a part of this football
team.” Andrew Hawkins suffered a hamstring injury in
Tuesday’s practice. If he’s forced to miss extended time,
rookies Rashard Higgins, Jordan Payton, and Ricardo Louis
should receive more opportunities. Louis caught a touchdown
pass from McCown on Friday.
TE: After undergoing sports hernia surgery in June, there
was some doubt about Gary Barnidge’s availability for the
start of camp, but he was active in Saturday’s scrimmage and
had a nice sideline catch from Griffin. Connor Hamlett -- who
has been described as one of the most pleasant surprises of
Browns camp -- has emerged as the favorite to back-up
Barnidge. The 6-foot-7, 259-pound Hamlett still has to hold
off Seth DeValve and E.J. Bibbs, but he’s made a good
impression on Jackson. “He’s done great,” Jackson said
Tuesday. “That guy is tall. He’s got long arms. You can kind
of throw up there. He goes and gets it. He’s done a great job.
I’ve been really pleased with him. I’m very, very impressed.”
PK: Travis Coons is getting pushed by 2014 Tampa kicker
Patrick Murray, who missed last season with an injury. Special
teams coordinator Chris Tabor said Murray was very
consistent with a good kickoff leg and no ill effects from his
injury. Coons struggled late last year with misses in three of
the last five games, so his job is far from secure.
Defense: The biggest story on defense for the Browns is
defensive end Desmond Bryant being placed on seasonending injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle. With
Cleveland’s 2015 sack-leader on the shelf, second round pick
Emmanuel Ogbah has been working as a defensive end in
coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense, after the initial plan
was to play him at outside linebacker. "It feels good," the
Oklahoma State product said. "Back to putting my hand on the
dirt, just getting after the quarterback." Another position
change has seen cornerback Pierre Desir move to safety. “We
like him, he’s long, he’s talented. But maybe he might find an
area where he’s better suited to play. Again, he has cover
skills, but seeing him play safety, too, is exciting to me
because he gives us a different element back in the middle.”
Cornerback Joe Haden, who had ankle surgery in March and
missed all the offseason camps, appears on track to practice
soon and be ready for the start of the regular season.
Returners: Tasked with replacing departing punt returner
Travis Benjamin, the Browns seem ready to turn to incoming
rookie Corey Coleman. Should he falter, Raheem Mostert and
Tramon Williams has plenty of previous experience. On
kickoffs, Raheem Mostert and Justin Gilbert are the leading
candidates, with Corey Coleman a dark horse to see some
work here, too.
Browns Depth Chart
QB: Robert Griffin III, Josh McCown, Cody Kessler, Austin
Davis
RB: Isaiah Crowell (SD), Duke Johnson (3RB), Terrell
Watson, Raheem Mostert, Glenn Winston
FB: Malcolm Johnson
WR: Josh Gordon (susp), Corey Coleman, Terrelle
Pryor, Andrew Hawkins, Rashard Higgins, Taylor
Gabriel, Jordan Payton, Ricardo Louis, Darius
Jennings, Marlon Moore, Rannell Hall
TE: Gary Barnidge, Connor Hamlett, E.J. Bibbs, Seth
Devalve, Randall Telfer
LT: Joe Thomas, Michael Bowie
LG: Joel Bitonio, Kaleb Johnson
C: Cameron Erving
RG: John Greco, Spencer Drango
RT: Alvin Bailey, Austin Pasztor, Shon Coleman
K: Travis Coons (inj), Patrick Murray, Jaden Oberkrom
NT: Danny Shelton, Jamie Meder, Nile Lawrence-Stample
DE: John Hughes, Xavier Cooper, Carl Nassib, Emmanuel
Ogbah, Nick Hayden, Dylan Wynn, Desmond Bryant (IR)
ILB: Christian Kirksey, Demario Davis, Tank Carder, Joe
Schobert, Scooby Wright III, Justin Tuggle
OLB: Paul Kruger, Armonty Bryant, Barkevious Mingo, Nate
Orchard, Jackson Jeffcoat, Dominique Alexander
CB: Joe Haden, Tramon Williams, K′Waun Williams, Jamar
Taylor, Justin Gilbert, Trey Caldwell, Eric Patterson, Kenya
Dennis
S: Jordan Poyer (FS), Ibraheim Campbell (SS), Rahim Moore
(FS), Pierre Desir (FS/CB), Don Jones (SS), Derrick
Kindred, Sean Baker (FS), Tim Scott (FS)
Dallas Cowboys
QB: When the most controversial thing about the first week of
camp is a debate about whether Tony Romo gained a few
pounds in the offseason, that’s good news. Romo’s surgery to
strengthen his collarbone (after dual breaks caused him to miss
most of last season) appears to have gone well – but won’t
truly be tested until he takes hits from opposing defenders.
Romo has been a tad erratic in early practices, but it’s far more
important that he feels healthy and has been a regular
contributor.
Presumptive backup Kellen Moore broke his ankle and will be
sidelined for several months; he’s likely done for the season.
The Cowboys looked hard at signing Nick Foles but he took
an offer from the Chiefs instead. The team has also been
linked to Josh McCown, although the Browns haven’t
acknowledged McCown is available via trade. For now, rookie
Dak Prescott is running as the #2 but it’s hard to imagine the
Cowboys will go into the season without an established
veteran given Tony Romo’s recent injury history. Jameill
Showers is competing for a roster spot, but it’s hard to
imagine he’ll do enough to hold off Prescott from overtaking
him as the QB3 once the regular season gets underway. Both
young quarterbacks showed well in Sunday’s Blue/White
scrimmage, with Stephen Jones going so far as to say
continued play at that level will make adding a veteran
quarterback less of a priority.
offense. Jones starred in the Blue/White scrimmage, further
adding to his impressive early camp resume.
RB: All eyes have understandably been on Ezekiel Elliott, but
unfortunately a hamstring injury will sideline him for at least a
week. While not considered serious, it’s a setback considering
Elliott’s presumed role as the centerpiece of the offense. Prior
to injuring his hamstring, Elliott hadn’t done all that much in
early practices to stand out one way or another. Off the field,
there has been no news on Elliott’s ex-girlfriend’s claims of
abuse. The police have not charged him and there have been
no public updates on the investigation in two weeks. Elliott’s
injury leaves the Cowboys with precious little depth at the
position considering Darren McFadden remains on the NFI
List with a broken elbow he suffered in the offseason (in a
non-football related injury). Alfred Morris has been getting the
majority of starter reps, and could credibly push McFadden for
the #2 role behind Elliott with a strong preseason. Lance
Dunbar started camp on PUP as he recovers from last season’s
torn ACL – but rehab is going well and the team is cautiously
optimistic he’ll return soon. 6th round rookie Darius Jackson
has been getting 2nd team reps and has a chance to impress in
early preseason action thanks to the veteran injuries.
Defense: The biggest story on the defensive side of the ball
has been the inspired play of veteran cornerback Morris
Claiborne. Claiborne has made plays every day, and has
generated turnovers while also staying with Dez Bryant step
for step in 1-on-1 drills. Fellow veteran cornerback Brandon
Carr hasn’t intercepted a ball since 2013, and had to accept a
$5mm pay cut to remain with the Cowboys this offseason. “I
got bags under my eyes – I don’t get much sleep, man. Still
trying to find the ball,” Carr said. “But you’ve just got to keep
pursuing it, keep believing in yourself and come out here,
battling each and every day. Because once they come, they
come in bunches.” His lack of turnovers is endemic of a
broader issue; the team created just 11 turnovers in 2015. With
the 10-game suspension of Rolando McClain (and possible
end of his Cowboys tenure after not reporting to training
camp), the linebacker position has major question marks.
Early camp injuries have opened the door for players like Kyle
Wilber (himself injured a few days ago) and Mark Nzeocha to
see snaps with the first team. The good news is Sean Lee
appears fully recovered from last season’s knee injury. Lee’s
presence in the lineup is critical to turning around a defense
that scared no one last season.
WR: Dez Bryant and Tony Romo only started and finished
one game together last season, and were last on a field
together Thanksgiving Day. Cowboys fans and fantasy owners
should consider the first week of camp a welcome sight as the
QB-WR duo have spent a lot of time together rebuilding
chemistry. The lack of on-field time has been evident, as the
dynamic duo have yet to recapture the magic that made them
one of the league’s most potent tandems; patience is
warranted. Those waiting for someone to step up and
challenge Terrance Williams for a starting role may need to
wait a bit longer. Williams has been solid early in camp
including a number of highlight-reel grabs in drills with Dak
Prescott. Meanwhile, no other receiver in camp poses a
credible threat. Cole Beasley looks sharp in his role as the 3 rd
receiver and primary slot option. Brice Butler – a long-time
fantasy dark horse – has been inconsistent in the first week
and needs to bounce back in order to secure a roster spot. He’s
being pressured by undrafted rookie free agent Andy Jones.
Jones – 6’1”, 214 lbs. – has gotten snaps with the 1st team
TE: Jason Witten had a solid but relatively quiet first week.
Entering his 14th season, the questions about his future are
getting louder but – for now – he remains primed and ready to
contribute. Witten attributes his youthful productivity to the
mental exercise of starting each season as though it’s his
first. Gavin Escobar’s recovery from a torn Achilles is
progressing well. Escobar is back on the field and has made
his presence known, particularly in 7-on-7 red zone drills.
Escobar is in a contract year and – with Jason Witten nearing
the end of a Hall of Fame career – could be auditioning for a
major role with the Cowboys in 2017 or perhaps a starting role
elsewhere. Veteran contributor James Hanna is on the PUP list
with a knee injury, but is expected back soon.
Returners: Early returns suggest that Dallas’ kickoff and punt
returner jobs are both Lucky Whitehead’s too lose, his roster
spot is still not entirely guaranteed.
Cowboys Depth Chart
QB: Tony Romo, Kellen Moore (inj), Dak Prescott, Jameill
Showers
RB: Ezekiel Elliott, Darren McFadden (inj), Alfred
Morris, Darius Jackson, Lance Dunbar (inj), Rod Smith, Ben
Malena
WR: Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Brice
Butler, Devin Street, Vince Mayle, Lucky Whitehead
(KR/PR), Rodney Smith, Chris Brown
TE: Jason Witten, James Hanna, Gavin Escobar, Geoff
Swaim, Rico Gathers
LT: Tyron Smith, Darrion Weems
LG: Lael Collins, Ronald Leary
C: Travis Frederick
RG: Zack Martin
RT: Doug Free, Green
K: Dan Bailey
DT: Tyrone Crawford, Cedric Thornton, Terrell
McClain, Jack Crawford, Maliek Collins (inj)
DE: Benson Mayowa (inj), David Irving, Ryan
Russell, Charles Tapper, Demarcus Lawrence (susp), Randy
Gregory (susp)
MLB: Anthony Hitchens, Andrew Gachkar, Mark Nzeocha
(W), Jaylon Smith (inj), Rolando McClain (susp)
OLB: Sean Lee (W), Kyle Wilber (S), Justin Durant
(W), Damien Wilson (W), Deon King (S), Keith Smith
(W), James Morris, Ka′Lial Glaud, Jerrell Harris, Derek
Akunne
CB: Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick, Morris Claiborne
(inj),Anthony Brown, Josh Thomas, Isaiah Frey, Dax Swanson
S: Barry Church (SS), Byron Jones (FS), J.J. Wilcox (SS), Jeff
Heath (FS), Ayodeji Olatoye (FS), Kavon Frazier (SS)
Denver Broncos
QB: The Denver Broncos opened training camp with some
serious questions at the quarterback position, and those
questions are no closer to being answered with a full week of
camp in the books. The competition appears to be legitimately
wide open, and the team has not even named a starter for the
first preseason tilt against the Chicago Bears. “I don’t think
anybody has taken off and done anything, I think they’ve all
done what they did in the offseason. They all continue to do it.
We’ll just going here. We’ll start playing some people and
playing some games. We’re going to find out,” said head
coach Gary Kubiak. Mark Sanchez has had his share of
struggles in camp, and the decision making that has plagued
him throughout his career is an early area of focus. “I can tell
you right now, as a coach, one of the things I’m coaching
Mark on is when plays get extended, sometimes plays get long
and some of his decision process needs to be better,” Kubiak
said. Trevor Siemian’s early results have been mixed as well,
but he did have a solid day towards the end of the first week.
"He’s very confident. He knows exactly what we are doing.
He’s really a first year player in a lot of ways. You see him
getting better," Kubiak said. Paxton Lynch has shown some
early flashes, but the rookie remains a clear work in progress.
“I think the biggest thing here is just coming out here, relaxing
and doing your thing," said Lynch.
RB: The Broncos matched the offer sheet that the Miami
Dolphins waved in front of C.J. Anderson this offseason, and
Anderson responded to the team’s vote of confidence with a
little commitment of his own. He arrived in camp about 10
pounds lighter than last year, and that’s added a little extra
burst for the fourth year pro. "I just worked on conditioning. I
did a lot of stadium steps, a lot of hill sprints. I did a whole lot.
I have had success before in college putting myself in position
to be ready to carry the load," he said. Anderson has been
serving as a mentor for promising rookie Devontae Booker as
well. The team sees big things in the future for the fourth
round draft pick, and he could even carve out a bit of a role
this season. “He’s under my wing, and I can help him out so
he can help our football team,” Anderson says. Kapri Bibbs
has been one of the early bright spots in camp, and he’s even
begun to steal reps away from Ronnie Hillman. “Now this
year they are telling that this is the year that I go out and
showcase and have my opportunity, I am going to take full
advantage of that. I’m going to go out and get it.” Bibbs said.
WR: The question of who will be behind center when the
games begin to count remains unsettled for the Broncos, but
whoever is at the helm will have a wealth of talent at their
disposal. Demaryius Thomas is ready to help fill any
perceived leadership void, and also bounce back from what he
views as a disappointing 2015 season on the individual front.
“But I can be a leader on the field, make sure everybody is
doing the right thing, and I can be the player I know I can be,"
he said. We can count Emmanuel Sanders among those who
are ready to move forward, even though things will be quite
different in 2016. “We have to get past that Peyton Manning
era. Right now we're trying to find ourselves a quarterback and
that's what it's about," Sanders said. Beyond the big two of
Thomas and Sanders, the Broncos also have a wealth of young
talent at the position. The young guns have been some of the
bright spots of the early part of camp as well. “Bennie
Fowler’s been making plays, Cody’s been making plays,
Jordan Taylor’s been making plays. It’s a good thing,” said
Sanders.
TE: The leap forward that Virgil Green was expected to take
in 2015 failed to come to fruition, but the enthusiasm is
beginning to ramp up again. Green has had a tremendous start
to training camp, and he’s fully cognizant of what he needs to
do to have that translate into playing time. “Every day you
gotta go out there and be consistent. That’s my biggest thing –
I can make plays. I just have to show them that I can be
consistent and do those things every single day,” he said.
Green’s has been earning the praises of coaches as well.
“Virgil is the red-hot player of the day here in Dove Valley.
What a day he had. He made a bunch of plays in the red zone,"
Kubiak said. Jeff Heuerman is clearly in the mix as well, and
the Broncos remain high on their 2015 third round draft
choice. He’s made a full recovery from the ACL tear that cost
him the 2015 season, and he knows there’s no guarantees as
far as playing time goes. “Cycling through tight ends is part of
the game. Tight ends rotate in and out; you got all different
types of personnel groupings, so you are used to that,” he said.
Defense: Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is setting the
bar pretty high for what he expects in 2016. "We want them to
be the best. That’s what our goals were last year. I said when
we started out, in OTAs we wanted to be in the top five," he
said. The Broncos will have a better shot at making that
happen now that the contract squabble with Von Miller has
been put to bed. Miller picked up in camp right where he left
off, and shows no signs of rust from his extended vacation.
“Von is ready to go,’’ Phillips said. The defense as a whole is
off to a fantastic start at camp, and they capped it off with two
defensive touchdowns in less than 30 minutes in one of the
first week’s final practices. “We wanted to treat it like a game
today,” said cornerback Bradley Roby. Aqib Talib is expected
to return from the non-football injury list this upcoming week
pending a physical. He’s been on the shelf for the past two
months stemming from an off-the-field incident.
Returners: Emmanuel Sanders was Denver’s “break glass in
case of emergency” punt returner last year, but the Broncos
would prefer to use him less on special teams. To this point,
both kickoff and punt return duties are shaping up as a threeplayer battle between veteran Jordan Norwood and undrafted
free agent receivers Kalif Raymond and Bralon Addison.
Broncos Depth Chart
QB: Mark Sanchez, Paxton Lynch, Trevor Siemian
RB: C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, Ronnie Hillman, Juwan
Thompson, Kapri Bibbs
FB: Andy Janovich
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders (PR), Bennie
Fowler, Cody Latimer, Jordan Norwood, Kalif
Raymond, Jordan Taylor, DeVier Posey, Durron Neal, Mose
Frazier, Bralon Addison
TE: Jeff Heuerman, Virgil Green, Garrett Graham, Richard
Gordon, John Phillips, Nick Kasa, Henry KriegerCoble, Manasseh Garner, Anthony Norris
LT: Russell Okung
LG: Max Garcia, Robert Myers
C: Matt Paradis, James Ferentz
RG: Ty Sambrailo, Connor McGovern
RT: Donald Stephenson, Michael Schofield
K: Brandon McManus
NT: Sylvester Williams, Darius Kilgo, Calvin Heurtelou, Kyle
Peko, Billy Winn, Phil Taylor (IR)
DE: Derek Wolfe, Vance Walker, Jared Crick, Adam
Gotsis, Kenny Anunike, George Uko, Vontarrius
Dora, Shaniel Jenkins, David Moala, Eddie Yarbrough
ILB: Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Corey Nelson, Zaire
Anderson
OLB: Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Shaquil Barrett, Shane
Ray, Dekoda Watson, Frank Shannon, Sadat
Sulleyan, Dwayne Norman
CB: Aqib Talib (susp), Chris Harris Jr., Bradley
Roby, Kayvon Webster, Lorenzo Doss, John Tidwell
S: T.J. Ward (SS), Darian Stewart (FS), Justin Simmons
(FS), Shiloh Keo, Will Parks, B.J. Lowery, Ryan
Murphy, Antonio Glover
Detroit Lions
QB: Another training camp arrives and there is very little
(read this as none) competition for the starting quarterback job
in Detroit. Matthew Stafford is unchallenged and entrenched
as the starter and there are realistically no fantasy options
behind him on the depth chart. There has been some turnover
on offense and the Lions are doing their best to get Stafford
and his new weapons on the same page. Stafford is having a
fine camp, but Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reported
that the first-team offense looked a little rusty during their
mock game. He reported that Stafford struggled early but later
in the game he showed nice chemistry with wide receiver
Marvin Jones. Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press has
reported that Stafford has been more vocal as a leader in this
training camp. The battle for the backup quarterback job is
between veteran Dan Orlovsky and rookie Jake Rudock. There
is stability with Orlovsky but there’s little upside and Rudock
is a young quarterback going through growing pains. Carlos
Monarrez of The Detroit Free Press reports that Orlovksy
easily remains as the No. 2 quarterback here, but that Rudock
is doing a nice job adjusting after coming out of pro-style
offenses at Iowa and Michigan. Monarrez also reports that
Rudock is playing mostly with the third-string offense, but he
is displaying good decision making, efficiency and accuracy.
As of now it looks like Stafford and Orlovsky are No. 1 and
No. 2 with Rudock headed for a developmental year.
RB: It’s tough to name a starter in the Detroit backfield with
multiple players having a role that others don’t, and a running
back by committee is truly what exists in Detroit. The most
likely candidate to lead this team in touches is Ameer
Abdullah, and he had off-season shoulder surgery and to this
point he isn’t taking any contact. There isn’t any long-term
concern with Abdullah’s shoulder as the season nears as he
should be good to go. Theo Riddick is absolutely locked into a
pass catching role out of the backfield as he is easily one of
the NFL’s most dangerous weapons with the ball in his hands.
He consistently makes the first man miss and helps the offense
to stay in rhythm and move the chains. The Lions are looking
for a power back to compliment Abdullah and Riddick, and
the competition for that job is between second-year pro Zach
Zenner and recently acquired free-agent Stevan Ridley. Also
in the mix is 2016 late-round pick Dwayne Washington, but he
is not a power back and most likely is headed for the practice
squad. Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press reported that
Ridley has had a good camp and that he looks bigger than his
listed 220 pounds. Ridley runs with good pad lean, power and
is what the Lions are looking for in a big back. Birkett also
reports that while Zenner (playing with the second-team
offense) doesn’t look as powerful or quick as Ridley, he runs
with good vision. The battle for the “power back” job will
likely continue through camp into late August. Rookie
Dwayne Washington is an intriguing young player, but he is
super raw and has a ways to go before he unseats any of the
players ahead of him on the depth chart. He has very good
quickness and speed, but his path to winning a job is likely on
special teams. Brendan Savage of www.mlive.com has
reported that Washington has flashed talent, and reports that
he has caught the eye of head coach Jim Caldwell. Savage
reports that Caldwell has commented on Washington, saying:
"He had a couple pretty nice runs, he shows up. He has ability
but he's young and he's learning. So he's got a ways to go but
we've got something to work with there."
