Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas has been far from a mega-producer since entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick in 2018, but it can take many years for players to break out at the position, and he's reportedly flashed this offseason. "Much was made about the upgrade at tight end when the Panthers selected Texas' Ja'Tavion Sanders in the fourth round, but it has been 2018 fourth-rounder [Ian] Thomas who has stolen the spotlight at a position that is featured in Dave Canales' passing game," Panthers reporter David Newton wrote. Thomas caught just five passes last season and hasn't matched his 333-yard rookie campaign over the last five seasons, but if Bryce Young takes a step forward, he could have at least some value in deep tight-end premium leagues. Sanders is a fun rookie prospect, but he's far from a sure thing, and it's rare for rookie tight ends to flourish.

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New Orleans Saints tight end Dallin Holker was a priority undrafted free-agent signing by the team following the 2024 NFL Draft, and with Juwan Johnson (foot) potentially missing the rest of the offseason due to foot surgery, he has a chance to crack the Week 1 roster. "It was apparent the Saints liked Holker when they guaranteed him $235,000 to sign as an undrafted rookie free agent this spring," ESPN's Katherine Terrell wrote. "Holker has a real opportunity to make the team now that Juwan Johnson is sidelined indefinitely by a foot injury. Foster Moreau is the only veteran tight end on the roster with experience, which means Holker, who has had an impressive showing so far, could find playing time quickly." Holker had a quiet three-year career at BYU before posting 64 receptions for 767 yards and six touchdowns in 2023 at Colorado State. While he wasn't an overly impressive athlete during the pre-draft process, he could have a path to opportunity. He should enter the fantasy radar in deep tight-end-premium setups, but he's likely not worth a draft choice yet.

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New York Giants tight end Lawrence Cager has hauled in just 19 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns through the first 20 games of his NFL career, but after the retirement of Darren Waller, he could earn legitimate playing time in 2024. According to Giants reporter Jordan Raanan, Cager has capitalized on his opportunities this offseason. "It looked this spring like Cager and fourth-round pick Theo Johnson will be asked to fill that pass-catching role," Raanan wrote. "Both received some first-team reps and made plays in what primarily serves as a passing camp. Coach Brian Daboll even mentioned that Cager was 'probably one of the most improved players throughout the offseason,' which could open the door for him to make a significant contribution this season." Expectations should be tempered for the 26-year-old, but there are unexpected tight-end breakouts every year, so his performance at training camp later this summer should be monitored.

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Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III has had a slow start to his NFL career, but there have been plenty of factors to cause the quiet start. The Alabama product missed his entire 2022 rookie season coming off an ACL tear and being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He appeared in 16 games in 2023 but caught just 16 passes for 158 yards. However, ESPN Texans reporter DJ Bien-Aime suggests Metchie could be back to form in 2024. "Metchie is flashing signs of what made him a second-round pick in the 2022 draft." Bien-Aime wrote. His explosiveness appears back. He has also been in the rotation with the first-team offense." While Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell are locked into the starting lineup, Metchie has plenty of fantasy football intrigue if he secures the WR4 role. He'd be one injury away from entering the starting lineup in C.J. Stroud's offense, meaning he should be on the fantasy radar in deep leagues.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud signed with the team this offseason, but he largely went unnoticed since the Falcons had a busy offseason of new acquisitions. However, ESPN Falcons reporter Marc Raimondi said McCloud could be more involved in the offense than expected. "Most figured McCloud, a veteran going into his seventh year, would make his mark primarily as a return man," Raimondi said. "But he also got reps with Atlanta's first team this spring and performed well, catching passes from Cousins for big plays. New offensive coordinator Zac Robinson figures to use many wide receivers. McCloud will be in that mix." The 27-year-old has just 768 receiving yards and one touchdown through his first 77 games, so it's tough to get too excited about him. However, this report should at least put him on the fantasy radar in deep leagues.

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With no clear replacement for Zack Moss after he left in free agency this offseason, the likeliest option to ascend to the No. 2 running back spot behind starter Jonathan Taylor appears to be Indianapolis Colts RB Trey Sermon. His hard running style has earned him the first crack at the job during offseason workouts. Sermon is on his third team in four seasons in the NFL, but this is the closest he's come to establishing some consistency in his career. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 2023. Things are looking up for Sermon with training camp on the horizon, but fellow backups Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson will also be factors in the competition this summer and in the preseason. The 25-year-old Sermon had 35 carries for 160 yards last year in Indy and would be a popular waiver-wire pickup in fantasy leagues if Taylor misses more time with an injury in 2024.