WR: Yes, Calvin Johnson has retired and the Lions must
move on, and they’ve brought in multiple pieces to do just
that. The Lions signed free-agent receiver Marvin Jones in the
offseason and have recently brought in veteran Anquan
Boldin. At this point, it looks like Golden Tate and Marvin
Jones will be 1A and 1B in this offense. Boldin is a veteran,
long in the tooth but he brings a winning mentality and
incredible physicality to the position. Boldin separates in short
areas with his big body and he’ll help to move the chains in
the Detroit offense. Tim Twentyman of
www.detroitlions.com reports that Jones has emerged as the
Lions deep threat on the outside and that he’s looked the part
in camp. Twentyman further noted that Jones commands the
entire route tree and will be a big part of the offense. Golden
Tate is what he is and he’ll continue to take short throws and
make defenders miss to gain yards after the catch. He should
be a primary weapon for quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Shawn Windsor of The Detroit Free Press is reporting that
Boldin was brought in by general manager Bob Quinn to make
catches in heavy traffic and that’s exactly what he’ll do in this
offense. Windsor says Boldin will mentor the younger
receivers and help them during film study, practice and on the
sidelines during games. Boldin is extremely sure handed and
he’ll extend drives to help put points on the board. The Lions
have a group of smaller slot types in veterans Andre Roberts,
Jeremy Kerley and Andre Caldwell. There is a battle
happening with these three and T.J. Jones, and the return game
is what could separate one from the others. Another battle to
watch is for the backup outside receiver position. That is
currently being fought by undrafted free agents Jay Lee and
Quinshad Davis, and veteran Corey Fuller. Dave Birkett of
The Detroit Free Press reports that Fuller will likely start the
season on the PUP list due to a June foot surgery. Carlos
Monarrez of The Detroit Free Press writes that Lee caught
all five passes thrown his way and scored a touchdown at the
Lions mock game on Saturday. Paula Pasche of The
Oakland Press called Lee a standout and a player making the
most of his chances. Kyle Meinke of www.mlive.com is
saying that Davis is turning heads and that he has been
excellent working with the reserves in training camp, and
offers intriguing size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. The Lions
have multiple battles at different positions throughout their
receiver corps and these battles will move through August as it
is still very early in the process.
TE: The Lions are expecting a breakout type campaign from
third-year pro Eric Ebron and the path for a significant
increase in volume is there for him with Johnson retiring.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports that Ebron
has had a solid camp and quotes Caldwell as saying: “He’s
been OK, he’s made a lot of catches out here. He's caught the
ball better than he’s caught it before, which I think is good.
He’s doing a lot of things better. I think he also is one of those
that’s a little bit more familiar with the system so he’s
executing better. He’s not perfect. Got a lot of talent that’s still
yet unearthed and we just got to keep working with him. But I
think he’ll be alright." His status is very much unclear at this
point however, as he left the Lions mock game on a cart with a
reported Achilles injury. Luckily, followup reports show the
injury to be an ankle sprain instead. Ebron will miss time, but
the situation could have been much worse. Veteran Brandon
Pettigrew suffered a torn ACL last year and will start the
season on the PUP list. Veteran Matthew Mulligan has
bounced around the league and is more a blocker than a pass
catcher. There is some decent amount of intrigue in undrafted
free agent Cole Wick who is making plays, but he’s nowhere
near the athlete that Ebron is. He is a plodding type but a good
route runner and he made a bunch of plays in OTAs due to
injuries to Ebron and Pettigrew. Wick is certainly a player to
watch as the Ebron news unfolds.
Defense: The Lions added a big piece to the puzzle in
defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson in the second round of
the draft, and he’ll play in a rotation behind veteran starters
Haloti Ngata and Tyrunn Walker. Dave Birkett of The
Detroit Free Press reported that the defensive line is well
ahead of the offensive line in the early part of camp.
Linebacker DeAndre Levy remains out and is on the nonfootball injured list to start camp. This is a situation that bears
monitoring, as his loss would be an enormous blow to the
defense. The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett quotes Quinn
as saying that, “it’s not much of a concern to me” and "He is
on NFI right now and we don’t think this is a long-term thing,
so I’m hoping to see him back out here soon." Cornerback
Darius Slay signed a long-term extension at the start of camp
and he is a very good starting cornerback. The Lions need to
solve the other starting cornerback position and currently they
have Nevin Lawson starting there. He’ll have to hold off
second-year pro Alex Carter and others. Glover Quin starts at
free safety but one of the biggest holes on the roster is the
strong safety position. There are a bunch of veterans in the
mix to go along with rookie Miles Killebrew. Rafael Bush,
Don Carey and Tavon Wilson are locked in a battle for the
starting job, but Brendan Savage of www.mlive.com is
reporting that Bush is the favorite to win the spot. Savage
reports that Bush has received the majority of first team reps
after through the first week of camp.
Returners: Despite their likely-large role on offense this year,
the Lions have named Golden Tate and Ameer Abdullah their
top punt and kickoff returners, respectively, on their first depth
chart of the season. Versatile specialist T.J. Jones backs up
both positions.
Lions Depth Chart
QB: Matthew Stafford, Dan Orlovsky, Jake Rudock
RB: Ameer Abdullah (KR), Theo Riddick (3RB), Zach
Zenner (SD),Stevan Ridley (SD), Dwayne
Washington, George Winn
FB: Michael Burton
WR: Golden Tate (PR), Marvin Jones, Anquan Boldin, TJ
Jones (KR/PR), Jeremy Kerley, Andre Caldwell, Corey Fuller
(inj), Jay Lee, Quinshad Davis, Andre Roberts, Jace
Billingsley, Ryan Spadola (IR)
TE: Eric Ebron (inj), Brandon Pettigrew (inj), Cole
Wick, Matthew Mulligan, Adam Fuehne, Ben McCord, Tim
Wright (IR)
LT: Taylor Decker, Corey Robinson
LG: Laken Tomlinson, Joe Dahl, Gabe Ikard
C: Travis Swanson, Graham Glascow
RG: Larry Warford, Geoff Schwartz
RT: Riley Reiff, Michael Ola, Cornelius Lucas
K: Matt Prater
DT: Haloti Ngata, A′Shawn Robinson, Tyrunn Walker
(inj), Caraun Reid, Khyri Thornton, Gabe Wright, Stefan
Charles, Kerry Hyder
DE: Ezekiel Ansah, Devin Taylor, Wallace Gilberry, Anthony
Zettel, Quanterus Smith, Deonte Gibson, Louis Palmer
MLB: Tahir Whitehead (S), Antwione Williams, Dominique
Tovell (S)
OLB: DeAndre Levy (W), Kyle Van Noy (S), Josh Bynes
(S),Jonathan Bostic (W/M), Khaseem Greene, Brandon
Copeland, Zaviar Gooden
CB: Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson, Quandre Diggs, Alex Carter,
Darrin Walls, Crezdon Butler, Adairius Barnes, Ian
Wells, Charles Washington
S: Glover Quin (FS), Rafael Bush (FS), Tavon Wilson
(SS), Miles Killebrew (SS), Don Carey, Johnson Bademosi
(FS), Isaiah Johnson (SS)
Green Bay Packers
QB: Neither Aaron Rodgers (precautionary reasons) nor Brett
Hundley (ankle injury) were expected to play in the Hall of
Fame game on Sunday. To the sorrow of many NFL fans,
there was no Hall of Fame game. The majority of the snaps
were to fall to Marquise Williams and Joe Callahan, a pair of
undrafted rookies vying for a roster spot. “I think they’re
doing OK,” GM Ted Thompson said recently. “I don’t know
how easy that is to be a rookie quarterback and be thrust into
NFL training camp where, for all the world for them, it
probably looks like they’re going against first-teamers all the
time. But I think they're holding their own, and we'll see what
they can do down in Ohio.” Callahan has acknowledged a
steep learning curve: “Trying to adjust to Aaron’s style of play
and some of his mechanics early on, that was one of the things
that I had to learn and try to learn as fast as possible. I think
that month that we had off was critical in my ability to pick
that up fast. It was something that I was able to work on with
so much free time. Aaron has a unique style of footwork. The
way that it's built into the offense, it's all based off of timing
and everything just times up so well. You try and do what
Aaron does out there. You try to mimic as much as you can, if
that's possible, because we know who Aaron Rodgers is. You
try to play as much like him as possible.”
RB: Eddie Lacy is listed as the starting running back on the
Packers' initial depth chart followed by James Starks and John
Crockett. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Pete Dougherty
estimated that Eddie Lacy reported to camp 'around the 240pound mark.' That is about 20 pounds lighter than he began
camp last season. Fullback John Kuhn, recently signed by the
Saints, bid his Green Bay faithful farewell on Twitter this
week, saying “My years in Green Bay will always be
incredibly special and I will never forget how the fans
embraced me from day one. As a small school college player
from a tiny town in Pennsylvania, having the opportunity to
hear your name chanted by thousands of fans, both at home
and on the road, is an experience I will always cherish." Aaron
Ripkowski is Kuhn's replacement at fullback.
WR: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Michael Cohen and
Bob McGinn agreed on their Packers Podcast Friday, that Jeff
Janis has had a 'disappointing' training camp so far. Despite
Aaron Rodgers spending extra time with Janis after practices
this past week, he is not synching with Rodgers in practices.
Rodgers would have been held out of the Hall of Fame game,
so Janis will have to wait until next week for more reps with
the Packers' starter. The initial depth chart (unofficial, released
August 2) showed Janis behind second-teamers Jared
Abbrederis and Davante Adams (with Jordy Nelson and
Randall Cobb listed as starters). Nelson has missed all the
practices this week due to a sore knee/knee tendinitis. OC
Edgar Bennett said that “it's just a matter of time” until Nelson
is back to his normal self. Bennett also indicated that Davante
Adams “continues to improve,” though he added, “Just like all
the members of our offense, we want (Adams) to be more
consistent.”
TE: Richard Rodgers is listed as the starting tight end as of
with Jared Cook running second on the depth chart in spite of
missing practice due to his injured/surgically repaired foot.
Cook may be out of the second week of practices, as well.
Rodgers has slimmed down to 258 pounds after playing as
high as 275 last season, and has impressed Aaron Rodgers.
“He's had a great offseason, and we're primed for him to
continue to build on the things he's done in the first couple
years,” said Rodgers.
Defense: The Packers plan for Nick Perry to be their lead
outside linebacker, while Julius Peppers is going to play
limited snaps and serve as the backup to Perry during 2016. “I
think Nick will play a bigger role in our defense clearly just
from an opportunity standpoint,” coach McCarthy said. “His
opportunities will increase. I think that's something that's been
evident since Day 1 in the off-season program. Going back to
the postseason conversations that we had, this is the first offseason Nick has gone through. He's been coming off an injury
each and every year and he looks like a whole different player.
I look for Nick to be a prominent player in our defense this
year.”
Returners: Undrafted rookie Trevor Davis is battling to make
the roster as a return specialist, but faces challenges from a
crowded WR depth chart. Should he fail in his bid, Jeff Janis,
(himself perhaps on the roster bubble), would likely handle
kickoffs, while veteran Micah Hyde handled punt returns.
Packers Depth Chart
QB: Aaron Rodgers, Brett Hundley, Joe Callahan, Marquise
Williams
RB: Eddie Lacy, James Starks, John Crockett, Brandon Burks,
Brandon Ross, Don Johnson
FB: Aaron Ripkowski, Alstevis Squirewell
WR: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Jared Abbrederis, Davante
Adams, Ty Montgomery, Jeff Janis (KR), Trevor Davis
(KR/PR), Geronimo Allison, Jamel Johnson, Ed
Williams, Herb Waters, Harvey Binford
TE: Richard Rodgers, Jared Cook, Justin Perillo, Kennard
Backman, Casey Pierce, Mitchell Henry
LT: David Bakhtiari, Jason Spriggs
LG: Josh Sitton, Lane Taylor, William Campbell
C: Corey Linsley, J.C. Tretter
RG: T.J. Lang, Josh Walker
RT: Bryan Bulaga, Kyle Murphy
K: Mason Crosby
NT: Letroy Guion, Kenny Clark, Christian Ringo, Brian Price
DE: Mike Daniels, Datone Jones, Mike Pennel, Dean
Lowry, Tyler Kuder, Demetris Anderson, Reggie Gilbert
ILB: Sam Barrington (M), Jake Ryan, Blake Martinez, Carl
Bradford (M), Joe Thomas
OLB: Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, Nick Perry, Jayrone
Elliott, Kyler Fackrell, Lerentee McCray, Beniquez
Brown, Manoa Pikula
CB: Sam Shields, Quinten Rollins, Damarious
Randall, Demetri Goodson (susp), LaDarius
Gunter, Robertson Daniel, Josh Hawkins, Makinton Dorleant
S: Morgan Burnett (SS), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (FS), Micah
Hyde (FS/PR), Chris Banjo (SS), Kentrell Brice, Marwin
Evans
Houston Texans
QB: Brock Osweiler had a shaky start to camp but came on
strong as the week progressed. He is getting the timing down
with his receivers and has been able to complete a number of
deep balls to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller against the
first-team defense in recent practices. Tom Savage has turned
some heads early in camp with his command of the offense
and big arm. "Very improved player," Texans coach Bill
O'Brien said of Savage. “He's put a lot of hard work on and off
the field. He's really worked hard to change his body, become
stronger, become quicker, quicker release. He has a much
better knowledge of our offense. It takes a while for that
position. The only thing Tom needs is an opportunity. Tom is
a good football player and he's put a lot of time in to get to
where he is right now."
RB: Lamar Miller is the clear starter for the Texans and has
taken most of the first-team reps. He has been working on his
timing in the Texans' I-formation running plays behind Jay
Prosch as the duo works on their chemistry. "Lamar is
awesome," Prosch said. "Now, it's time to put it all together.
It's a learning process. I think we're a good fit. We definitely
have to have some chemistry built up before we actually start.
I think we're building that. Lamar does a good job of bringing
the block to the blockers and setting up the blocks. It helps me
a lot. He's definitely a powerful guy with a good burst. It's
exciting." After the offense struggled mightily in goal line
drills early in camp, they began to pick things up in more
recent practices as Miller found the end zone multiple times
on Thursday and Friday. Tyler Ervin has shown surprisingly
well on some runs between the tackles, displaying an ability to
bounce off would be tacklers and keep his balance. He has
also proven especially dangerous in the open field, where he is
too quick for linebackers to cover. Akeem Hunt has been
similarly impressive early in camp and brings a similar skillset
to Ervin to the table. Alfred Blue is likely to stick around as
the big back and he has reportedly shown modest
improvement as he hopes to carve out a role behind Miller.
WR: Following a short holdout, DeAndre Hopkins returned to
the field and has been making plays on a regular basis in
camp. Even against tight coverage by the Texans top corners,
Hopkins always seems to find a way to come down with the
ball when it’s thrown in his direction. After arriving as a
rookie weighing 237 pounds, Jaelen Strong has shown up to
camp in tremendous shape (200 pounds) as he enters his
second season. "It got out of hand," Strong said. "Now, I'm in
better shape than I've ever been. I got my body right." Bill
O'Brien noted that Strong “nailed the conditioning test.” “He’s
been able to really refine his skillset as a receiver,” said
O’Brien. Long-time beat writer John McClain has called
Strong the “most improved player” on the team. Strong is
poised to open the season as the #2 receiver across from
Hopkins. The Texans duo of highly drafted rookies is going to
make an impact as well and they could steal snaps from Strong
along the way. First-rounder Will Fuller has made some of the
big plays that he is known for. Beat-writers have noted, “no
one can run with him.” He has unsurprisingly had some issues
getting off the line against press coverage, but has made
progress throughout the offseason. Braxton Miller has also
made some big plays with the first-team offense. Observers
have noted that his reputation as a “project” is overblown and
Miller has picked up the offense quickly. Cecil Shorts has
been “fantastic” throughout the start of camp and is getting
open against “anyone and everyone.” The battle for the final
roster spot at receiver will be fierce. Young veteran Keith
Mumphrey will have to hold off a slew of talented youngsters.
The most intriguing of the young guys battling to make the
team is Wendall Williams. His blazing speed (reportedly ran
in 4.2 range at his pro day) has been on full display. He’s also
flashed natural hands and his ability as a returner may help
earn him a spot on the roster.
TE: The tight end group overall has been struggling with
catching the ball early in camp. O’Brien has praised the
development of C.J. Fiedorowicz as a route-runner and
blocker, but his hands remain questionable. Fiedorowicz has
improved enough to be the probable starter. Undrafted rookie
Stephen Anderson has made a lot of catches in camp and
stood out as a bright spot. He’s shown an ability to make
adjustments and come down with poorly thrown balls.
O’Brien called Anderson a “very, very smart kid. He’s got
good hands. He’s got good route-running ability.”
PK: Nick Novak and rookie UDFA Kai’mi Fairbairn are in a
“very close battle” according to head coach Bill O’Brien. He
added that both are working “extremely hard.” Most observers
expect preseason game performances to determine the
outcome.
Defense: Whitney Mercilus looks to have taken another step
towards being an impact player. He can win in so many
different ways now than he could a couple of years ago. He’s
reportedly gotten bigger, quicker and more explosive all at
once. Bernardrick McKinney has flashed surprising skills in
coverage, including a play where he ran step for step with
Lamar Miller on a deep route. The second-year linebacker
could emerge as a big-time playmaker. Rookie defensive
tackle D.J. Reader has made his presence felt early in camp.
He has shown the strength to hold the point against double
teams and some pass rushing chops.
Returners: Disappointed with their return game last year,
Houston drafted Tyler Ervin in part to shore it up. While
undrafted players are always a long-shot to make the final
roster, rookie Wendall Williams has been routinely impressing
as a returner in training camps and could latch on. Last year’s
primary returner, Keith Mumphery, is also still around and in
the mix.
Texans Depth Chart
QB: Brock Osweiler, Brandon Weeden, Tom Savage
RB: Lamar Miller, Alfred Blue, Tyler Ervin, Jonathan
Grimes, Akeem Hunt, Kenny Hilliard
FB: Jay Prosch
WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Jaelen Strong, Will Fuller, Cecil
Shorts, Braxton Miller, Keith Mumphery, Wendall
Williams, Josh Lenz
TE: Ryan Griffin, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Anthony
Denham, Stephen Anderson, Eric Tomlinson
LT: Duane Brown, Chris Clark
LG: Xavier Su•a-Filo, Jeff Adams
C: Nick Martin, Tony Bergstrom, Greg Mancz
RG: Jeff Allen, Oday Aboushi, Kendall Lamm
RT: Derek Newton
K: Nick Novak, Kai’mi Fairbairn
NT: Vince Wilfork, D.J. Reader
DE: J.J. Watt (inj), Christian Covington, Devon Still, Brandon
Dunn, Jeoffrey Pagan, Joel Heath, Dan Pettinato
ILB: Brian Cushing, Benardrick McKinney, Akeem
Dent, Max Bullough, Brian Peters
OLB: Whitney Mercilus (S), Jadeveon Clowney (J), John
Simon (S/J), Reshard Cliett, Tony Washington, Carlos
Thompson
CB: Johnathan Joseph, Kareem Jackson, Kevin Johnson, A.J.
Bouye, Charles James, Richard Leonard (inj)
S: Andre Hal (FS), Eddie Pleasant (SS), Quintin Demps
(FS),Antonio Allen (SS), KJ Dillon (SS), Kurtis Drummond
(FS), Lonnie Ballentine (SS), Corey Moore
Indianapolis Colts
Note: The Colts were slated to play the Packers in the Hall of
Fame Game on Sunday, August 7th, but the game was
canceled due to poor field conditions.
QB: After the disastrous 2015 season, fantasy owners are
hoping that the draft addition of center Ryan Kelly can help
keep Andrew Luck upright. Luck’s is optimistic. “I think
physically and mentally I feel like I have gotten better as a
quarterback, better as a thrower and better at understanding
this offense. … I think the more we’ve practiced, the more
we’ve gotten our reps in I think the faster we have gotten as an
offense. The faster we’re playing and that certainly lends itself
to confidence, yeah.” Despite a statistically forgettable and
injury-tainted year, Indianapolis made Luck the highest paid
player in the NFL with a $123 million dollar extension that
will keep him with the team through 2021. Vocal owner Jim
Irsay recently said of Luck, “Andrew’s feeling really healthy.
... He feels great and that makes me feel great.” However
hopeful the team feels about its starter, Indianapolis’ backup
quarterback situation is one of the more dismal in the league.
Matt Hasselbeck retired in the offseason, leaving a large void
at the position. Only former undrafted free agents Scott
Tolzien (formerly of the Packers) and Stephen Morris are on
the roster.
RB: Frank Gore remains atop the depth chart. Unlike last year,
the Colts don’t plan to keep Gore on a “pitch count” for
carries. Instead, they will assess how fresh Gore is feeling
from game to game throughout the year. Newly appointed
Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski said of the situation, “I
don’t like the word ‘pitch count,’ but I think the word is that
we have to be smart in making sure that we have a rotation
that keeps (Gore) fresh and effective throughout the course of
the season. What that is in numbers isn’t as important. I think,
as a coach, you assess that as you’re going through the course
of the season.” On the depth chart that was released by the
team last week, Robert Turbin was listed as the backup. A
committee including Turbin, journeyman Jordan Todman, and
rookie newcomer Josh Ferguson could split the workload
should Gore break his five-year healthy streak and succumb to
injury. Of this backup group, Ferguson has been the standout
in camp so far. He has had some strong practices, showing
nice hands out of the backfield and contagious energy on his
touches.
WR: The starting wide receiving corps for Indianapolis
remains one of the more exciting in the NFL. T.Y. Hilton is
seen as the leader of this group by both the coaches and his
teammates. Head Coach Chuck Pagano said of Hilton’s place
on the team, "Naturally, guys grow into that role and he
embraced that role as far as a leader, mentoring the young
guys. But really, it was by his actions and being here and
being present, working his tail off and playing at a really high
speed and high level." T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief will be
the starters in two-wide sets with last year’s first-round pick
Phillip Dorsett seeing time when plays call for three wideouts,
which should become more common this year. Beyond these
three, there is little depth. The most notable name is former
Patriots receiver Josh Boyce, who flashed at times but never
quite panned out in New England. However, it is UDFA
Chester Rogers (Grambling State) and UDFA Tevaun Smith
(Iowa) that have been the ones impressing in camp practices.
TE: Coby Fleener departed for a big contract in New Orleans,
leaving Dwayne Allen as the Colts’ primary tight end. The
team expressed confidence in him by signing him to a fouryear, $29.4-million-dollar deal. Allen has historically been
one of Luck’s favorite targets in the red zone, but staying
healthy throughout his career has been an issue. The day Colts
camp started, Allen gave a short interview in which he stated,
“I just want to be healthy and available so I can help my team.
… I did a lot of talking before. I felt the talking came from not
having the opportunities, so I needed to talk. But this year,
regardless of opportunities, I want to be the teammate and the
player that people speak for and I don’t have to speak for
myself.” Backup Jack Doyle functions more as a blocker. Erik
Swoope would be of great interest to owners if Allen again
misses time, as Swoope has the natural receiving and jump
ball skills that players are looking to add to their fantasy
teams.
Defense: The Colts fired Greg Manusky and hired Ravens’
linebackers coach Ted Monachino. While the Colts base
defense won’t change, Monachino will simplify concepts and
instill an attacking mentality in his players. Monachino likes
to bring pressure. In a recent interview, Monachino
explained, “We love pressure, but pressure can come from a
variety of different ways. We can come from three-man
pressure. We can rush four and affect the quarterback by
forcing him to hold the football and getting a guy home. We
can bring additional rushers. We can bring additional rushers
and drop guys who are typical rushers. But yes, I’m a pressure
guy. There’s enough variety that you’re not going to know
who it is and where it’s coming from.” Overall, the defensive
personnel remains questionable, which is good news for those
who own Colts skill position players. The offense will have to
score points to compensate when the defense lapses. Nose
tackle Arthur Jones, who had missed all the previous season
with an injury, was busted for a performance enhancing drug
violation and will miss the first four games of 2016. The battle
for the inside linebacker spot opposite D’Qwell Jackson rages
on between ex-Bronco Nate Irving and ex-Raider Sio Moore.
Colts star corner Vontae Davis recently had an injury scare in
practice, but returned to play after spending a few moments
on the trainer’s table.
Returners: After performing admirably last season, Quan
Bray is the only Colt listed on the initial depth chart at either
punt or kickoff returner. Should he falter in his duties, though,
Indianapolis is likely to give receivers Phillip Dorsett or Donte
Moncrief a chance.
Colts Depth Chart
QB: Andrew Luck, Scott Tolzien, Stephen Morris
RB: Frank Gore, Robert Turbin, Josh Ferguson, Jordan
Todman, Trey Williams
FB: Abou Toure
WR: T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Phillip Dorsett, Quan Bray
(KR/PR), Josh Boyce, MeKale McKay, Chester
Rogers, Marcus Leak, Tavaun Smith, Joshua Stangby, Daniel
Anthrop, Andre Debose
TE: Dwayne Allen, Jack Doyle, Erik Swoope, Chase
Coffman, Emil Igwenagu, Darion Griswold, Nick
Truesdell, Mike McFarland (IR)
LT: Anthony Castonzo, LeRaven Clark
LG: Jack Mewhort
C: Ryan Kelly, Jonotthan Harrison, Austin Blythe
RG: Hugh Thornton, Denzelle Good
RT: Joe Reitz, Joe Haeg
K: Adam Vinatieri
NT: David Parry, Zach Kerr, Ricky Lumpkin
DE: Kendall Langford (inj), Henry Anderson (inj), Arthur
Jones (susp),Earl Okine, Hassan Ridgeway, Delvon
Simmons, Kelcy Quarles
ILB: D′Qwell Jackson, Nate Irving, Sio Moore, Antonio
Morrison, Trevor Bates, Josh McNary, Amarlo Herrera
OLB: Trent Cole, Erik Walden, Robert Mathis, Junior
Sylvestre, Curt Maggitt, Sterling Bailey
CB: Vontae Davis, Patrick Robinson, Darius Butler, D′Joun
Smith, Jalil Brown, Tevin Mitchel, Patrick Robinson, Tay
Glover-Wright, Darius White, Winston Rose, Christopher
Milton
S: Mike Adams (FS), Clayton Geathers (SS) (inj), Winston
Guy (FS),T.J. Green (SS), Dezmen Southward, Andrew
Williamson, Stefan McClure
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB: Within the first three minutes of the Jaguars 11-on-11
drills on Thursday, both Blake Bortles and Chad Henne were
intercepted. Bortles was picked off by Telvin Smith who made
a great read in coverage on a pass that was intended for Julius
Thomas. Henne’s pass was tipped at the line of scrimmage and
Dwayne Gratz made the interception. Beat writer Ryan
O’Halloran tracked Bortles at 56.3% (40-of-71) on his passing
attempts with four interceptions during 11-on-11s, and 66.0%
(35-of-53) with one interception during 7-on-7s. There’s no
official tally of the touchdown passes thrown during those
drills, but there were several. Bortles has looked sharp in
training camp despite the interceptions as the defense has also
been shining in camp so far. Head coach Gus Bradley had
some kind words for Bortles, “I’ve been very, very pleased
with him. Very excited about him. It comes back to his
command of the offense, seeing him going up to receivers,
tight ends and talk to them. He has a stronger command. He’s
playing with good poise. I think that if there’s a mistake made
he reacts quicker to it, recovers quicker from it.” With Bortles
entering his second year in coordinator Greg Olson’s offense
he has set lofty goals for himself and the offense as a whole.
Olson said Bortles is more comfortable and confident in his
knowledge of the offense, but still isn’t at the point where he
can have a picture in his mind at the moment the play is
called of everyone’s role and how the defense is going to
react. “He’s getting better at that,” Olson said.
RB: “I think we’re going to be as good as our running game
is,” Blake Bortles told reporters on Monday. “I think last year
we were forced to throw the ball maybe a little bit more,
maybe a little bit more than we had planned either because we
weren’t running the ball well or we were behind the chains or
down in the game.” Chris Ivory has started strong in the first
days of camp and his lower-the-shoulder style will help the
running game as T.J. Yeldon will be able to see a slight
decrease in volume this season. Coach Bradley said that Chris
Ivory was signed in part to help keep T.J. Yeldon healthy.
“It’s a long season and to have two or three backs that you can
count on, that’d be an asset for our team.”
WR: Allen Robinson and cornerback Prince Amukamara have
been competing against each other early in camp with
Amukamara getting the best of Robinson early in the 7-on-7
red zone drills. Later on Robinson took advantage of
Amukamara on a route that was away from the ball. Robinson
was bummed the pass didn’t go his way, as he was wide open
after shaking free of Amukamara. Robinson also had an
impressive play on the first unit’s final play of practice as he
lined up in the right slot against cornerback Jalen Ramsey. At
the snap, Robinson juked inside and Ramsey bit, Robinson
then darted outside to catch a touchdown pass from Blake
Bortles. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Jamal Robinson has
put together back to back impressive performances at practice.
He made two acrobatic catches, including an impressive
touchdown catch. Marqise Lee is dealing with a hamstring
injury and missed practice for a sixth-straight session.
Arrelious Benn is attempting an NFL comeback with the
Jaguars. Benn has not caught a regular season pass since 2012
but yet continues to capture headlines for his impressive
performances over the last three summers. Benn will be
battling for a roster spot with the likes of Bryan Walters, Tony
Washington and Rashad Lawrence.
TE: Veteran Marcedes Lewis has looked good thus far but
had a rough spot during a midweek practice as the ball sailed
right through his hands on a Bortles throw. After finishing the
2015 season with a 46/455/5 stat line in 12 games, Julius
Thomas is looking to rebound and get to 8-10 touchdowns.
The key to achieving his goal will be staying healthy and
playing a full season; something he’s historically been unable
to do.
Defense: Last year’s 1st round pick defensive end Dante
Fowler has looked great so far. Fowler blew past offensive
linemen during 1-on-1 drills, as he owned backup tackle Josh
Wells on two-straight battles, with the first time using his
speed and hands and then by using his power and strength to
knock him into a big blue cone. He also got the best of veteran
right tackle Jermey Parnell as he used his athleticism to
quickly get around him. Starting Cornerback Davon House has
been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Returners: After a short but electric stint at punt returner to
end his rookie season, Rashad Greene returns as the favorite to
get an extended look. At kickoffs, the athletic Nick Marshall
and Denard Robinson— both former college quarterbacks—
open as favorites for the job.
Jaguars Depth Chart
QB: Blake Bortles, Chad Henne, Brandon Allen
RB: T.J. Yeldon (3RB), Chris Ivory (SD), Denard Robinson
(WR),Jonas Gray, Corey Grant, Joe Banyard
WR: Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Rashad Greene
(PR), Marqise Lee, Bryan Walters, Arrelious Benn, Shane
Wynn, Tony Washington, Rashad Lawrence, Shaq
Evans, Jamal Robinson, Rasheed Bailey
TE: Julius Thomas, Marcedes Lewis, Nic Jacobs, Ben
Koyack, Neal Sterling, Braedon Bowman
LT: Luke Joeckel, Kelvin Beachum
LG: Mackenzy Bernadeau, Tyler Shatley
C: Brandon Linder, Luke Bowanko
RG: AJ Cann
RT: Jermey Parnell
K: Jason Myers
DT: Malik Jackson (DE), Senderrick Marks, Roy
Miller, Tyson Alualu, Michael Bennett, Sheldon Day, Abry
Jones
DE: Dante Fowler Jr., Jared Odrick, Yannick Ngakoue, Chris
Smith, Ryan Davis, Jonathan Woodard (inj)
MLB: Paul Posluszny, Thurston Armbrister
OLB: Telvin Smith (W), Myles Jack (S/M), Dan Skuta
(S), Jordan Tripp (S), Tyrone Holmes, Hayes Pullard III
(W), Joplo Bartu (W),Bjoern Werner, Sean Porter (S)
CB: Davon House, Prince Amukamara, Jalen Ramsey, Aaron
Colvin (susp), Nick Marshall, Briean BoddyCalhoun, Dwayne Gratz, Demetrius McCray
S: Tashaun Gipson (FS), John Cyprien (SS), James Sample
(SS),Josh Evans (SS), Jarrod Wilson (FS), Craig Loston
(SS), Peyton Thompson (SS), Earl Wolff
Kansas City Chiefs
QB: Alex Smith returns for his fourth season at the helm of
the Chiefs offense. He continues to carry around the label of
game manager, but he’s a highly efficient one at that. That
works fine on the field for what he’s asked to do in the
offense, but it leaves him as little more than a QB2
consideration for fantasy squads. That being said, there have
been glowing reports about Smith’s performance in camp thus
far, and he could see a boost in productivity this season as a
result. "His decision making is great. There's no secondguessing," says co-offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. The
Chiefs made a move to shore up the backup position with the
signing of Nick Foles, who has a history with head coach
Andy Reid. Foles is no threat to unseat Smith, as Reid
explains. “Nick knows that it’s Alex’s team and Alex knows
that it’s his team. Let’s go play,” he said. The signing of Foles
creates a logjam at the quarterback position, as the team is
currently carrying five players at the position. Aaron Murray
appeared to be in line for the backup role due to the departure
of Chase Daniel in free agency, but he’s been passed on the
depth chart by Tyler Bray. Kevin Hogan was selected in this
year’s draft and appears headed for a practice squad
designation. Bray and Murray could be battling for a roster
spot, but a release or trade of one or both can’t be ruled out at
this point.
RB: Jamaal Charles was placed on the active/PUP list as camp
opened. He continues to recover from the ACL injury that
brought an abrupt end to his 2015 season, and the Chiefs are
being understandably cautious with him. It’s a pretty safe bet
that we won’t see too much of Charles in the preseason, but he
appears to be coming along well in his recovery and should be
a full go for Week 1. Similar to what happened last season, the
absence of Charles is allowing more time for Charcandrick
West and Spencer Ware to shine. Both backs proved more
than capable when they were thrust into playing time, and the
Chiefs wisely held on to both of them as insurance against
another Charles injury. There’s no clear-cut answer as to who
will be the primary backup, but Ware appears to be in the lead
at the moment. “He’s got great vision, he’s got good feet and
he can catch. Those things work in our offense,” said Reid.
Knile Davis, the former primary backup for Charles, remains
with the club as well. He’s clearly been passed over on the
depth chart, but he will resume his role as the club’s top kick
returner.
WR: The book on Chiefs receivers for fantasy purposes
typically starts and ends with Jeremy Maclin, but early reports
indicate it may not be a one-man show at the position for too
much longer. That would open things up further for Maclin,
who delivered a solid effort in his first year with the Chiefs in
2015. A calf strain has sidelined projected starter Albert
Wilson, and that’s opened things up for Rod Streater. He’s
taking full advantage of the opportunity, and he could push
himself into the conversation for more playing time if his
strong camp continues. “I think Rod’s done a phenomenal job.
We’ve asked him to play outside, we’ve moved him to the slot
and I think he’s a very intelligent guy,” Maclin said. Secondyear pro Chris Conley appears in line for more playing time
too, and early reports on 2016 draft pick Demarcus Robinson
have been glowing. Tyreek Hill, another 2016 draft choice,
has been one of the early stars of camp. "The biggest part of
coming into this offense as a wide receiver is the mentality of
being able to handle the volume of the reps that we have, the
formations, the personnel, how things adjust. He’s done it so
far," Nagy said. Add it all up, and it sounds like the days of
Maclin being the only wide receiver threat may be numbered.
TE: The Chiefs showed their commitment to Travis Kelce by
signing him to a five-year extension this offseason. He’s
produced mirror image statistics in both of his years as a
starter, and he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his full
potential. Kelce has showcased just how hard it is to stop him
in the early days of camp, and he’s fully secure in his role as
the third option in the offense behind Charles and Maclin.
Backup Ross Travis has been one of the early darlings at
training camp. He hauled in two touchdowns during red zone
drills on Saturday. Travis is a former college basketball player
that brings great size to the table, and he could be an
interesting long-term prospect if he’s able to hang on through
camp. James O’Shaughnessy, Demetrius Harris and Brian
Parker round out a deep tight end depth chart for the Chiefs.
Defense: The Chiefs surprised many with their performance
on the defensive side of the ball in 2015, and they are
projected to be one of the top units again in 2016. Before they
are able to live up to those expectations, there are several
question marks that need to be sorted out. Eric Berry has yet to
report due to a contract dispute, and Justin Houston and
Tamba Hali are both on the active/PUP list for the start of
camp. Those question marks have led to a ton of opportunities
for other members of the roster. “Every guy here is counting
on you to be prepared. We count on you so that’s been an
advantage from the standpoint of reps. They have to take
advantage of that right now,” said defensive coordinator Bob
Sutton. Early camp standouts have included ILB Justin March
and CB Marcus Peters, the 2015 AP Defensive Rookie of the
Year. Peters appears poised to improve on his stellar debut
campaign, and that should be a scary thought for opposing
offenses if the Chiefs are able to close the book on all of their
question marks before camp closes out.
Returners: Special teams coach Dave Toub compared rookie
Tyreek Hill to Devin Hester when he was drafted and has
called Hill the fastest player he’s coached. An electrifying
camp increased the odds he earns the first-team punt return
duties. Knile Davis could make the roster just for his kickoff
returns, provided Hill doesn’t earn those duties, too.
Chiefs Depth Chart
QB: Alex Smith, Nick Foles, Tyler Bray, Aaron
Murray, Kevin Hogan
RB: Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, Knile
Davis (KR), Darrin Reaves
FB: Anthony Sherman, Trey Millard
WR: Jeremy Maclin, Chris Conley, Albert Wilson, Rod
Streater, De′Anthony Thomas, Tyreek Hill, Demarcus
Robinson, Frankie Hammond, Seantavius Jones, Da′Ron
Brown, Mitch Mathews, Kashif Moore, Mike Williams
TE: Travis Kelce, James O′Shaughnessy, Demetrius
Harris, Brian Parker, Ross Travis
LT: Eric Fisher, Jah Reid
LG: Parker Ehinger, Zach Fulton, Jarrod Pughsley
C: Mitch Morse, Jordan Devey
RG: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
RT: Mitchell Schwartz, Reid Fragel
K: Cairo Santos
NT: Dontari Poe, Chris Jones, Alamedu Ta′amu
DE: Jaye Howard, Allen Bailey, Nick Williams, Rakeem
Nunez-Roches, David King, Jimmy Staten, Efe Obada
ILB: Derrick Johnson, Josh Mauga, D.J. Alexander, Ramik
Wilson, Terrance Smith, Justin March, Tyrell Adams
OLB: Justin Houston (inj), Tamba Hali, Dee Ford, Frank
Zombo, Dezman Moses, Dadi Lhomme Nicolas, Jonathan
Massaquoi, Andy Malumba
CB: Marcus Peters, Phillip Gaines, Steven Nelson, Keivarae
Russell, Marcus Cooper, Eric Murray, D.J. White, Deveron
Carr, Shannon Edwards, Shakiel Rudolph, Vernon Harris
S: Eric Berry (SS), Ron Parker (FS), Steve Brown, Daniel
Sorenson (SS), Jamell Fleming (FS), Akeem Davis
Los Angeles Rams
QB: Jeff Fisher named Case Keenum as the Rams starter for
the preseason opener. What Jeff Fisher does right now means
nothing for what he will do at the start of the regular season.
Fisher has previously made statements about quarterbacks that
he has almost immediately backed off of. What is more
concerning for Jared Goff is how he has played this week.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com visited Los Angeles and came
away convinced that Goff was nowhere near ready to start.
Goff started the week relatively well but by Friday fans could
be heard calling for Case Keenum when the rookie panicked
in the pocket. On the bright side, Goff has made a number of
very difficult throws that have excited local beat writers. His
talent is there, it's just a matter of how long it takes for it to
outweigh his struggles.
RB: Todd Gurley has looked incredible in the first week,
repeatedly breaking off big runs whenever given the
opportunity. With Gurley expected to be one of the most
heavily worked running backs this season, there aren't many
snaps left to fight for among the backups. Tre Mason didn't
report to training camp for the Rams. Mason had gone missing
his NFL future is in doubt. His absence means that Benny
Cunningham will be essentially uncontested for the Rams'
primary backup role. Cunningham should also be the team's
third-down back. Aaron Green, Malcolm Brown and Chase
Reynolds are competing for roster spots behind Gurley and
Cunningham. Green has the upper hand thanks to his
performance thus far on special teams.
WR: Brian Quick said that Mike Groh – the team’s passing
game coordinator and receivers coach – is working the unit
harder than ever before. Quick had a decent first week of
practice. He’s healthy twelve months after suffering a careerthreatening shoulder injury. Quick is the favorite to start
across from Kenny Britt in the Rams base offense but is facing
stiff competition from rookie Mike Thomas. Thomas and
teammate Jared Goff have developed a quick rapport.
Thomas’ length and athleticism were always going to stand
out in training camp situations. The real questions for Thomas
will come in preseason and regular season games. On the
inside, Tavon Austin had an injury scare early in the first week
of camp but returned to the field. His backup, rookie Pharoh
Cooper, missed time later in the week with a quad problem.