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New England Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo mentioned defensive lineman/edge rusher Keion White when asked if there was a player this offseason that has surprised him so far. "Keion has kind of taken that step forward as far as being a leader -- not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well," Mayo said of the 2023 second-rounder. White played 45.8 percent of the defensive snaps as a rookie last year and looks primed to increase that number in his sophomore campaign in 2024. In 16 games played (four starts) in his rookie season in 2023, White compiled 26 tackles (12 solo), one sack, three tackles for loss, five QB hits and three pass breakups for the Patriots secondary. Look for him to have a bigger role this year.

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Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dax Hill entered the offseason in a precarious spot. The first-rounder in 2022 was the starting free safety last year in an experiment that didn't go well. As a result, Hill was moved to outside cornerback, where he appears to be taking charge in a position battle with DJ Turner, a second-rounder from 2023 who started 12 games his rookie season. Hill has taken the position change in stride and was disruptive in 7-on-7 drills during mandatory minicamp earlier this month. He is shaping up to remain a useful player for the Bengals' secondary as they enter training camp this summer. The 23-year-old had 110 tackles (72 solo), 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, five QB hits, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 17 starts last year, but he may be less productive in IDP fantasy formats with the move to corner.

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Unless something unforeseen happens, quarterback Russell Wilson will be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting QB in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons this fall. It's his job to lose in training camp and the preseason. "I'm really pleased with what I heard coming (out) of there with Russ," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said on the Rich Eisen Show. "I know there's been a lot of talk with him and Justin Fields. It's Russell Wilson's gig. Everything I've been told, they've been impressed with how he's thrown. Throwing with anticipation." The Athletic's Mark Kaboly also listed Fields as a "loser" in OTAs and minicamp because he feels Wilson has a chokehold on the starting gig right now. It doesn't really change anything from when head coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson would be in pole position as the starter earlier this offseason. Wilson is also embracing a leadership role and has embraced the city of Pittsburgh.

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The Miami Dolphins signed veteran Jonnu Smith this offseason to provide a receiving threat at tight end, but Jody Fortson Jr. stood out during spring practices. Fortson has a wide catch radius and has flashed the ability to pick up yardage after the catch. The former Kansas City Chiefs tight end has a challenging road to a meaningful workload in 2024 with both Smith and Durham Smythe on the roster, as well as the plethora of pass-catchers in Miami's offense, but the early returns on Fortson say he will be able to contribute when called upon. The 28-year-old spent all of last year on the Chiefs' Injured Reserve after having shoulder surgery, but he's healthy now and is a tight end to watch for now as we approach training camp this summer. The fifth-year pro could become an intriguing waiver-wire pickup this year if one of Smith or Smythe miss time due to injury.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Bryan Thompson went undrafted in 2023 following a six-year college career that included four seasons at Utah and two seasons at Arizona State. The second-year pro is already 25 years old and likely has an uphill battle to make the team's 53-man roster, but Bills reporter Kyle Silagyi believes he has a chance after he impressed in minicamp this month. "Bryan Thompson signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent after falling through the cracks of the 2023 NFL Draft, spending his rookie season on the team's practice squad," Silagyi wrote. "He's put that year of system experience to good use throughout offseason workouts, consistently flashing when given the opportunity. This culminated with a flashy play on the second day of the team's mandatory minicamp, a long touchdown grab that cemented Thompson as a player worth tracking at training camp." Thompson posted just 1,263 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 55 collegiate games, so it would be a surprise if he becomes an impact player for fantasy football. However, if he makes the Week 1 roster, he'll enter the fantasy radar in ultra-deep leagues. After Buffalo moved on from long-time receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, there are plenty of targets up for grabs.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is meeting with the organization on Monday, according to Adam Schefter. The 26-year-old has been in trade rumors all offseason as he seeks a new contract following a career-best 1,342 receiving yards in 2023. Wideouts Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Nico Collins all signed lucrative deals this offseason, and Aiyuk wants to be next in line. The 49ers and the 2020 first-round pick have reportedly been far apart in contract negotiations, and Aiyuk has hinted at the team "not wanting" him. This is a situation worth monitoring, and hopefully, a move will be made soon to bring clarity to the 49ers' pass-catching group in fantasy football.