Duke Williams, another rookie, struggled at the beginning of
camp because of drops but made a strong finish to the week
while Cooper was out. Williams has a tough road to make the
roster as an outside receiver but would make sense as a
practice squad player if he performs well throughout camp.
TE: Jake Stoneburner was signed during the first week of
training camp after being released by the Miami Dolphins.
Stoneburner is a versatile player with limited offensive upside.
Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey are established as tight
end/fullback options for the Rams. It's up to rookies Tyler
Higbee, a fourth-round pick, and Temarrick Hemingway, a
sixth-round pick, to take snaps from them. Higbee has been a
stand out through the first week+. His athleticism is apparent
and Higbee has shown an immediate ability to work
underneath routes.
PK: Greg Zuerlein is facing competition from Taylor Bertolet,
but his 64-yard field goal in the LA Coliseum wowed the
crowd and should help his case. The team felt the need to
bring in another kicker to push him, but so far Zuerlein has
responded.
Defense: The big concern coming out of the first week of
training camp was the injury to E.J. Gaines. Gaines missed all
of last season after starring during his rookie season. He was
the natural replacement for Janoris Jenkins across from
Trumaine Johnson. Gaines has a mild hamstring strain and
could miss the first preseason game but it's not expected to be
a long-term issue. Former Titans cornerback Coty Sensabaugh
took Jenkins' number and has played a lot across from Johnson
to this point in camp. Sensabaugh is a veteran who has
struggled throughout his career. The secondary is where the
Rams need to focus through training camp. T.J. McDonald
was arrested during the offseason but arrived in training camp
on time and received praise from Jeff Fisher. McDonald is
entrenched as the starting safety with Maurice Alexander
penciled in as the team's free safety. The former fourth-round
pick and linebacker will need to prove himself in preseason
games because he won't truly be tested in camp. Lamarcus
Joyner could also play a big role this year. Alec Ogletree has
continued his transition from outside linebacker to inside
linebacker. He is now making alignment calls and audibles.
Both Ogletree and defensive end Robert Quinn are healthy
after missing large chunks of the 2015 season.
Returners: In one of the rare islands of stability on special
teams, neither punt returner Tavon Austin nor kickoff returner
Benny Cunningham faces any serious challenges to their role
in 2016.
Rams Depth Chart
QB: Jared Goff, Case Keenum, Sean Mannion, Dylan
Thompson
RB: Todd Gurley, Benny Cunningham (3RB/KR), Malcolm
Brown (RFA),Chase Reynolds, Trey Watts, Aaron Green, Tre
Mason (res)
FB: Corey Harkey (TE)
WR: Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin (PR), Brian Quick, Pharoh
Cooper, Michael Thomas, Marquez North, Paul
McRoberts, Nelson Spruce, Bradley Marquez, Isiah
Ferguson, Kain Colter
TE: Lance Kendricks, Tyler Higbee, Temarrick
Hemingway, Justice Cunningham, Jake Stoneburner
LT: Greg Robinson, Isaiah Battle
LG: Rodger Saffold, Garrett Reynolds, Cody Wichmann
C: Tim Barnes, Demetrius Rhaney, Eric Kush
RG: Jamon Brown, Andrew Donnal
RT: Rob Havenstein, Darrell Williams
K: Greg Zuerlein, Taylor Bertolet
DT: Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Doug
Worthington, Dominique Easley, Louis Trinca-Pasat, Cam
Thomas
DE: Robert Quinn, William Hayes, Eugene Sims, Quinton
Coples, Ethan Westbrooks
MLB: Alec Ogletree, Bryce Hager, Zack Hodges, Josh Forrest
OLB: Akeem Ayers (S), Mark Barron (W), Marshall
McFadden, Cameron Lynch
CB: Trumaine Johnson, E.J. Gaines, Lamarcus Joyner
(FS/CB), Coty Sensabaugh, Marcus Roberson
S: T.J. McDonald (SS), Cody Davis (FS), Maurice Alexander
(SS), Christian Bryant (FS), Jordan Lomax
Miami Dolphins
QB: Head Coach Adam Gase has said he “feels great with
where” Ryan Tannehill is right now. Offensive Coordinator
Clive Christensen has been effusive in his praise of
Tannehill’s work ethic: “He works unbelievably hard. I think
he works as hard as anybody I've been around. I think I've
been around elite workers at the quarterback position. Those
guys are elite. Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck are elite
workers, and this guy works his tail off.” However,
Christensen also acknowledged that learning the offense is a
multi-year process and Tannehill is doing “just ok” with his
communication at the line (including choice of audibles). In
Saturday’s Offense vs. Defense scrimmage, the offense only
managed to get past mid-field once and never threatened to
score. It’s clear that the offense is a major work in progress at
this point and Tannehill has to pick up his game. He managed
just 22 yards on 4-of-6 passing and was sacked multiple times.
Seventh-round draft pick Brandon Doughty has impressed
with his improvisational skills. "He figures out a way to get
completions,” Gase said. “It happened again, like three times,
no idea how he got completions." The rookie has thrown a
number of interceptions however and has an uphill battle to
make the roster.
RB: Arian Foster spent the first few days of camp on PUP, but
immediately made his presence known in his first practice,
making plays like this spectacular one-handed catch. He
showed up in outstanding physical shape and “annihilated” the
conditioning test. Gase has praised Foster’s early work in the
passing game, saying he looks “smooth and effortless.” Beatwriter Armando Salguero has described Foster as “head and
shoulders the best RB on Dolphins” based upon his work so
far in training camp. Perhaps most important for fantasy
owners is the recent declaration from OC Clive Christensen:
“We really need someone to emerge as the guy. ... We don't
want to substitute. ... We really need one guy to be a threedown back, stay in there for that drive.” While Miami may
rotate backs between drives, the desire is for one guy to be
able to handle both early-down and third-down work, giving
Foster an edge due to his versatility. “Any time we run a lot of
plays that he’s run in the past, his ability to feel holes in the
run game and when he gets the ball in the passing game, how
smooth he is, how effortlessly he catches the ball, it's an
impressive thing for me to see,” Gase said of Foster. “I've
been around one other guy in Matt Forte, as far as a guy
who can do that much.” Jay Ajayi suffered a bone bruise to his
knee that caused swelling and missed multiple practices early
in camp. He returned to practice August 5th and reports had
him moving well and looking to be fully recovered, though
Gase indicated that Ajayi wasn’t quite 100% yet but wanted to
get back as soon as possible. While Foster has received the
first snaps in team drills, Ajayi is also rotating in with the
ones. Kenyan Drake was injured seven times during his career
at Alabama and is now dealing with the second hamstring
injury of his short NFL career. He left Friday’s practice after
pulling up on a run. Drake is expected to be a “special teams
demon,” but it is unclear how much of a role he will have on
offense.
until mid-late August due to a knee injury. He showed up at
275 pounds, so his days as a linebacker are probably over. DE
Cameron Wake looks explosive in his return from an Achilles
injury and should remain an impact player at age 34.
WR: Jarvis Landry has had a strong camp. Gase is clearly
impressed with his young receiver, noting that Landry “is rare
because he can play both outside and on the inside. I haven't
been around a guy that has as much grit as him." DeVante
Parker showed a knack for creating slight separation at the last
minute and winning contested catches against tight coverage
in the first couple practices, but injured his hamstring early in
camp. Parker has missed nearly a week of practices with the
injury. He is expected to make his return to practice soon. The
Dolphins are counting on Parker having a breakout second
season as Christensen recently noted that Parker has “got to be
our bell cow in the red zone.” Receivers coach Shawn
Jefferson has called Parker an “unbelievable talent” but notes
that Parker has to learn the routine of how to do things (eating
the right breakfast, hydrating, etc.) to stay healthy and meet
his potential. Kenny Stills has impressed the coaching staff
early in camp. He has a small lead in the battle for the third
receiver job to start the season and has taken on a leadership
role. Rookie Jakeem Grant has already become a popular
player with coaches and has had some impressive moments
in camp. He’s been called “nasty” by beat writers and has
been winning consistently against the Dolphins top slot
defenders. While he is still raw as a receiver, he should make
the team due to his athleticism and explosiveness as a returner.
Returners: The Dolphins return both of last year’s top kickoff
returners— Jarvis Landry and Damien Williams— and list
them at 1 and 2 on their opening depth chart. Landry is poised
to once again handle punt return duties, too, with Jakeem
Grant backing him up.
TE: Gase has focused on moving Jordan Cameron all around
the formation to make life difficult for opposing defenses.
Cameron has spent time in training camp lined up next to the
tackle, in the slot and even as an outside receiver on occasion.
Dominique Jones is an under-the-radar player who has shined
in camp with his athleticism and soft hands. He’s on his
eighth NFL team, but could stick as the third tight end if he
continues to play well.
PK: Second-year kicker Andrew Franks is having an even
better camp than in 2015, when he beat out Caleb Sturgis to
start for the Dolphins. Franks has all but vanquished his
competition, UDFA Marshall Koehn.
Defense: Rookie corner Xavien Howard opened camp on
PUP, but is expected to be activated in the next 1-2 weeks and
should be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. He has a
good chance to claim a starting job. "He's a second round pick
for a reason," DC Vance Joseph said of Howard. "He's
talented. From what we saw in the spring he could be a
starter.” Slot corner Bryce McCain also started on PUP due to
cramping issues during the conditioning test, but was activated
after just a few missed practices. Michael Thomas started
camp working with the starters at safety, but may end up as
the starting nickel back over McCain if he cannot win the
starting safety job. Dion Jordan has been re-instated following
a 15-month absence, but will not make his training camp debut
Dolphins Depth Chart
QB: Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Brandon Doughty
RB: Arian Foster, Jay Ajayi, Kenyan Drake (KR)
(inj), Damien Williams, Isaiah Pead, Daniel Thomas
WR: Jarvis Landry (KR), DeVante Parker, Kenny
Stills, Leonte Carroo, Jakeem Grant (PR), Rashawn
Scott, Matt Hazel, Griff Whalen, A.J. Cruz, Tyler Murphy
TE: Jordan Cameron, Dion Sims, Thomas Duarte, Dominique
Jones, MarQuies Gray (inj)
LT: Branden Albert, Vinston Painter, Sam Young
LG: Laremy Tunsil, Dallas Thomas
C: Mike Pouncey, Jamil Douglas
RG: Jermon Bushrod, Kraig Urbik, Billy Turner
RT: Ja••Wuan James, Ulrick John
K: Andrew Franks, Marshall Koehn
DT: Ndamukong Suh, Earl Mitchell, Jordan Phillips, Chris
Jones, Deandre Coleman
DE: Mario Williams, Cameron Wake (inj), Jason
Jones, Andre Branch, Terrence Fede, Dion Jordan, Chris
McCain
MLB: Kiko Alonso, Zach Vigil, Mike Hull
OLB: Jelani Jenkins (W), Koa Misi (S), Spencer Paysinger
(S), James-Michael Johnson, Neville Hewitt, Danny Lansanah
CB: Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard, Tony Lippett, Bobby
McCain, Chimdi Chekwa, Brandon Harris, Chris Culliver
S: Reshad Jones (SS), Isa Abdul-Quddus (SS), Walt Aikens
(FS),Michael Thomas (SS), Jordan Lucas (FS), Shamiel
Gary, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (IR)
Minnesota Vikings
QB: Teddy Bridgewater is now entering his third season as
the Vikings starting quarterback and the confidence is
continuing to grow. “Our guys know that once the ball’s in the
air, it belongs to the Vikings. That’s our mindset going into
this season, and I think we’ve been doing a much better job
just pushing the ball down the field.” Bridgewater had his
strongest practice of the week on Saturday as he showed
confidence in his ability to get the ball downfield. He also
showed a remarkably improved zip on his intermediate passes
and touch on his deep balls. Not only has Bridgewater
improved his deep accuracy this offseason, he has improved
his overall arm strength. He connected with Stefon Diggs on
multiple bombs down the field and one to Adam Thielen as
well. He moved the ball down the field with ease getting the
ball into tight windows and being on target.
RB: Saturday’s practice was not a tackling exercise but at the
same time it was a physical one. Adrian Peterson showed
bursts of explosiveness in his limited work on the field.
Peterson is entering his 10th season in the league and at 31years old the Vikings know what they have in him at this time
and are simply playing it safe with their star running back.
Jerick McKinnon sat out most of the week after tweaking his
lower back on Monday but returned to the field for individual
drills on Friday. “It felt good. I got moving around a little bit that’s what it was really about,” McKinnon said after practice.
“I’m just taking it a day at a time and not rushing back. Like I
said, it’s nice to be back out there with the teammates, moving
around a little bit in individuals."
WR: Rookie Laquon Treadwell is continuing to do and say all
the right things during training camp. After practice on
Friday he stayed late to work on individual skills. Vikings.com
tracked Treadwell’s receptions total between the morning
walk-through session, a full-padded afternoon practice and
almost an hour spent with a JUGS machine for a total of 307
catches. Treadwell also spent 15 minutes working on his
footwork before he even hit the machine, and maneuvered
through 11 different cone drills, tapping his feet on the grass
in various motions while catching passes out of the machine.
Treadwell caught 277 passes from the JUGS machine and 11
hit the ground, most of which he tried to catch them onehanded. Treadwell was surprised by his catch ratio of 96.2
percent but said he wants to be perfect. “I shouldn’t have
dropped any. I didn’t know it was that many catches, so that’s
a good ratio, but my goal is to always never drop any. I just
took my eyes of them and dropped it. Just trying to create
good habits.” Treadwell is slowly gaining chemistry with
Teddy Bridgewater and with the added practice time it is
showing in the team drills. Coach Zimmer had nothing but
praise for Treadwell, “I think Treadwell has come to camp in
much better shape. He’s an extremely hard worker. He
continues to get better, and he want to be really good. Good so
far."
Stefon Diggs showed off his speed and ability to catch the
deep ball in Saturday's practice. Diggs made an impressive 40yard touchdown catch against safety Jayon Kearse. “Stefon’s a
guy who understands what we want him to do,” Bridgewater
said after practice. “I try to get him to think like a quarterback,
and he wants that challenge. He’s doing a great job of just
understanding what we’re asking of him, and he’s flying
around making plays for us.” Diggs also has the team’s most
dramatic catch of this year’s training camp as he went sky
high and grabbed a Bridgewater throw out of midair with his
right hand for a touchdown. “This year, I want to approach it
as if I was underrated,” Diggs said. “I’ve got a lot of work to
do and a lot to prove still. Just show maturity. In your second
year, you don’t want to be making the same mistakes you
made in your first year. You just want to show your growth as
a player and teammate." During a two-minute drill Charles
Johnson converted a fourth-and-8 with a 21-yard pass from
Bridgewater but on the very next play Bridgewater was
intercepted by Xavier Rhodes as he targeted Johnson once
again.
TE: Kyle Rudolph had a very strong practice and has been
improving his skills as a run blocker which may not be great
for his fantasy output but will be a boost to both Teddy
Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson. Early in practice, Rudolph
handled two defenders to help seal the edge for what would
have been a long touchdown run for Adrian Peterson. Rudolph
also caught several short passes from Bridgewater one which
was a crowd pleasing one-handed catch on a swing route.
PK: After his crushing miss that cost the Vikings a chance to
advance in the playoffs, Blair Walsh has been strong in
training camp, going 22-for-24 in team drills. He has sounded
like he is over his miss in offseason interviews, but it won’t be
clear until the games count in September.
Defense: During team red zone drills, Everson Griffen tipped
a Teddy Bridgewater pass that was intended for Stefon Diggs.
The ball fluttered in the air for a moment before linebacker
Anthony Barr came down with the interception. On the very
next play, Bridgewater threw a short pass over the middle that
was intercepted by defensive end Brian Robison.
Returners: Assuming both players make the final roster, it
will be a huge surprise if anyone other than long-time
mainstays Marcus Sherels (punts) and Cordarrelle Patterson
(kickoffs) handles more than a handful of returns for the
Vikings in 2016.
Vikings Depth Chart
QB: Teddy Bridgewater, Shaun Hill, Taylor Heinicke, Joel
Stave
RB: Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon, Matt Asiata, Jhurell
Pressley, Blake Renaud
FB: Zach Line
WR: Stefon Diggs (PR), Charles Johnson, Laquon
Treadwell, Jarius Wright, Adam Thielen, Cordarrelle
Patterson (KR), Mortiz Boehringer, Isaac Freuchte, Terrell
Sinkfield
TE: Kyle Rudolph, MyCole Pruitt, Rhett Ellison, David
Morgan, Brian Leonhardt, Kyle Carter
LT: Matt Kalil, T.J. Clemmings, Austin Shepherd
LG: Alex Boone, Willie Beavers, Zac Kerin
C: John Sullivan, Joe Berger, Nick Easton
RG: Brandon Fusco, Mike Harris, Jeremiah Sirles
RT: Andre Smith, Phil Loadholt
K: Blair Walsh
DT: Linval Joseph (NT), Sharrif Floyd, Tom
Johnson, Kenrick Ellis, Shamar Stephen
DE: Everson Griffen, Brian Robison, Danielle Hunter, Justin
Trattou, Scott Crichton, Zach Moore, Thieren Cockran
MLB: Eric Kendricks, Kentrell Brothers, Terrance
Plummer, Audie Cole
OLB: Anthony Barr (S), Chad Greenway (W) , Edmond
Robinson (S), Stephen Weatherly, Brandon
Watts (W), Emmanuel Lamur (W), Alex Singleton (W), Jake
Ganus
CB: Xavier Rhodes, Captain Munnerlyn, Terence
Newman, Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, Marcus
Sherels (PR)
S: Harrison Smith (FS), Andrew Sendejo (SS), Michael
Griffin (SS), Antone Exum (FS), Jayron Kearse, Anthony
Harris (SS), Melvin White (FS), John Lowdermilk (SS)
New England Patriots
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo was the focus of the first week of
training camp. Garoppolo started fast on day one after hearing
Bill Belichick dismiss in disgust the idea that Garoppolo could
take over the job in a full-time role. Garoppolo has neither
starred nor imploded so far. At this rate he won't force a
quarterback controversy nor will he allow Jacoby Brissett to
do much more than carry pads. Brissett, a rookie, has dealt
with typical rookie issues like bad exchanges and turnovers
but his accuracy has been the biggest question mark so far.
RB: The first surprise of Patriots camp was a pleasant one.
LeGarrette Blount was expected to open camp on the PUP list
but instead was a full go from the start. Blount had dealt with
a hip injury throughout the offseason that limited what he
could do. Blount could have a key role in a Tom Brady-less
Patriots offense so his health will be imperative to monitor
moving forward. Dion Lewis was less fortunate. Lewis isn't
expected to miss time in the regular season but he opened
training camp on the PUP list. Lewis practiced without a brace
before the beginning of camp so the Patriots are likely just
taking every precaution while they can. ESPN's Mike Reiss
told ESPN's Mike Clay that Lewis' snaps will likely dip by 20
percent or so this year. That means the preseason
performances of Donald Brown and James White could have a
bigger-than-expected impact. Brown appears to be ahead of
White at this point having taken the first team snaps in front of
his younger teammate. It's possible that Brown is just getting
the veteran benefit of the doubt because Patriots.com's Andy
Hart believes that he needs a strong training camp to even
make the roster. Then again, Lewis was in a similar position
this time last year. The Patriots have a lot to figure out at the
running back spot over the coming weeks.
WR: Just like last year, injuries are a big problem for the
Patriots at receiver. Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris
Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Keshawn Martin and Nate
Washington have all missed time during the first week of
training camp. Those injuries have allowed a forgotten name
to rise to prominence. Aaron Dobson was Tom Brady's
favorite target through the first week of training camp. By
Thursday he had been targeted 20 times by Brady, one more
time than Rob Gronkowski and eight more times than the
third-place player. Of course, being targeted by Brady in this
training camp is different than being targeted by Brady in
previous camps but noteworthy nonetheless. While he still
may be facing an uphill battle to carve out a role, Dobson is a
player who Bill Belichick singled out for praise at the start of
training camp. Belichick also praised Chris Harper and
DeAndre Carter though, so he may just be softening in his old
age.
TE: ESPN's Mike Reiss confirmed what most of us expected
during the first week of training camp: The Patriots' base
offense will feature two tight ends. Reiss also said that he
expects Martellus Bennett to be heavily involved on goal-line
plays. Rob Gronkowski and Bennett have dominated in the red
zone during drills so far, racking up touchdowns with relative
ease. Part of that is likely a result of how many wide receivers
the Patriots first-team offense is missing. The competition
behind Gronkowski and Bennett is yet to truly get going
because Clay Harbor opened training camp on the PUP list.
Harbor and Bear Pascoe are the veterans of the group but
James Develin, a fullback, could ultimately be competing with
the tight ends for a roster spot because of the depth at running
back.
Defense: Nate Ebner was the big story from the Patriots
defense this week. Ebner has been excused from the team to
compete in the Olympics so it's unclear what his immediate
future holds. Amongst the players who are actually at training
camp, the biggest area to watch is the defensive line. The
Patriots traded Chandler Jones and cut Dominique Easley,
leaving roles to fill. Jabaal Sheard has been described as
“unblockable” though that description comes with a qualifier
regarding the quality of the Patriots offensive linemen he has
faced. Chris Long should help spell Sheard, along with Trey
Flowers, as he tries to replace the impact lost by Jones. Long
is also going to help create interior pressure by also playing
some on the inside. Belichick explained the difference
between rushing from the inside and outside while also talking
about how extensively he examined Long's skill set when he
came out in the draft. Expect Long to be an important player
in the Patriots' rotation. The Patriots' back seven is a settled
unit for the most part. Shea McClellin is a new face at
linebacker but has had a relatively quiet camp so far. In the
secondary, second-round pick Cyrus Jones has struggled to
adjust, both defensively and on special teams, but Belichick
lavished praise on his skill set as a whole.
Returners: The Patriots are loaded with proven and
successful returners, including Julian Edelman, who has a
higher punt return average than any modern player except for
Devin Hester, and both Danny Amendola and Keshawn
Martin, who have spent much of their respective careers as
full-time return specialists. All should factor into the mix.
Patriots Depth Chart
QB: Tom Brady (susp), Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett
RB: Dion Lewis (3RB) (inj), LeGarrette Blount (SD)
(inj), James White (3RB), Brandon Bolden, Donald
Brown, D.J. Foster (3RB/WR), Tyler Gaffney, Joey Iosefa
FB: James Develin
WR: Julian Edelman (PR) (inj), Danny Amendola (inj), Aaron
Dobson, Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Hogan (inj), Nate
Washington, Matt Slater, Keshawn Martin (KR/PR), Devin
Lucien, DeAndre Carter
TE: Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, Clay Harbor, A.J.
Derby, Bear Pascoe, Michael Williams (IR)
LT: Nate Solder, Marcus Cannon
LG: Shaquille Mason, Joe Thuney, Josh Kline
C: Bryan Stork, David Andrews
RG: Tre Jackson, Jonathan Cooper
RT: Sebastian Vollmer, LaAdrian Waddle, Cameron Fleming
K: Stephen Gostkowski
NT: Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Vincent
Valentine, Markus Kuhn, Frank Kearse
DE: Rob Ninkovich (S/DE) (inj), Jabaal Sheard, Chris
Long, Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers, Rufus Johnson
MLB: Shea McClellin, Elandon Roberts
OLB: Jamie Collins (S), Dont′a Hightower (W), Jonathan
Freeny (S), Ramon Humber (W), C.J. Johnson, Kevin Snyder
CB: Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Justin Coleman, Cyrus
Jones, Darryl Roberts, E.J. Biggers, Cre′von
LeBlanc, Jonathan Jones, V′Angelo Bentley
S: Devin McCourty (FS/CB), Patrick Chung (SS), Duron
Harmon (SS/FS), Jordan Richards (SS), Brandon King
(FS), Nate Ebner (SS), Brock Vereen (FS), Vinnie
Sunseri, Kamu Grugier-Hill, Cedric Thompson
New Orleans Saints
QB: Drew Brees had a tough outing on Saturday, throwing
four interceptions during the session: 'It was a rough day.
Probably one of the rougher days I've had in a long time,
maybe ever — in a training camp practice especially,” he
added. “So, those are frustrating, but I'm glad I'm getting them
all out of the way right now.” According to NOLA.com, Luke
McCown has played well during the first seven practice
sessions, and Garrett Grayson has shown improvement in the
latter half of the first week. Sunday's practice was cancelled.
RB: Mark Ingram is the clear number one running back after
the first week of practices, while Tim Hightower is holding off
an improved C.J. Spiller for the number two spot on the depth
chart. There is some push coming from the reserve running
backs. Tommy Lee Lewis scored two touchdowns in padded
practice, one an eight-yard run and another on a long 'go' route
reception, according to NOLA.com. Lewis is competing with
Marcus Murphy for a reserve running back spot and is also
working as a kick- and punt-returner along with Murphy.
Daniel Lasco, another running back who also plays special
teams, seems to be positioned to earn a spot on the 53-man
roster after the first week.
WR: Willie Snead, Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas have
been the star receivers of the first week of training camp, but
Brandon Coleman is also playing well. “He's been solid,”
Saints coach Sean Payton said on Friday. “He's kind of a
steady player... We are working with his yards after the catch.
Obviously he has good size and that will be a plus for us on
third down, in the red (zone) area. So far, I don't know that
he's jumped out at us necessarily, but I don't know if there
have been many minuses. Just his consistency. I think that
experience last year helped him.” Cooks suffered an
undesignated injury last week and has since missed practice
sessions; stay tuned to see how long he is sidelined. R.J.
Harris is said to be tightening his grip on the fifth receiver
position. Michael Thomas shared his philosophy with
reporters this week: “I take a lot of pride in my ball skills, so if
I get my hands on it, I want to make a play.”
TE: Coby Fleener is catching touchdowns from Drew Brees
on a regular basis and is the clear-cut starter at the position.
“There's absolutely some catching up to do on my part,”
Fleener said. “Drew can write the playbook if he wanted to.
He's just that well versed in what we're doing. So for me, it's
all about making sure that if he wants to make an adjust that
I'm right there with him to understand where he wants to make
that adjustment and what I have to do to make sure that
happens.” Brees commented on Fleener, as well: “I think he's
feeling very good right now so I'm excited to see what we are
able to put together over the next few weeks as we get a lot of
time and a lot of reps together but listen his role, as a tight end
in this offense, you get a lot of opportunities, you get a lot of
favorable match ups, and you can be a guy that catches a lot of
balls and I certainly see him in that role.” Michael
Hoomanawanui has missed part of the first week due to an
unspecified injury; while Josh Hill is running third on the
depth chart despite not playing particularly well early in camp.
Rashuan Allen is playing inconsistently and has dropped some
catchable balls.
PK: Head coach Sean Payton believes both Kai Forbath and
Connor Barth will be kicking in the NFL this season, even
though only one will be the Saints kicker. Both have started
strong, with Payton saying it is still early. So far Forbath has
been perfect in team drills, which should give him an early
edge that could easily disappear in the preseason.
Defense: The Saints' defense dominated practice at The
Greenbrier on Saturday, as Brees' passes repeatedly ended up
in the hands of defensive players. This was accomplished by a
largely second-string group, as Kenny Vaccaro, Jairus Byrd,
Delvin Breaux, Keenan Lewis and Damian Swann were all
sitting out. Rookie cornerback Ken Crawley had the first
interception while covering wide receiver Willie Snead in a 7on-7 drill, but the next three were in team drills. One came off
a pass tipped by defensive end Cameron Jordan at the line,
giving linebacker James Laurinaitis a chance to make the
catch. Crawley's second interception was on a play where he
simply fought harder for position than wide receiver Brandon
Coleman. “There's one play where we have a bust in the route;
the receiver doesn't come back to the ball,” Payton said. “We
had two or three things wrong with the pattern. But, we'll get
on the tape and get those things cleaned up.” Crawley has
accumulated four interceptions off of the Saints' quarterbacks
(three from Brees) in the first week+ of camp. “These young
guys are playing,” coach Payton said after Saturday's session.
“And I said it, there are going to be opportunities here. P.J.
(Williams) is receiving a lot of playing time. These other two
young free agents (Harris and Crawley) are receiving a lot of
playing time. That's been encouraging. They are doing a good
job competing.” Safety Alden Darby was released with an
injury settlement.
Returners: In New Orleans’ first depth chart of the season,
Marcus Murphy— 2015’s top return specialist— was listed at
second on both punts and kickoffs behind the more sparselyused Travaris Cadet. If this holds up, Murphy’s roster spot
could be in jeopardy.
Saints Depth Chart
QB: Drew Brees, Luke McCown, Garrett Grayson
RB: Mark Ingram, Tim Hightower, C.J. Spiller, Travaris
Cadet (KR/PR), Daniel Lasco, Marcus Murphy (KR/PR)
FB: Austin Johnson, Sione Houma
WR: Brandin Cooks, Michael Thomas, Willie
Snead, Brandon Coleman, Tommylee Lewis, Reggie Bell, R.J.
Harris, Kyle Prater, Jared Dangerfield, Jordan Williams, Jake
Lampman, Vince Brown (IR)
TE: Coby Fleener, Josh Hill, Michael
Hoomanawanui, RaShaun Allen, Chris Manhertz, Garrett
Griffin
LT: Terron Armstead
LG: Andrus Peat
C: Max Unger
RG: Tim Lelito, Senio Kelemete
RT: Zach Strief
K: Kai Forbath, Connor Barth
DT: John Jenkins (NT), Sheldon Rankins, Tyeler Davison
(NT), Nick Fairley, Lawrence Virgil, Ashaad Mabry (NT)
DE: Cameron Jordan, Bobby Richardson, Obum
Gwachum, Darryl Tapp, David Onyemata, D.J. Pettway, C.J.
Wilson, Matt Shaughnessy
MLB: James Laurinaitis, Michael Mauti (S), Nathan Stupar
OLB: Dannell Ellerbe (W), Stephone Anthony (S), Kasim
Edebali (S/DE), Craig Robertson (W), Davis Tull (W), Tony
Steward, Erik Harris, Dillon Lee, Hau′oli Kikaha (IR)
CB: Delvin Breaux, Keenan Lewis, PJ Williams, Damian
Swann, De′Vante Harris, Ken Crawley, Brandon Dixon, Brian
Dixon, Jimmy Pruitt, Kyle Wilson (IR)
S: Kenny Vaccaro (SS), Jairus Byrd (FS), Vonn Bell
(FS), Alden Darby (SS), Roman Harper (SS), Trae Elston
(SS), Jamarca Sanford (IR)
New York Giants
QB: Eli Manning is coming off his best season, which is one
of the reasons Ben McAdoo is the team’s new head coach
after guiding the offense for two seasons. The first week of
camp was all about getting new faces like Sterling Shepard
and old faces like Victor Cruz acclimated to the system; and
Manning looks sharp and prepared. New quarterback coach
Frank Cignetti is thrilled with what he’s seen of the 2-time
Super Bowl champion: "Eli has been outstanding. In the
classroom, what a pro. Great preparation," Cignetti said. "You
can see on the practice field that he has been a great decision
maker. I am so impressed with his fundamentals. I am very
impressed with Eli so far in training camp." Ryan Nassib
remains entrenched as the backup and will be a free agent next
season. The preseason may be his best chance to showcase his
talents to other teams given Manning’s history of durability.
RB: The Giants running game was a disappointment last
season, in stark contrast to the potent passing attack. To hear
running back coach Craig Johnson tell it, gone are the days of
a 4-man committee. “What I've learned is that if you can have
a couple of guys playing a lot, then a spare guy, that's the best
way to go,” he said. “We're going to see if we can find the
rhythm with a pair and maybe a third guy and, obviously, if it
was like we finished the year, like Rashad finished, that would
take care of a lot of problems.” You’ll note the key there is
Johnson citing Rashad Jennings as the guy who will get first
shot at the feature back role. Shane Vereen’s role is to be
determined, particularly with the Giants impressive depth at
the receiver position – but if the first week of camp is any
indication, Vereen is going to be the Giants #2 to start the
season and will be more than just a 3rd down receiving back.
Where does that leave rookie Paul Perkins? For now, he’s a
depth player with a promising long-term future. “I’ve seen
flashes, which is always a good thing you want to see out of a
young player like him,” running backs coach Craig Johnson
said. “He’s made a couple of good catches, he’s had a couple
of nice bursts through the line of scrimmage. Like a lot of
rookies, he’s unsure, he’s a little hesitant. That’s what happens
when you have all the things going on with a rookie at his
position. As a young player sometimes they feel their way. He
did that early and he’s doing it less and less, which tells me
he’s able to play faster and more aggressive.” Andre Williams
hasn’t done much through a week of camp; he could be a long
shot to make the 53-man roster.
WR: Is it possible that the Giants could have an
embarrassment of riches at the receiver position? Everyone
knows about Odell Beckham – who had the greatest first two
seasons in NFL history. He missed some time in early camp
after being cleated by Janoris Jenkins, but dominated upon his
return; including an 80-yard touchdown from Eli Manning in
passing drills on Saturday. People are quickly learning about
rookie Sterling Shepard – who has been as good as advertised
in early practices. Optimism abounds for Victor Cruz – who is
practicing as promised. If Cruz can stay healthy (so far, so
good), he will have a significant role in the passing game
regardless of Shepard’s presence. It’s the back end of the
receiving corps that should have Giants fans elated. The
competition is fierce between Geremy Davis, Roger Lewis,
Myles White, Tavarres King and Darius Powe.
TE: Will Tye outplayed Larry Donnell last season after
Donnell went down with injury, but the first week of camp has
reminded everyone not to count Donnell out. He’s been the
best tight end on the roster and looks explosive. If Donnell can
sustain this level once preseason games get underway, the
Giants could be looking at a true committee this season. Matt
LaCosse had a strong week, but suffered a minor knee injury
on Wednesday.
Defense: General manager Jerry Reese prioritized the
secondary in the offseason, using a 1st round pick on
cornerback Eli Apple and signing free agent Janoris Jenkins to
a monster contract. The team also drafted safety Darian
Thompson in the 3rd round; he’s going to get every
opportunity to earn a starting role this preseason. The selection
of Apple was ridiculed by some draft “experts” but the first
week of camp points to Apple being ready for NFL prime
time. “What was encouraging about Eli is he got a holding
penalty early and bounced back and didn’t get one the rest of
the (practice),” McAdoo said after Saturday’s practice. “He
had some tight man-to-man coverage, was physical out there
and forced some guys to the sideline, to the boundary, and
really leaving the quarterback no room to throw the ball. So
that was exciting to see.” The team also signed veteran Leon
Hall last week in an effort to bolster depth and strengthen the
nickel defense. Linebackers coach Bill McGovern
acknowledged that the linebacker positions are wide open
at present. Giants beat writers Dan Salomane and Lance
Meadow agree that free agent defensive end Olivier Vernon
was the top playmaker on defense in the first week of
training camp. Jason Pierre-Paul has also looked good as he
returns from the gruesome hand injury that cost him part of his
right hand.
Returners: In their first unofficial depth chart, return
specialist Dwayne Harris occupied the top punt and kickoff
return slot, which comes as no surprise. The top backup on
kickoffs is Shane Vereen, and on punts it is Odell Beckham
suggesting that Harris could be very busy returning punts this
year.
Giants Depth Chart
QB: Eli Manning, Ryan Nassib, Josh Woodrum, Logan
Thomas
RB: Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen (3RB), Andre
Williams, Paul Perkins, Orleans Darkwa, Bobby
Rainey, Marshaun Coprich
FB: Will Johnson, Nikita Whitlock
WR: Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Shepard, Dwayne Harris
(KR/PR),Victor Cruz, Geremy Davis, Roger Lewis, Myles
White, Tavarres King, Anthony Dable, Darius Powe, KJ Maye
TE: Will Tye, Larry Donnell, Matt LaCosse, Jerell
Adams, Ryan Malleck
LT: Ereck Flowers, Byron Stingily
LG: Justin Pugh
C: Weston Richburg
RG: John Jerry, Adam Gettis
RT: Marshall Newhouse, Bobby Hart
K: Josh Brown, Tom Obarski
DT: Damon Harrison (NT), Johnathan Hankins, Jay
Bromley, Montori Hughes, Louis Nix
DE: Olivier Vernon, Jason Pierre-Paul, Kerry Wynn, Owa
Odighizuwa, Stansly Maponga, Mike Rose
MLB: Jasper Brinkley, Keenan Robinson, Kelvin
Sheppard, B.J. Goodson (M), Uani Unga (IR)
OLB: Devon Kennard (S), Jonathan Casillas (W), Mark
Herzlich (S), J.T. Thomas (W), Nico Johnson
CB: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Janoris Jenkins, Leon
Hall, Trevin Wade, Eli Apple, Bennett Jackson, Leon
McFadden
S: Landon Collins (FS), Darian Thompson (SS), Nat Berhe
(SS), Cooper Taylor (SS) (inj), Mykkele Thompson
(FS), Justin Currie (SS), Andrew Adams
New York Jets
QB: After signing a one-year, $12 million contract, Ryan
Fitzpatrick finally showed up to Jets camp. His arrival did not
go smoothly, as he tossed three interceptions on his first day,
per Connor Hughes of NJ Advance Media. Hughes
cautioned that Fitzpatrick just needed to get chemistry with his
receivers again, and by the end of the week, his play had
improved. Receiver Eric Decker said, "He's definitely
throwing it like he was last year. I'm just impressed. It doesn't
feel like we've missed any time from him being gone this
offseason, which is nice. I'm excited about what this training
camp is going to do for us." While he has work to do, it
appears Fitzpatrick is getting back into his groove. Of course,
what does this mean for Geno Smith? "Geno's here at number
two right now unless Bryce (Petty) and (Christian
Hackenberg) have some great gain, if they come along like
gangbusters," Head Coach Todd Bowles said. "Number two
right now, it's open. If Fitz has some setbacks ... something
else. Geno's one, I mean Fitz is one, Geno's two, Bryce is
three, Hack is four." That doesn’t exactly ring with an
endorsement, though rolling with an unproven player as
backup (as the other two quarterbacks are) is very risky for a
team which wants to win, now. It remains to be seen if he lasts
and Smith has struggled at points in camp, as well. Petty has
actually been helping Hackenberg get acclimated to the
NFL game, something he had been praised for this offseason.
He’s also struggled a bit in practice. The rookie has also been
hanging with Fitzpatrick at practice and said, "It's awesome
to be able to sit there and watch Fitz operate because it's so
natural for him. I think he'll tell you it took him a while to get
to that point; it's not something that happens overnight.”
RB: Matt Forte is hurt (hamstring) and will miss the
preseason opener. The Jets are just being careful with his
injury, and there is no indication that this is a long-term
problem. In fact, there’s a strong argument that being careful
now will avoid it turning into a long-term problem. Bilal
Powell has been getting the majority of Forte’s reps and has
looked sharp. He worked on his explosiveness by augmenting
his preseason workout routine. That should help him be even
more effective out of the shotgun, where he averaged 4.5
yards per carry – a personal best. Like Forte, Khiry Robinson
has been sidelined by injury but is expected to get ample work
this preseason. He’s being touted as a short yardage back.
Bernard Pierce was signed to replace him at least this summer,
but Pierce is suspended for the first two weeks of the season
and has also been hurt and absent from practice. Dominique
Williams has had a few moments, including bowling over
rookie linebacker Darron Lee in a goal-line drill. It will be
interesting to see if he can get into the mix with Robinson and
Pierce sidelined.
WR: Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker spent the week
getting back on the same page with Ryan Fitzpatrick, but were
noticeably happy the Harvard signal caller back in the fold.
Both receivers played well this week; neither looked rusty.
The most notable thing about the Jets receivers this week was
the fight Marshall and cornerback Darrelle Revis got into.
After Marshall beat Revis on a big touchdown, the two were
seen jawing at each other and later, Marshall took a swing at
Revis. Both players and the team have downplayed the
brouhaha, with Revis saying that the dust up was indicative of
their respective intensity; which ultimately is a good thing.
Marshall admitted that maybe things "went too far." Devin
Smith is on the PUP list and might start the regular season
there. Quincy Enunwa, who carried Marshall off the field
during the fight with Revis, continues to have the inside track
on the WR3 job and has been playing well. Seventh round
rookie Charone Peake turned heads Friday with an
outstanding one-handed catch but will have to continue
making those plays to stick on the 53-man roster.
TE: Jace Amaro has slowly been improving his status during
camp, and had a notable practice last Wednesday, including a
good catch on a seam route from Geno Smith and a
touchdown from Ryan Fitzpatrick later. He is still behind
Kellen Davis, but NJ Advance Media’s Connor Hughes says
he won’t be surprised if Amaro ends up with the starting
job. Davis is a serviceable tight end, but Amaro has the
potential to be a dynamic weapon if he can stay healthy.
PK: Rookie UDFA Ross Martin is trying to unseat veteran
Nick Folk, and he has shown a big leg plus occasionally more
accuracy than Folk, but Todd Bowles did not paint a pretty
picture for Martin, “He’s got to make them all. He’s going to
have to perform in preseason. Obviously (Nick) Folk is going
to have to look pretty bad for him. It’s a good competition
right now, we’re just going to see how it plays out.” The
competition has been even by most accounts, which is
probably not enough for Martin to displace Folk, although it
could be enough to cause another kicker poor team to sign
Martin if/when the Jets release him.
Defense: Aside from the scuffle between Darrelle Revis and
Brandon Marshall, the defense has been solid. Mo Wilkerson
is still on the PUP but the team is confident he will be ready
for Week 1 at the latest. The New York Post’s Brian Costello
says this unit might even be better than the excellent 2015
version, especially if Leonard Williams steps up as expected.
“He was dominant last year,” veteran cornerback Buster
Skrine said. “He can only get better in his second year. It’s not
like he’s a quarterback who could have a sophomore slump.
Leo works every day. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about him.
He’s so mature for being that young. I think he’s going to have
a great year.” Pressure up front is the key for the Jets and it
seems they will have one of the best defensive lines in the
NFL again this year.
Returners: The Jets return situation is something of a mess,
with little incumbency or clarity. Undrafted rookie Jalin
Marshall should play a big role if he makes the final roster,
and Jeremy Ross is perhaps the most experienced option.
After them, there’s a half-dozen players who could be
dropping back to field the ball at some point this season.
Jets Depth Chart
QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Christian
Hackenberg, Bryce Petty
RB: Matt Forte, Bilal Powell, Khiry Robinson, Bernard Pierce
(susp), Dominique Williams
FB: Tommy Bohanon, Julian Howsare (LB)
WR: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Quincy Enunwa, Devin
Smith, Charone Peake, Kenbrell Thompkins, Jeremy
Ross, Jalin Marshall, Robby Anderson, Chandler
Worthy, Titus Davis, Joseph Anderson, Kyle Williams
TE: Jace Amaro, Kellen Davis, Zach Sudfeld, Brandon
Bostick, Wes Saxton, Jason Vander Laan
LT: Ryan Clady, Ben Ijalana
LG: James Carpenter
C: Nick Mangold , Wesley Johnson
RG: Brian Winters, Dakota Dozier, Jarvis Harrison
RT: Breno Giacomini, Brandon Shell, Brent Qvale
K: Nick Folk, Ross Martin
DT: Steve McLendon, Deon Simon
DE: Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson
(susp), Leonard Williams, Jarvis Jenkins, Mike
Catapano, Lawrence Thomas
ILB: David Harris (M), Erin Henderson, Darron Lee, Taiwan
Jones, Julian Stanford
OLB: Lorenzo Mauldin, Jordan Jenkins, Trevor Reilly, Josh
Martin, Deion Barnes, Freddie Bishop
CB: Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, Marcus Williams, Dee
Milliner, Juston Burris, Darryl Morris, Dexter McDougle
S: Marcus Gilchrist (FS), Calvin Pryor (SS), Dion Bailey
(FS), Rontez Miles (SS), Ronald Martin (SS)
Oakland Raiders
QB: Derek Carr’s primary focus has been working on building
chemistry with his targets, especially second-year pros Clive
Walford and Amari Cooper. To that end, Carr has been
rooming with Cooper during camp and the two have spent
plenty of time talking about routes and adjustments to
coverage. “It’s good to come back and just talk ball with him,”
Carr said. “He tells me his goals, I share my stuff with him
and we’re able to … I know how he thinks. I know how he
likes to go about his business. I know what he likes to do off
the field. Amari and I should have the best relationship ever.”
Carr has also spent extra time before practice throwing to
Walford. Carr has picked up right where he left off last season,
throwing with excellent accuracy in the first week of camp.
Matt McGloin has struggled with interceptions early, but
should be able to hold onto the backup job for another season.
He has developed a real rapport with Andre Holmes. Connor
Cook has shown some flashes but is struggling with
consistency. He has also had trouble getting through his reads
and throwing tight spirals.
RB: Latavius Murray is again poised to be the bell cow for the
Raiders. He has made some nice catches in camp, but has
more competition for third-down snaps than he did last season
and may lose some passing game work. DeAndre Washington
has received plenty of reps with the first team and should
establish himself as the complement to Murray if he can carry
over his strong offseason play into the preseason. He has been
able to rip off big runs throughout camp. Washington is seven
inches shorter than Murray, but that can play to his advantage.
“That’s when being a smaller guy works in my favor,”
Washington said. “Being behind those big guys makes it hard
to see me. It’s definitely a good feeling when I can hide,
surprise some people and do my thing.” Undrafted rookie
Jalen Richard has also impressed early in camp, especially as a
receiver out of the backfield. He has been working with the
third-team. His build and skillset are very similar to
Washington. “It’s crazy how identical we are as far as size,
almost weight, and skill set. We use it to our advantage, the
guys can’t really see us behind the line, we’re very precise in
our cuts, and we have great vision,” said Richard. Richard
could stick as the third back with a strong preseason. Taiwan
Jones should make the team as the fourth back. He is the clear
frontrunner to return kicks.
WR: Amari Cooper has not had any issues with drops in
camp, which is a great sign as he struggled with his
concentration down the stretch of his rookie season. He has
had a number of “spectacular” catches in camp and looks
poised to build upon his promising debut. Michael Crabtree
has been catching everything in camp and like Cooper has
made some impressive catches (like this one-handed grab).
Seth Roberts has been working primarily out of the slot and
has shown the speed and run-after-the-catch skills that have
thrust him into the starting lineup as the third receiver. Andre
Holmes is running as the fourth receiver and has been
dominating the second-team defense. The battle for the fifth
receiver job is wide open. Undrafted rookie Johnny Holton has
been one of the early stars of camp and is one of the players
best positioned to win the job. “Not only what you see out
here, but then we go in to tape and talk about it as a staff, you
find out maybe he’s doing a little extra, find out he’s spending
extra time in meetings,” head coach Jack Del Rio said of
Holton. “He’s doing everything right in the weight room; all
the different factors that add up. Usually you start getting a lot
of positive feedback from your staff, throughout the building
and those are the kind of guys that end up finding a way to
stick.” Holton has made some flashy catches and impressed
the fans with his speed.
TE: Clive Walford is being eased back into full-time duty as
he recovers from an offseason injury suffered when he fell off
an ATV. He is working his way back into shape and hoping
to put together a full training camp for the first time. “Even
this time last year, he was on the shelf,” Musgrave said. “So
it’s good to have him out there, again, for Derek and the
quarterbacks to have a feel for the way he runs his routes,
where to place the ball. He has a lot of ability, so we’re
looking for him to be a big part of what we do.” With Walford
missing time, Mychal Rivera has received a bigger chunk of
first-team reps and has shown the hands and receiving ability
that have made him a valuable receiver for Derek Carr the past
two seasons. He should again be the team’s third tight end.
PK: Special teams coach Brad Seely called Giorgio Tavecchio
an “NFL kicker”, and he has been around the league since
2012. Sebastian Janikowski has been the Raiders kicker for a
lot longer than that, but Seely called it a “competition”, albeit
one with Janikowski as the “frontrunner”. Janikowski lost 14
pounds in the offseason and said he’s not feeling any pressure.
Defense: First-round pick Karl Joseph is slated to start at
safety despite missing the entire offseason program recovering
from a torn ACL. He has quickly fit in with the first unit and
has picked up the defense quickly. David Amerson signed a
big-money contract extension in the offseason and has had a
strong start to camp, regularly blanketing the Raiders talented
receivers. Second-year linebacker Ben Heeney is poised to
step into a starting role and will be the quarterback of the
defense, wearing the radio helmet that receives calls from the
sideline. "He's smart, he's fast and he's relentless,'' DC Ken
Norton, Jr. said of Heeney. "He has a nose for the ball, very
instinctive. He's always getting better. You can't get him out of
the film room." Third-round pick Shilique Calhoun has
impressed as a pass rusher. In one pass rush drill against the
tight ends, he “abused” four guys in a row. Calhoun could be
a key piece of the puzzle for the Raiders defense with Aldon
Smith’s future in question.
Returners: The Raiders seem likely to enter the season with
Taiwan Jones as their primary kickoff returner and T.J. Carrie
handling punts, but they list RB DeAndre Washington as the
primary backup at both positions, and the electrifying rookie
will get a chance to earn some reps during preseason.
Raiders Depth Chart
QB: Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, Connor Cook, Garrett Gilbert
RB: Latavius Murray, Deandre Washington, Jalen
Richard, Taiwan Jones, George Atkinson III
FB: Jamize Olawale, Marcel Reece (susp)
WR: Amari Cooper (PR), Michael Crabtree, Seth
Roberts, Andre Holmes, Johnny Holton, K.J. Brent, Nathan
Palmer, Max McCaffrey, Jaydon Mickens, Marvin Hall, Joe
Hansley
TE: Clive Walford, Lee Smith, Mychal Rivera, Ryan
O′Malley, Gabe Holmes, Colton Underwood
LT: Donald Penn, Matt McCants
LG: Kelechi Osemele, Jon Feliciano
C: Rodney Hudson
RG: Gabe Jackson, Vadal Alexander
RT: Austin Howard, Menalik Watson
K: Sebastian Janikowski
DT: Justin Ellis (NT), Jihad Ward, Dan Williams (NT), Stacy
McGee, Darius Latham (NT), Leon Orr
DE: Mario Edwards Jr., Denico Autry, Shilique
Calhoun, Damontre Moore, James Crowser, Branden Jackson
MLB: Ben Heeney, Cory James, John Lotulelei, Kyrie
Wilson, Chase Williams
OLB: Kahlil Mack (S), Malcolm Smith (W), Bruce Irvin
(S/DE), Aldon Smith (susp), Neiron Ball, Korey
Toomer, Daren Bates, Neiron Ball, Perez Ford
CB: Sean Smith, David Amerson, TJ Carrie (FS/CB), D.J.
Hayden, Neiko Thorpe, Dexter McDonald, Antonio
Hamilton, Kenneth Durden
S: Reggie Nelson (FS), Karl Joseph (SS), Nate Allen (FS)
(inj), Dewey McDonald (SS), Keith McGill (SS), Brynden
Trawick (FS), Chris Hackett (FS), Chris Edwards, Jimmy Hall
Philadelphia Eagles
The first two weeks of training camp have looked a lot
different under Doug Pederson; but for the players and fans,
that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Pederson has implemented
longer practices and emphasizes teaching “in the moment”
whereas Kelly preferred not to interrupt his tightly coordinated
practices and saved criticism and instruction or the film room.
Pederson explains why his methods work well: “That’s the
only way we’re going to get better,” Pederson said. “I’m also a
believer that you spend time in the meeting room at night,
watching the tape and making corrections there as well. But
when you get that immediate impact, right now, on the field, it
goes [a long way]. For instance, it happened yesterday with
[tight end] Zach Ertz. He was a split end as a tight end. He ran
a slant [route] and got jammed up. He came back later and ran
the same exact play. He got the same coverage. He learned
from it, and we completed the pass. We were able to get that
instant feedback.”
QB: The Eagles offseason was littered with controversy, much
of it related to the quarterback position. Sam Bradford was
signed to a hefty extension, only to see Carson Wentz drafted
2nd overall. Bradford initially pouted, asked for a trade, but
ultimately accepted his fate. Meanwhile, the team signed
Chase Daniel – from Doug Pederson’s former team, the Chiefs
– to a solid contract as the presumptive backup. The first
week+ of training camp has illustrated the complexity of
managing three quarterbacks in a new system. One thing is
clear, Sam Bradford is the starter. He’s received the lion’s
share of reps with the 1s and has been, by far, the most
accurate passer. Wentz has looked exactly as one would
expect – moments of brilliance and moments of maddening
frustration. Daniel has, objectively, been disappointing in that
he’s looked pedestrian and incapable of challenging for a
starter role even though he knows the system better than his
teammates. Both Wentz and Bradford appear set to
downplay any tension between them. “Sam’s been great,”
Wentz said. “He was once the top draft pick. He’s been
through it all. There’s lots of things we’ve talked about. It’s a
really good room for me to not only grow mentally in the
playbook, but also off the field and everything. It’s been
great.”
RB: The Eagles welcomed back Ryan Mathews late in the
week after missing the first few days of camp while
recovering from an offseason ankle injury. He looked
explosive and in shape in his return, which was important
considering how thin the position has been in early practices.
Offensive coordinator Frank Reich was encouraged: "I
know it was a toned down practice and no pads, but we're still
playing fast. He's an explosive, physical runner. We've got a
good array of backs. We want to mix him in. Ryan will be
prominent in the mix. You want to get a guy like that, with the
track record like that and the way he's run the ball the last
couple years, we want to get him the ball as much as we can."
33-year old Darren Sproles took the majority of the 1 st team
reps in Mathews’ absence, which speaks to Sproles having a
regular role offensively in spite of his age and the coaching
changes. The team rewarded Sproles with a $4.5mm extension
last week, further cementing his importance. The most
pleasant surprise of the first week+ has to be the play of
Kenjon Barner. Many assumed Barner’s role would be nonexistent considering he was brought in by Kelly (after playing
for him at Oregon), but Pederson and Reich kept an open mind
and have been impressed all preseason. “He's an explosive guy
with the ball in his hands,” Pederson said. “Pretty good out of
the backfield as a receiver. That's one area that he can improve
— route-running ability. But I love the fact that anytime you
put the ball in his hand, he has the ability to make some big
plays for you. He's shown that here in the first week of camp.”
Rookie Wendell Smallwood missed a few days with a quad
injury, and has yet to make his mark.
WR: During much of the offseason, it was speculated that
Doug Pederson would free Jordan Matthews from the shackles
of playing the slot. Yet, if early camp is any indication,
Matthews’ future appears to resemble his past. He’s been lined
up in the slot in most situations. The “starting” lineup features
Matthews in the slot and generally Nelson Agholor and Chris
Givens on the outside. Coaches have worked other receivers
into the starting mix outside, including Rueben Randle.
Randle has been a particularly controversial player thus far as
some beat writers have praised his play while others –
including Sports Illustrated’s Peter King – have gone so far as
to question whether he’ll make the final roster. The truth lies
somewhere in between. Randle has been inconsistent, but it
would be a shock to see him off the final roster. The player
that should be worried about a roster spot is Josh Huff. Huff
has will see plenty of work in the next few weeks as Jordan
Matthews rehabs from a bone bruise (he’s expected to be out
2-4 weeks but the knee had no structural damage). Huff is
dropping balls and is tentative with the ball in his hand; a
disappointing combination. Chris Givens is never going to be
an All Pro, but his chemistry with Sam Bradford (they played
together in St. Louis) has been apparent. Agholor has shown a
positive attitude and is embracing the fresh start after a
disappointing rookie season. "One thing that does pop up on
the film, even just in a couple practices here with the pads on,
he's got a quickness off the line of scrimmage," OC Reich
said. "He has some vertical speed to challenge it deep, and he
just has very good footwork. In this league, you have to be
able to beat press coverage. You have to, have to, have to beat
press coverage. And he has a natural ability to get off the line
versus press, and he's got to be able to use that to his
advantage to help our team."
TE: Make no mistake, the tight end position is of paramount
importance in the new offense. Head coach Pederson wants to
keep four tight ends on the game-day roster – which highlights
his belief in the position. Three of those positions will be held
down by Zach Ertz, Brent Celek and Trey Burton. The Eagles
are giving Chris Pantale every chance to be the 4th tight end,
but he must show more consistency as a receiver to win the
role. Fantasy owners may be discounting Zach Ertz too much
based on what we saw from him under Chip Kelly. Pederson
and Reich are favoring him all over the field, and have
featured him in red zone drills in the early days of camp.
PK: Caleb Sturgis and Cody Parkey are squaring off in a wide
open kicker battle this summer. The two are good friends, but
the competition should be stiff, as the ability to consistently
place kickoffs inside the five could be as important as field
goal and extra point accuracy. Sturgis has been decisively
better than Parkey, who is coming back from a groin injury
that cost him 2015. Parkey has made 20 of his 28 kicks, while
Sturgis has made 25-of-28.
Defense: The Eagles are considering signing veteran
linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Tulloch was released by the Lions
last month and would fill a need, not to mention he already
knows the defense well having played under new defensive
coordinator Jim Schwartz for years. Rodney McLeod – the
Eagles big free agent addition – has been a ‘can’t take your
eyes off him’ player every day. There hasn’t been a practice
that McLeod hasn’t put his stamp on. The defensive line is
going to be a strength barring injury. Fletcher Cox is an
established star (hence the massive contract extension this
offseason) but his teammate Bennie Logan has been making
plays daily. Defensive end Vinny Curry has arguably been the
most impressive defender (not named McLeod) in the first
week+ of camp. Overall, the defense has been aggressive and
attacking, yet Schwartz is downplaying the progress. "You
saw what happened today. We'd make a play, give up a play.
Make a play, give up a play. That's not a way to play defense;
that’s not a way to play football. We've got to be consistent
and that's our challenge. … What I'm really talking about is
repeat mistakes. Everybody's going to make a mistake. I make
a lot; players make a lot. The key is don't make the same one
twice. Learn from your mistake. That's where our challenge is,
and we're probably like 31 other teams in the NFL this time in
training camp. Everybody's striving for the same thing – to be
consistent from front to back, to have everybody on the same
page, and then that allows the guys' talent to show."
Returners: With last year’s top punt returner (Darren Sproles)
and kickoff returner (Josh Huff) back, almost guaranteed a
roster spot, and sitting atop the first unofficial depth chart, the
Philadelphia Eagles special teams should look very familiar in
2016.
Eagles Depth Chart
QB: Sam Bradford, Carson Wentz, Chase Daniel, McLeod
Bethel-Thompson
RB: Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles (3RB/PR), Wendell
Smallwood, Kenjon Barner, Byron Marshall, Kevin Monangai
WR: Jordan Matthews (inj), Nelson Agholor, Rueben
Randle, Josh Huff (KR), Chris Givens, Cayleb Jones, T.J.
Graham, Jonathan Krause, Marcus Johnson, Xavier Rush
TE: Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, Trey Burton, Chris Pantale, M.J.
McFarland
LT: Jason Peters, Andrew Gardner, Halapoulivaati Vaitai
LG: Allen Barbre, Isaac Seumalo, Josh Andrews
C: Jason Kelce, Stefen Wisniewski, Barrett Jones
RG: Brandon Brooks, Matt Tobin
RT: Lane Johnson, Dennis Kelly
K: Caleb Sturgis, Cody Parkey
DT: Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Beau Allen, Mike
Martin, Travis Raciti
DE: Vinny Curry, Connor Barwin, Brandon Graham, Taylor
Hart, Marcus Smith, Alex Mccalister, Ryan Mueller
MLB: Jordan Hicks, Joe Walker
OLB: Mychal Kendricks (W), Nigel Bradham (S), Najee
Goode (W), Bryan Braman (S), Travis Long, Deontae Skinner
CB: Leodis McKelvin, Nolan Carroll II, Ron Brooks, Jalen
Mills (FS), Eric Rowe, Blake Countess, Jaylen
Watkins, Denzel Rice
S: Malcolm Jenkins (FS), Rodney McLeod (SS), Jerome
Couplin (SS), JaCorey Shepherd (FS), Chris Maragos (SS), Ed
Reynolds (FS)
Pittsburgh Steelers
QB: Reports in the spring said Ben Roethlisberger had
planned to enter his 13th season lighter than his usual weight.
A camp visit from MMQB’s Albert Breer confirmed that the
veteran quarterback was noticeably slimmer. Roethlisberger
hopes the decreased weight will make him more mobile and
able to avoid injury more effectively. Bruce Gradkowski
missed all of 2015 with shoulder and finger injuries, leaving
the team with Michael Vick and Landry Jones when
Roethlisberger missed time. Gradkowski was brought back to
compete with Jones for the primary backup position. Thus far
in camp, Jones and Gradkowski are splitting work, and both
have received mixed reviews, with reports suggesting the
superior of the two changes by the day.
RB: While his four-game suspension was bad news for
LeVeon Bell, his health is a nice surprise. He didn’t begin
camp on the PUP List, and he has declared his knee 100%.
Behind Bell, veteran DeAngelo Williams returns. He had a
renaissance season after Bell was lost for the year in Week 8.
After Williams is a cavernous drop in talent and experience.
2015 playoff goat Fitzgerald Touissant returns after a critical
fumble that set up Denver’s game-winning drive in the
Divisional Round. Behind him, though, is Daryl Richardson –
yes, that Daryl Richardson, he of the flash-in-the-pan
relevance as Steven Jackson’s supposed heir apparent in St.
Louis when Jackson left for Atlanta. Despite seeming like old
news, Richardson is only 26 years old. A few nice plays in the
preseason, and he could earn 10-12 plays per game during
Bell’s absence.
WR: Antonio Brown has made comments about wanting a
new contract, but he has promised it won’t be a distraction.
The team is standing behind their policy of not negotiating
extensions until the player has just one year left on his current
deal. Brown is elite and steady; it’s behind him where the
stories begin. Martavis Bryant will miss the entire season due
to suspension, so the team has a huge void. Second-year
player Sammie Coates will look to fill the vertical playmaking
void. Coates has been receiving compliments from just about
everyone thus far – from coaches to national media. Longtime, highly-esteemed beat writer Ed Bouchette thinks Coates
can surpass Markus Wheaton and start on the outside.
Wheaton has been a disappointment for the majority of his
career, first being passed by Bryant and now potentially by
Coates. He’s probably best suited for the slot anyway as he
struggles to beat solid coverage. If (when) Coates passes him,
Wheaton could be in a competition in the slot with Eli Rogers.
Undrafted last season out of Louisville, Pittsburgh stashed
Rogers on IR last season. He has already drawn praise from
OC Todd Haley, who said: “We haven’t had a slot guy like
him since I’ve been here. It hasn’t been close.” At the very
least, Rogers should be a return man (especially punts) and
seems a lock for the 53-man roster. Darrius Heyward-Bey
should also make the team, but the performances of the young
receivers in camp suggest his contributions will be mainly on
special teams.
TE: Pittsburgh signed Ladarius Green in the offseason to
replace the retired Heath Miller. Green hasn’t practiced yet
after having offseason ankle surgery but is unconcerned about
being ready for Week One. 6’7” Jesse James is slotted as
Green’s primary backup. Getting valuable reps in Green’s
absence, the second-year player is expected to have a role in
the offense as a red zone weapon. Xavier Grimble is running
third and isn’t likely to factor on offense.
Defense: The front seven is loaded with high-end draft picks
and was the bright spot of the defense last season. Cameron
Heyward and Stephon Tuitt on the ends of the line were both
indispensable last season. Daniel McCullers is slated to
replace the departed Steve McLendon. McCullers is unproven
but massive (6’7”, 345 pounds). While size is nice, leverage is
what the best 3-4 nose tackles have, and it’s hard to gain have
great leverage when you’re that tall. The linebacking corps is a
mix of young and old. Jarvis Jones has been disappointing as a
first-round pick. Last year’s first rounder, Bud Dupree showed
some promise last season. Veteran James Harrison is still
around as a passing downs specialist (and more if the two
young players aren’t getting it done). Anthony Chickillo, a
sixth-round pick last season has shed weight and gained speed.
He is turning heads. In the middle, Ryan Shazier and
Lawrence Timmons offer what is probably the most
athletically dynamic middle linebacking duo in the NFL.
Shazier has already wowed in one particular drill for which
the Steelers are famous. The back four was the weakest part of
the team last season. To improve, they drafted cornerback
Artie Burns in the first round, safety/corner hybrid Sean Smith
in the third, and expected to get back last year’s third-round
pick Senquez Golson, who didn’t play at all last year due to a
camp injury. Unfortunately, Golson is injured again and could
miss as many as 12 weeks with a Lisfranc injury. His loss is
Davis’ gain as the rookie is likely to be tasked with being a
rare 6’1” slot corner. Burns’ camp has been up and down so
far, but the fact that there’s any “up” at all after he asked to be
matched up with Antonio Brown as often as possible could be
considered promising. He’s being thrown to the fire in August,
but the team would rather he not be throughout the fall. He’s
not likely to start, pending further injury. Those duties project
to belong to William Gay and Ross Cockrell. Mike Mitchell
and Robert Golden (a first-time starter) should start in a razorthin safety group. Veteran Will Allen could be brought back at
some point. He’s currently a free agent.
Returners: Is this the year that Pittsburgh takes Antonio
Brown off punt returns? The Steelers had rookie DeMarcus
Ayers as the top-rated punt returner on their board this draft.
On the other hand, Brown is a long-time standout with five
career special teams’ scores who won’t go quietly. At
kickoffs, Markus Wheaton leads the competition, though he’s
generally happiest taking touchbacks and letting the offense
get to work.
Steelers Depth Chart
QB: Ben Roethlisberger, Landry Jones, Bruce
Gradkowski, Dustin Vaughn
RB: Le′Veon Bell (susp), DeAngelo Williams, Fitzgerald
Toussaint, Daryl Richardson, Rajion Neal, Christian Powell
FB: Roosevelt Nix
WR: Antonio Brown (PR), Sammie Coates, Markus Wheaton
(KR), Darrius Heyward-Bey, Eli Rogers, Demarcus
Ayers, Issac Blakeney, Levi Norwood, Shakim Philips, Tobias
Palmer, Canan Severin, Martavis Bryant (susp)
TE: Ladarius Green (inj), Jesse James, Xavier Grimble, David
Johnson (FB), David Reeves, Jay Rome
LT: Alejandro Villanueva, Ryan Harris, Jerald Hawkins
LG: Ramon Foster
C: Maurkice Pouncey, Cody Wallace
RG: David Decastro
RT: Marcus Gilbert
K: Chris Boswell
NT: Daniel McCullers, Javon Hargrave, Lavon Hooks, Roy
Philon
DE: Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, L.T.
Walton, Caushaud Lyons
ILB: Lawrence Timmons (R), Ryan Shazier (L), Vince
Williams, Jordan Zumwalt, Tyler Matakevich, Steven Johnson
OLB: James Harrison, Bud Dupree, Arthur Moats, Jarvis
Jones, Travis Feeney, Anthony Chickallo
CB: William Gay, Ross Cockrell, Sean Davis (SS/CB), Artie
Burns, Doran Grant, Donald Washington, Senquez Golson
(inj)
S: Michael Mitchell (FS), Robert Golden (SS), Shamarko
Thomas (SS), Ross Ventrone (FS), Jordan Dangerfield
(FS), Jacob Hagen, Ray Vinopal
San Diego Chargers
QB: Philip Rivers has been reunited with Ken Whisenhunt,
who has returned to the Chargers to assume offensive
coordinator duties. The pair spent a single season together
back in 2013, but that also happened to be one of Rivers’ most
productive years as a pro. "Whiz has a feel for the game as it's
going, both in the preparation part and adjusting as the game is
going, that's very good," Rivers said. While there’s plenty to
optimistic about for the prospects of Rivers and the passing
attack in 2016, the same can’t be said for the remainder of the
quarterback depth chart. Kellen Clemens and Zach
Mettenberger are battling for backup duties, and early reports
out of camp have not painted a bright picture on either
player’s capabilities. We’ll see if they can turn it around in the
preseason, but the Chargers could be in some serious trouble if
disaster strikes with Rivers. The Chargers first preseason date
is on the road against the Titans. That game should provide
some clarity on whether it’s really time for panic mode.
Undrafted free agent Mike Bercovici has showed some flashes
in the early going, but it’s too early to tell if he could be a
long-term answer for the backup job.
RB: All signs point to Melvin Gordon having zero limitations
as a result of offseason microfracture surgery. He’s slated to
handle early down running back duties in 2016, with Danny
Woodhead on tap to resume his role as one of the league’s
more productive pass catching running backs. Woodhead
suffered an ankle sprain during minicamp, but he’s back to
100% as training camp gets underway. The Chargers have
actually given Gordon some reps at returning kicks in the
early part of camp. “I think that’s something we’re going to
discuss over time. I’m not going to say definitely no or
definitely yes yet. We’ll see. That’s going to be a battle back
there,” said head coach Mike McCoy. Branden Oliver has
been one of the early bright spots at camp. A foot injury
brought an unceremonious end to his 2015 campaign, and he
has his sights set on being a big part of things in 2016. “I’m
focused on the field, producing and doing what I need to do to
help the team win. The game has slowed down for me. The
playbook is easier, so I am really trying to make this a
blueprint year,” he said.
WR: The Chargers received a scare when Keenan Allen had
to leave the field after having his foot stepped on at camp. He
was held out of drills the following day as a precaution, but
there appears to be no cause for concern. “He’s fine,” McCoy
said. The Chargers have already lost one wide receiver, so
fans and coaches are understandably on edge. Stevie Johnson
suffered a torn meniscus in the very early days of camp, and
that led the club to bring in veteran free agent James Jones.
Travis Benjamin joined the Chargers in the offseason, and he
slots in as the WR2 opposite Allen. Isaiah Burse has been one
of the early bright spots in camp, and he’s capturing the
attention of the coaching staff. “Isaiah (Burse), it’s been great
to see how he is playing right now,” McCoy said. Tyrell
Williams is another young Chargers receiver whose stock is
clearly pointing up. The second-year pro has received time
with the starters since the injury to Johnson. He’s shown some
serious flashes of his impressive combination of size and
speed, as well as the ability to hang in there against the team’s
veteran corners.
TE: Father Time still hasn’t caught up with Antonio Gates,
who delivered solid production in 2015 despite only playing
11 games. He’s looked great in the early part of camp as well,
and the veteran is poised to remain a big part of the Chargers
passing attack. In one of the early highlights of camp, he
caught a touchdown in the back of the end zone from Rivers -
over triple coverage. Despite having the seemingly ageless
wonder at their disposal, the Chargers set their sights on the
future with the selection of Hunter Henry in this year’s draft.
Henry took full advantage of some extra reps with Rivers
when Gates was given a veteran day off. “I can get out there
and just try to build that relationship with Philip. It’s about
building trust, so the extra reps help a lot,” he said. The
Chargers could be in line to employ a healthy amount of two
tight end sets in 2016.
Defense: Contract talks have broken down between the
Chargers and Joey Bosa, the third overall pick in this year’s
draft. It sounds like both sides have clearly dug their feet in
the ground, and a lengthy holdout is not out of the question at
this point. There have been several bright spots on the
defensive side of the ball in the early part of camp, including
safety Adrian Phillips, who has earned some glowing reviews.
“Good things happen to good people. I am very happy for
him, and what he has done on the field does not surprise me
because of his work ethic,” McCoy said. Cornerback Brandon
Flowers had a challenging 2015 campaign, but he appears to
be a strong bounce-back candidate this season. “He looked
like he was 25 today so I like the way he looks. He has come
back with a different mentality this year,” McCoy said. Inside
linebacker Manti Te’o has been another bright spot, and his
forcing of two turnovers in one practice was one of the early
camp highlights.
Returners: New acquisition Travis Benjamin has been a
standout punt returner through his career and is highly likely
to reprise that role in San Diego. The kickoff returner position
is far more muddled, with Javontee Herndon, Branden Oliver,
Isaiah Burse, DeAndre Reaves, and even Melvin Gordon
getting a look.
Chargers Depth Chart
QB: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens, Zach Mettenberger, Bryn
Renner, Mike Bercovici
RB: Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead (3RB), Branden
Oliver, Dreamius Smith, Kenneth Farrow
FB: Derek Watt, Chris Swain
WR: Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin (PR), Stevie Johnson
(inj), Dontrelle Inman, Tyrell Williams, James Jones, Javontee
Herndon, Isaiah Burse, Torrence Allen, Jamaal Jones, Dom
Williams
TE: Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Jeff Cumberland, Sean
McGrath, Asante Cleveland, Tim Semisch
LT: King Dunlap, Chris Hairston
LG: Orlando Franklin, Kenny Wiggins
C: Matt Slauson, Max Tuerk, Trevor Robinson
RG: D.J. Fluker, Chris Watt, Donavon Clark
RT: Joe Barksdale, Tyreek Burwell
K: Josh Lambo
NT: Brandon Mebane, Sean Lissemore, Ryan Carrethers
DE: Corey Liuget, Joey Bosa, Damion Square, Darius
Philon, Tenny Palepoi, Ben Gardner
ILB: Denzel Perryman, Manti Te′o, Joshua Perry, Nick
Dzubnar, Dexter McCoil
OLB: Melvin Ingram, Jeremiah Attaochu, Kyle
Emanuel, Tourek Williams, Jatavis Brown
CB: Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers, Casey Hayward, Trevor
Williams, Craig Mager, Greg Ducre, Trevor Williams
S: Jahleel Addae (SS), Dwight Lowery (FS), Darrell Stuckey
(FS),Matt Daniels (SS), Adrian Phillips (FS)
San Francisco 49ers
QB: 49ers offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins said it’s too
early to call the quarterback battle between Colin Kaepernick
and Blaine Gabbert: “I think naturally every quarterback's
skillsets are a little different. What's great is both of their
skillsets are really great for our offense. We'll get to see more
of their skillsets once we get further along in this camp. And
when we get into the preseason games, they'll be able to show
more.” Modkins observed that Kaepernick had made some
nice runs during practices on read-option plays. "Kaep's done
a good job. He was very visible in the spring, he was around
here, doing all he could do. He's done all we've asked him to
do so far. The competition is really just getting started. I've
seen him (Kaepernick) from afar for a long time. He's a good
player. And I think he's right on track,” said Modkins. Beat
writer Matt Maiocco notes that Blaine Gabbert and
Kaepernick are neck and neck in the battle to start; rating the
contest 'too close to call.' He also noted that rookie Jeff
Driskel is “making a strong bid for the 49ers to carry a third
quarterback on the 53-man roster.” Head coach Chip Kelly
echoes Modkins’ sentiment that the quarterback competition is
just getting started. “It's just, let's get some quality reps for
both Blaine and Kap, and I think they've done a good job
taking advantage of that. It'll be an ongoing process... So,
really, the big determination with those guys will be the
preseason games. The games are going to be huge for those
guys,” he said.
RB: On Thursday, Maiocco observed that there has been just
one padded practice so far in camp, but his initial impressions
of the running back depth chart are as follows: “There is no
proven depth behind (Carlos) Hyde. (Shaun) Draughn has yet
to stick with any club for a prolonged period of time. But this
could be his chance. He's an adequate runner, but he makes his
mark with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield and
willingness to play special teams. (Kelvin) Taylor probably
has an advantage at one reserve spot because the 49ers want to
give him a long look. (Mike) Davis has to show much more
than he did in his first season.”
WR: The Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows notes that Torrey
Smith is lining up on the right side, Quinton Patton on the left
and Bruce Ellington at the slot position. DeAndre Smelter was
bumped up to the first team on Friday while Smith took the
day off to deal with some leg tightness. Eric Rogers is out for
the year after suffering a torn ACL on August 4th. Maiocco
notes: “This position group is wide open. The 49ers are
looking for other receivers to go along with Torrey Smith,
who is clearly the top receiver on the team... the 49ers need
possession guys, too, perhaps among (Quinton) Patton,
Smelter and Rogers. (Jerome) Simpson has impressed through
the offseason and into training camp. If (Bruce) Ellington can
stay healthy, he is a good fit for the slot.” Chip Kelly agreed,
“It's really wide open. Besides Torrey, let's find out who the
other playmakers are at that wide receiver position.” Kelly
also praised Simpson: “It's amazing to see how he runs.
Obviously, he's extremely fast, but just the energy and the
amount of juice he has through the entire practice... He's just a
consummate professional in terms of his work ethic and his
approach.”
TE: Maiocco asserts that Vance McDonald is having the best
offseason of his career, and that he's been showing well in
training camp. However, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat's
Grant Cohn penciled in McDonald as the number three tight
end on the team. Go figure. The competition between
McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell and Bruce Miller is
ongoing. So far no-one has seized the top job but McDonald
and Celek have rotated with the first team during the first
week of practices.
Defense: Defensive end DeForest Buckner has been working
with the first team after running with the third-string during
OTAs. 'We didn't give him anything,” defensive coordinator
Jim O’Neil said of Buckner. “He had to earn it. So, he earned
our respect. He earned the players' respect.” Cornerback
Cleveland Wallace was claimed off waivers from the Houston
Texans. He took his conditioning test but did not participate in
practice on Friday. The 49ers added Wallace because the team
is down three defensive backs. Jaquiski Tartt was on the nonfootball injury list with a slight quad strain until he passed his
conditioning test on Friday. L.J. McCray and Will Redmond
are taking part in limited practice as they return from their
ACL surgeries. Linebacker Navorro Bowman and the 49ers
agreed to a four-year contract extension through the 2022
season that pays the four-time first-team All-Pro an average of
$11 million annually. “For me asking for the deal, they
understood why. I knew it wasn't a popular thing to do with
three years left. But it's basically about being fair and how
good of an organization they are and honorable to their players
and the work I put in,” said Bowman.
Returners: With primary returner Bruce Ellington and top
backup DeAndrew White both back in the fold, San
Francisco’s returners should look very similar in 2016, though
undrafted free agent Bryce Treggs will make a push to make
the team as a returner, too.
49ers Depth Chart
QB: Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick, Jeff
Driskel, Thaddeus Lewis
RB: Carlos Hyde, Shaun Draughn, DuJuan Harris, Mike
Davis, Kelvin Taylor, Kendall Gaskins
FB: Bruce Miller (TE)
WR: Torrey Smith, Bruce Ellington (KR/PR), Quinton Patton,
DeAndre Smelter, Jerome Simpson, DeAndrew White
(KR/PR), Aaron Burbridge, Dres Anderson, Devon
Cajuste, Bryce Treggs, DiAndre Campbell, Eric Rogers (IR)
TE: Vance McDonald, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell, Je′Ron
Hamm, Busta Anderson
LT: Joe Staley, John Theus
LG: Zane Beadles, Ian Silberman
C: Daniel Kilgore, Marcus Martin
RG: Josh Garnett, Brandon Thomas, Andrew Tiller
RT: Erik Pears, Trent Brown, Fahn Cooper
K: Phil Dawson, John Lunsford
NT: Mike Purcell, Garrison Smith, Ian Williams (IR)
DE: Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Quinton Dial, Glenn
Dorsey (inj), Tank Carradine, Ronald Blair, Tony JerodEddie, Darren Lake, B.J. McBryde, Demetrius Cherry
ILB: Navorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Gerald
Hodges, Shayne Skov, Nick Bellore, Wynton McManis
OLB: Ahmad Brooks (S), Aaron Lynch (susp), Corey
Lemonier, Eli Harold, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Marcus
Rush, Jason Fanaika, Lenny Jones
CB: Tramaine Brock, Jimmie Ward (FS), Chris Davis, Dontae
Johnson, Kenneth Acker, Will Redmond, Rashard
Robinson, Prince Charles Iworah, Keith Reaser, Marcus
Cromartie
S: Antoine Bethea (SS), Eric Reid (FS), Jaquiski Tartt
(SS), L.J. McCray, Jered Bell
Seattle Seahawks
QB: Russell Wilson is clearly the Seattle Seahawks starting
quarterback and Trevone Boykin is clearly his backup. Boykin
has worked with the second team in training camp ahead of
Jake Heaps. Heaps has had positive moments according to
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, but he isn't pushing
Boykin for his spot. GM John Schneider admitted the team
could still add a veteran quarterback despite the team's lack of
interest in a reunion with Tarvaris Jackson.
RB: Pete Carroll confirmed that Thomas Rawls had surgery in
the offseason. Rawls has been on the PUP list since training
camp began but on Sunday he was given a clean bill of health.
ESPN's Sheil Kapadia expects him to be the primary ball
carrier when the regular season begins. Rawls' primary
backup, C.J. Prosise, has yet to make an impact because of his
own health issues. Prosise had durability questions coming out
of college as a converted receiver but this hamstring issue
appears to be minor and isn't an unusual ailment for rookies to
suffer at this time of the year. With Rawls and Prosise
sidelined, the “Christine Michael Show” has been up and
running again. Michael has taken most of the carries ahead of
Alex Collins and Zac Brooks. Alex Collins has stood out more
than Brooks as a runner, but if Prosise misses more time than
expected Brooks could make a run at the third-down role.
Brandon Cotton had been working as the number one fullback
before a torn Achilles ended his season.
WR: When the Seahawks re-signed Jermaine Kearse it was
considered a curious move because of the expected emergence
of Tyler Lockett. In the early stages of training camp it
appears that Kearse will retain his starting spot without having
to fend off a challenge from Lockett. Lockett should still be
classified as a starter because he is clearly going to factor into
the team’s offensive plans with regularity. While the top three
spots were always likely to feature those three players, Paul
Richardson was expected to face more of a fight for the fourth
slot of the depth chart. In his defense, Richardson has
impressed over the first week. He is fully healthy after the
ACL tear he suffered two years ago. Richardson said that his
hamstring problem was tougher to overcome because he
struggled to hit top speed previously. His speed has helped
him stand out from the pack so far this year. Rookie Kenny
Lawler and relative veteran Kasen Williams are competing
behind for a roster spot. The most interesting aspect of this
group is Tanner McEvoy's switch from safety to wide
receiver. McEvoy is a big body and a good athlete but
switching from safety to wide receiver is a daunting task at the
NFL level.
TE: The team continues to say that Jimmy Graham will be
ready for the first week of the regular season. Others are less
convinced; Graham hasn't made it onto the practice field
having begun camp on the PUP list. While Graham's absence
has been discussed a lot, one of the players in line to replace
him has also been absent through a significant injury. Cooper
Helfet broke his foot. He suffered the injury at the start of
camp and was subsequently released because he requires
surgery. Furthermore, Luke Willson has been limited with an
ankle injury but isn’t expected to miss extended time. Veteran
free agent Brandon Williams got some unexpected work with
the first team offense.
Defense: For the second time in a matter of weeks, Richard
Sherman praised the quality of teammate Tharold Simon.
Sherman said that Simon would be better than him once both
finished their careers. For all of Sherman's bluster, Simon is
sharing reps in the first-team defense with DeShawn Shead
and Jeremy Lane. Shead and Simon rotated in and out of the
lineup for most of the week before Lane got his chances over
the weekend. Lane has the slot role locked up but is unlikely
to win the starting spot outside. Shead and Lane fit Pete
Carroll’s preferred mold. The Seahawks depth at cornerback is
a big reason to feel more confident about their defense this
year. A bigger plus is the presence of Kam Chancellor and
Earl Thomas from the start of training camp. Chancellor has
missed some time but only with a minor injury. On the
defensive line, Chris Clemons shocked everyone by retiring
just before the beginning of camp. Clemons' absence may
have played a role in Frank Clark moving around the
defensive line more, though that would also make sense as a
natural progression in his development. Defensive lineman
Michael Bennett made news this week with his brother
Martellus in an interview that went viral. Bennett was later
kicked out of practice by Pete Carroll on Thursday. Bennett
was apparently being frustrated by rookie Germain Ifedi who
has regularly gotten the best of him, but said afterwards that
he and Carroll had no issues.
Returners: All Pro kick returner Tyler Lockett returns in
Seattle ready to reprise his do-everything returner role.
Lockett looks to also expand his role on offense, but head
coach Pete Carroll has never had a problem with playing his
best players on special teams.
Seahawks Depth Chart
QB: Russell Wilson, Trevone Boykin, Jake Heap
RB: Thomas Rawls, Christine Michael, C.J. Prosise (3RB)
(inj), Alex Collins, Zac Brooks, Troymaine Pope
FB: Tani Tupou, Jonathan Amosa
WR: Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett (KR/PR), Jermaine
Kearse, Paul Richardson, Kevin Smith, Kenny Lawler, Kasen
Williams, Antwan Goodley, Douglas McNeil, Jeff
Fuller, Deshon Foxx, Tanner McEvoy, Uzoma Nwachukwu
TE: Jimmy Graham (inj), Luke Willson, Nick
Vannett, Brandon Williams, Clayton Echard, Joe Summers
LT: Garry Gilliam, Bradley Sowell
LG: Mark Glowinski, Rees Odhiambo
C: Justin Britt, Patrick Lewis, Joey Hunt
RG: Germain Ifedi, Kristjan Sokoli
RT: JMarcus Webb
K: Steven Hauschka
DT: Ahtyba Rubin, Jarran Reed, Jordan Hill, Sealver Siliga,
Demarcus Dobbs, Quinton Jefferson, Justin Hamilton
DE: Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Frank Clark (S), Cassius
Marsh, Tavaris Barnes, Will Pericak
MLB: Bobby Wagner, Eric Pinkins (S/M), Steve Longa
OLB: K.J. Wright (W), Mike Morgan (S), Kevin Pierre-Louis
(S), Brock Coyle (W), Josh Shirley, Montese Overton, Khairi
Fortt, Kache Palacio
CB: Richard Sherman, Marcus Burley, Brandon
Browner, Jeremy Lane, DeShawn Shead, Tharold
Simon, Mohammed Seisay, Tye Smith, DeAndre Elliott
S: Kam Chancellor (SS), Earl Thomas (FS), Kelcie McCray
(FS), Steven Terrell (FS), Robert Smith (SS), Tyvis Powell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB: Safety Chris Conte had two interceptions of Jameis
Winston in Saturday's practice. Conte jumped in front of a
deep ball intended for Mike Evans, then later caught a
deflected pass at the back of the end zone. The team installed
its two-minute offense and high-red zone offense Thursday.
“You can see it was the first time we were doing two-minute
(drills),” starting right guard Ali Marpet said. “We were a
little... we were very sloppy.” It was also raining on Thursday,
which was a good thing according to Head Coach Dirk
Koetter: “We had only really worked in bad weather one time
in practice with wet ball conditions before we played that
Carolina game (last season), and it definitely came back to
haunt us in that game. So that was some good work
(Thursday). We cut a few periods out, we had to cut a couple
short, but we did get some good work in. That's the key.”
Mike Glennon is the second-string quarterback, while Ryan
Griffin is listed in the third position.
RB: As of the first unofficial depth chart of training camp
(released August 6), Doug Martin is the lead running back,
followed by Charles Sims and Mike James. Others listed as
reserve running backs were Peyton Barber, Storm Johnson and
Russell Hansbrough. According to Koetter, wide receiver
Kenny Bell, Sims and safety Ryan Smith will compete to
become the kickoff returner. “We haven't got to kickoff return,
we've been focusing on punt (returns) right now, but those
three off the top of my head,” he said.
WR: Observers of camp have reported that Mike Evans and
Winston are improving their chemistry during the first week of
training camp. Koetter named Adam Humphries as the third
wide receiver early in camp. “Adam Humphries is going to be
our No. 3 wide receiver,” Koetter said. “You talk about the
definition of consistent players, there’s Adam Humphries’
picture right there. Consistently strong player. Adam is going
to be our slot receiver. And the battle for four, five, six and
beyond, there’s some really good competition. Kenny (Bell) is
one of the guys in that mix.” The move was backed by
Winston: “Adam is a great player for us, he's a third-down
machine for us. He's had a great camp, and last year he was
one of my best targets... That's just how it is in this game.
You've got to get back up and try again and I trust that guy
with all my heart and I know coach Koetter trusts him and this
team trusts him. That's a big thing for him I'm sure when he
hears that, he's going to work even harder.” The move leaves
Bell fighting for the fourth slot against Louis Murphy, Russell
Shepard, Donteea Dye, Evan Spencer, and Freddie Martino.
Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman believes Bell is in the lead.
TE: Cameron Brate is the lead tight end in Tampa. He's been
praised for his red-zone abilities and improved run blocking.
Koetter shared his views, “Right now Cam is playing better
than Austin (Sefarian-Jenkins). End of story, as far as I'm
concerned.” According to the Tampa Bay Time's Auman,
Seferian-Jenkins had a nice touchdown catch from backup
quarterback Mike Glennon in two-minute work on Saturday
and he and Brate both had a good day during 11-on-11 work.
In spite of what beat writers may be saying, Koetter put
Seferian-Jenkins on notice: “Austin's trying to get better every
day. Austin's working at it and that's all he can do right now.
He's just got to work. That's all anybody that's fighting for a
job can do. The guys that are playing the best are going to
play. Catching up for some guys is knowing what they're
doing. Catching up for other guys is you've got to play better,
and he falls into that category.”
Defense: On Saturday, the Buccaneers' defense threw multiple
fronts at the offense during 11-on-11 drills. “We don't want
them to get comfortable. We're competing, and we don't want
them to be comfortable,” said DC Mike Smith. Koetter said
second-year cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah is ahead of
Johnthan Banks for the fourth cornerback job. Defensive end
George Johnson went on injured reserve with a fractured hip,
ending his season. “Kourtnei Brown and Howard Jones are
guys that are going to be put into the limelight,” Koetter said
after losing Johnson. “They were already there in the
competition, but it's going to increase their role a little bit.”
The coaches are giving rookie cornerback Vernon Hargreaves
reps with the first team defense.
Returners: After missing the 2015 season to injury, Kenny
Bell is taking the first step towards securing a roster spot in
2016 by earning top kickoff returner billing on Tampa’s first
depth chart of the year. On punt returns, Adam Humphries
leads the pack.
Buccaneers Depth Chart
QB: Jameis Winston, Mike Glennon, Ryan Griffin, Dan
LeFevour
RB: Doug Martin, Charles Sims (3RB), Mike James, Peyton
Barber, Storm Johnson, Russell Hansbrough
FB: Dan Vitale
WR: Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, Adam Humphries (PR)
, Kenny Bell (KR), Louis Murphy, Russell Shepard, Donteea
Dye, Evan Spencer, Freddie Martino, Bernard Reedy, Andre
Davis
TE: Cameron Brate, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Luke
Stocker, Brandon Myers, Tevin Westbrook, Kivon
Cartwright, Alan Cross
LT: Donovan Smith, Kevin Pamphile
LG: J.R. Sweezy, Garrett Gilkey
C: Evan Smith, Joe Hawley
RG: Ali Marpet, Caleb Benenoch
RT: Gosder Cherilus, Demar Dotson
K: Roberto Aguayo
DT: Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald, Henry Melton
(DE), Akeem Spence, A.J. Francis
DE: Robert Ayers, William Gholston, Jacquies Smith, Noah
Spence, Howard Jones, George Johnson (IR)
MLB: Kwon Alexander, Jeremiah George, Cassanova
McKinzy
OLB: Lavonte David (W), Daryl Smith (S), Adarius
Glanton, Devante Bond, Josh Keyes, Micah Awe, Luke
Rhodes
CB: Brent Grimes, Vernon Hargreaves III, Alterraun
Verner, Jude Adjei-Barimah, Johnthan Banks, Josh Robinson
S: Bradley McDougald (SS), Christopher Conte (FS), Keith
Tandy (SS), Ryan Smith, Elijah Shumate, Major Wright, John
Lowdermilk
Tennessee Titans
QB: ESPN's Paul Kuharsky has said that there is no
quarterback competition behind Marcus Mariota. Matt Cassel
was signed to be the backup and he will assume that role
ahead of Alex Tanney. Mariota has been very impressive over
the first week of training camp, though that's to be expected at
this point.
RB: Despite some praise from Mike Mularkey early in the
week, the beginning of training camp continued to highlight
how the Titans won't be relying on Bishop Sankey this year.
Sankey will be lucky to make the roster after six backs
featured ahead of him in a nine-on-seven rushing period late in
the week. DeMarco Murray is the Titans' lead back at this
point. He opened his week with a fumble but bounced back
from it, earning praise from Mularkey and team writer Jim
Wyatt. Wyatt reported that Murray was regularly breaking off
big gains while his leadership has also been emphasized at
different points during the week. Derrick Henry has opened
camp with some struggles but none as worrisome as his
infamous footwork drills during OTAs. Henry fumbled at least
one handoff from Marcus Mariota and has been beaten too
many times in pass protection drills. He was singled out by his
position coach because of his poor technique on cut blocks.
None of this should be surprising or overly concerning. It's
what rookie backs typically struggle with during their first
training camps. Early reports on Henry running the ball have
mostly been positive. With Sankey an afterthought and Dexter
McCluster locked into the receiving role, the only real training
camp battle falls between David Cobb and Antonio Andrews.
Andrews missed time with a hamstring injury during the first
week of camp but Cobb couldn't distinguish himself.
WR: This was supposed to be Dorial Green-Beckham's week.
Instead, the second year receiver has shown few signs of
development to this point in camp while rookie, Tajae Sharpe,
and Andre Johnson, a late veteran addition, have outperformed
him with Sharpe shockingly ascending to a starting role. The
tall receiver has played well enough to maintain his grasp on
the first-team spot through the first week. Sharpe's place in the
starting lineup has been overshadowed by the arrival of
Johnson though. He was camp's early star with both Mariota
and Mularkey singling him out for praise. Green-Beckham's
mental errors and drops need to disappear quickly if he's going
to make any impact this year. The emergence of Sharpe and
the signing of Rishard Matthews likely reduced Kendall
Wright to a role in the slot. The first-team offense has lined up
with Matthews and Sharpe outside with Wright inside. Wright
suffered a hamstring issue that kept him out for much of the
first week. His absence pushed veteran Harry Douglas into the
starting lineup. Wright appears to be the team's designated slot
receiver with Douglas the designated backup at that spot. This
could very easily change over the coming weeks as Johnson
picks up more of the offense. With Justin Hunter, GreenBeckham and Tre McBride trying to make a positive
impression, the Titans receiving corps is suddenly very deep
and competitive even if not stocked with stars.
TE: Delanie Walker signed a contract extension before
training camp and spent his time during the first week of camp
showing off for the crowds in attendance. Walker's only goal
before the beginning of the season should be to stay healthy.
The Titans have a lot of depth at tight end but it's proven depth
with an established pecking order. It will take an unforeseen
event or breakout displays from Philip Supernaw or Jerome
Cunningham to make the position interesting.
Defense: Brice McCain and Perrish Cox were supposed to
take part in the Titans' biggest position battle during training
camp and the preseason. McCain has been sidelined by an
ankle injury so far, meaning the competition is yet to really
begin. The Titans will watch McCain's health closely while
also keeping an eye on Jason McCourty's health. McCourty
missed most of last season and was playing hurt when he was
available. He is a key piece of the Titans defense so the
coaching staff should be delighted that he has made it
unscathed through the first week of camp. McCain's absence
led the Titans to claim Tyler Patmon from the Miami Dolphins
during the week. Pattmon shouldn't be expected to be anything
more than a camp body. LeShaun Sims is more likely to be the
surprise performer in the secondary. Mularkey singled him out
for his play later in the week. Injuries are a big story for the
Titans at this point. Second-round rookie Kevin Dodd opened
training camp on the PUP list because of a foot injury. The
injury isn't expected to last until the regular season but this
disruption to his preparation could slow down any potential
impact he would have made. Fellow second-round pick Austin
Johnson has impressed with his work rate but more notably
has spent time at both nose tackle and defensive end. Fellow
rookies Kevin Byard and Kalan Reed have had inconsistent
camps so far. Both have made big plays, with Reed
intercepting Marcus Mariota in a one-on-one drill and Byard
flattening Dorial Green-Beckham in a blocking drill. Byard
has been mentioned as a key special teamer but the team's
starting safeties appear to be Da'Norris Searcy and Rashad
Johnson. Marqueston Huff rotated in and out at safety while
also playing in nickel packages. It was also revealed that Huff
would be suspended for the first game of the regular season.
Returners: Specialist Dexter McCluster is the odds-on
favorite to win the job returning punts for the Titans this year.
He’s also probably the front-runner to handle kickoffs, but that
competition is much more open.
the preseason to make a case for a roster spot as the third
string/emergency quarterback.
Titans Depth Chart
RB: Whether you think Matt Jones is a talented player or not,
the coaches clearly are banking on him as the feature back.
Jones has been the unquestioned number one. Aside from
sitting out for two days (once with “tired legs” and the other
with mild knee soreness), Jones has gotten most of the reps
with the starters and looked adequate. Coaches are praising
Jones’ maturation – for example, denoting his positive attitude
in the classroom and film study – areas that Jones admits were
not his favorite as a rookie. The team desperately needs Jones
to stay healthy and improve markedly because depth is a
question mark. Chris Thompson is a 3rd down receiving back
and ill-suited for heavy carries. Rookie Keith Marshall has
flashed at times, but hasn’t seen many reps with the starters.
QB: Marcus Mariota, Matt Cassel, Alex Tanney
RB: DeMarco Murray, Derrick Henry, Dexter McCluster
(3RB/KR/PR), Antonio Andrews, David Cobb, Bishop
Sankey, David Fluellen
FB: Jalston Fowler, Sam Bergen
WR: Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, Kendall Wright
(inj), Dorial Green-Beckham, Andre Johnson, Harry
Douglas, Justin Hunter, Tre McBride, Damaris
Johnson, Andrew Turzilli (susp), Nick Harwell, Ben Roberts
TE: Delanie Walker, Anthony Fasano, Craig Stevens, Phillip
Supernaw, Jerome Cunningham
LT: Taylor Lewan
LG: Quinton Spain, Jeremiah Poutasi, Sebastian
Tretola, Josue Matias, Bryon Bell (IR)
C: Ben Jones, Brian Schwenke, Andy Gallik
RG: Chance Warmack
RT: Jack Conklin
K: Ryan Succop
NT: Al Woods, Austin Johnson, Angelo Blackson, Antwuan
Woods
DE: Jurell Casey (DT), DaQuan Jones, Ropati Pitoitua, Karl
Klug, Mehdi Abdesmad, Mike Smith
ILB: Avery Williamson, Wesley Woodyard, Sean
Spence, Nate Palmer, Curtis Grant, Justin Staples, J.R. Tavai
OLB: Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan, Kevin Dodd
(DE), Aaron Wallace, David Bass, Deiontrez Mount, Yannik
Cudjoe-Virgil
CB: Jason McCourty, Perrish Cox, Brice McCain, Antwon
Blake, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Leshaun Sims, Kalan Reed, Cody
Riggs, Bennett Okotcha
S: Da′Norris Searcy (SS), Rashad Johnson (FS), Daimion
Stafford (FS), Kevin Byard, Marqueston Huff (FS), Josh
Aubrey, Lamarcus Brutus
Washington Redskins
QB: The decision to let Kirk Cousins play under a one-year
franchise tender makes sense considering Cousins’ limited
experience as a starter and terrible playoff finish. Cousins
understands that 2016 will make or break his perception as a
high level starter. Cousins hasn’t been consistently sharp in
the early part of camp, but he did string a number of strong
practices together to end the week. “When he can scan the
field and get to his first, second, third and sometimes fourth
option, he’s pretty darn good,” Gruden said. “Fortunately our
line gave him some time to scan the field and get the throws in
there. But he is more comfortable.” Colt McCoy provides
Washington with a quality, veteran backup. He’s looked sharp
in practice thus far. Nate Sudfeld will have ample time during
WR: Whether it’s finally being healthy or feeling the pressure
of youthful competition, veterans DeSean Jackson and Pierre
Garcon are having a good start to camp. Jackson, in particular,
has looked like the best player on offense – which is saying
something considering the presence of Jordan Reed. Offensive
coordinator Sean McVay attributes Jackson’s resurgence to
good health and the push from competing against Josh
Norman in practice every day: “One thing is, he’s been able to
practice,” McVay said. “When you bring in guys like Josh, an
elite corner, competition raises the level of play and that’s
what he’s done. You’re seeing why DeSean is a special
player.” First round rookie Josh Doctson remains unable to
practice as he recovers from an Achilles injury in May. The
coaches are downplaying the severity but Doctson was seen
wearing a walking boot last week. Jamison Crowder will have
a meaningful role regardless of who lines up outside; he’s
going to see a ton of targets as the slot receiver. The coaches
have been working on Crowder’s ability to gain separation –
something he was unable to do consistently as a rookie in spite
of setting a Washington rookie reception record.
TE: Washington is likely to keep four tight ends on the 53man roster. With Derek Carrier on the PUP list, that quartet
appears to be Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, Logan Paulsen and
Vernon Davis. Carrier could push for one of those spots with a
strong return in mid-August. Ultimately, the position is really
about keeping Jordan Reed healthy for the regular season so
that he can build of last year’s emergence. Reed has been –
along with DeSean Jackson—the most explosive player on
offense through the first week+ of camp.
Defense: All eyes are on Josh Norman after Washington
signed him away from the Carolina Panthers, but it’s been the
play of Bashaud Breeland that has everyone excited.
Secondary coach Perry Fewell has seen steady progress in
Breeland: "He made improvement from a year ago," Fewell
said. "He would play with his back to the quarterback. It’s
been a long, arduous process, but now he’s playing with vision
on the ball. Because he’s playing with vision on the ball, I can
say, 'Yeah, Breeland!' because I know he sees the ball coming
out." After missing his rookie season with concussion
symptoms, linebacker Martrell Spaight has re-emerged as a
factor. Spaight could earn a starting role if he continues to
play as well as he’s practice in the first week of camp.
Returners: In an unsurprising development, Washington’s
first depth chart has Rashad Ross returning kickoffs and
Jamison Crowder handling punts. Slightly more surprising
was the fact that Will Blackmon, who hasn’t returned a punt
since 2013, was listed second on the depth chart.
Redskins Depth Chart
QB: Kirk Cousins, Colt McCoy, Nate Sudfeld
RB: Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, Keith Marshall, Silas
Redd, Mack Brown
FB: Joe Kerridge
WR: DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Jamison Crowder
(PR), Josh Doctson (inj), Ryan Grant, Rashad Ross (KR)
TE: Jordan Reed, Niles Paul, Vernon Davis, Logan
Paulsen, Derek Carrier (inj), Marcel Jensen
LT: Trent Williams, Ty Nsekhe
LG: Spencer Long, Shawn Lauvao, Arie Kouandijo
C: Kory Lichtensteiger, Austin Reiter, Josh LeRibeus
RG: Brandon Scherff, Takoby Cofield
RT: Morgan Moses
K: Dustin Hopkins
NT: Jerrell Powe, Kedric Golston, Matt Ioannidis, Chris
Bilukidi, Anthony Johnson
DE: Chris Baker, Ricky Jean-Francois, Ziggy Hood, Corey
Crawford, Stephen Paea, Kendall Reyes
ILB: Perry Riley (inj), Will Compton, Mason Foster, Su′a
Cravens (SS), Carlos Fields Jr., Steven Daniels, Martrell
Spaight, Derrick Mathews
OLB: Ryan Kerrigan, Preston Smith, Terence
Garvin, Houston Bates, Trent Murphy, Junior Galette (inj)
CB: Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland, Kendall Fuller, Quinton
Dunbar, Will Blackmon, Greg Toler, Deshazor Everett, Lloyd
Carrington, Jeremy Harris, Cary Williams, Deshaun
Phillips, Al Louis-Jean
S: DeAngelo Hall (FS), David Bruton (SS), Duke Ihenacho
(SS), Tevin Carter (SS/LB)

Training Camp Update

Transcription

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