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Los Angeles Rams new cornerback Tre'Davious White (Achilles) signed a one-year deal with the Rams on April 9 after being released by the Buffalo Bills. White continues to rehab this offseason after tearing his Achilles in Week 4 of last year. He was working off to the side with trainers for the majority of organized team activities before participating in the walkthrough in the final week. It remains to be seen how much White will be able to do in training camp this summer. "He's making good progress. He was able to partake in the walkthrough. It's obviously a significant injury that he's overcome. He's gotten a lot of good stuff done on the side. You could see he's really locked in and engaged in the meeting setting," head coach Sean McVay said. White's 18 career interceptions are tied for 11th-most among active cornerbacks, per Pro Football Reference.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield showed significant progress during mandatory minicamp as he learns new offensive coordinator Liam Coen's scheme. It helps that Mayfield has a good amount of continuity among the team's offensive personnel, from his supporting cast of skill-position players to most of the offensive line. "He has a lot more audibles on his plate than he did in the past and he's getting them down very [well]," head coach Todd Bowles said of Mayfield. The 29-year-old Mayfield had a career year under Dave Canales, now the head coach of the Panthers, in 2023. Mayfield has plenty of playmakers around him and is great at pushing the ball downfield, but his lack of rushing upside pushes him down to low-end QB2 territory in fantasy as he looks for an encore in Tampa in 2024.

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Dynasty | Multiple reports are indicating Trey Sermon is likely going to win the backup running back job in Indianapolis. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't the first we've heard of this in June. It seems Sermon may finally be turning a corner in his career and while he likely won't see the field much if the Colts have their way, it looks like he'd be a difference maker should Jonathan Taylor be injured next season. At this point, Sermon looks like a player who should be on dynasty rosters.

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Dynasty | Numerous reports are stating Aidan O'Connell is in the lead to be the Raiders starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: Many believed Gardner Minshew would walk in and take over but that doesn't seem to be the case. The Raiders were left in the cold in this year's NFL Draft, seeing just about every option being taken ahead of them. O'Connell had his moments but he's far from a sure thing to start. Regardless, this is a story to keep track of moving forward.

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Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely said he's focused on learning all of the receiving positions in Year 2 of offensive coordinator Todd Monken's scheme. "It's being a chess piece, being anywhere 'Monk' needs me to be in this offense -; whether it's in the slot, in-line, in the backfield, split out wide by myself," Likely said. "The more you know, the more you can stay on the field." The Ravens already have All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews, but the team wants to get both Andrews and Likely on the field more at the same time in 2024. In eight games after Likely stepped in for the injured Andrews last year, he caught 25 passes for 372 yards and six touchdowns. With an expanded role in 2024, Likely could be a TE2 in fantasy, but his ceiling will remain limited as long as Andrews stays healthy.

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Free-agent linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was released by the Indianapolis Colts last year in late November, intends to sign with a team and play in 2024, but he's also not ruling out retirement if the right opportunity doesn't come along. Since earning All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors in each of his first four seasons with the Colts in 58 games, Leonard only appeared in 17 games during his two most recent seasons due to injuries derailing his once-promising career. "If it happens, it happens. If it don't, it don't. I think throughout my career I've had a great career, even if I do step away from it. I'm enjoying life and just waiting on that opportunity," Leonard said. The 28-year-old played in 14 games (12 starts) last year with the Colts and Philadelphia Eagles and finished with 88 tackles (46 solo), one sack and four tackles for loss.

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It's clear that the Minnesota Vikings are hoping to see a jump from wide receiver Jalen Nailor in training camp this summer before making any final determinations about whether to acquire a veteran No. 3 wideout before the start of the 2024 regular season. Justin Jefferson is the obvious WR1 in Minnesota, with second-year pass-catcher Jordan Addison in the No. 2 role following an impressive rookie campaign. Nailor will be competing with Brandon Powell and Trent Sherfield for the No. 3 role. He struggled with injuries in 2023 and into this offseason, and he missed mandatory minicamp with the flu. But Nailor has proven to be a slippery target and has taken a total of 160 snaps and run routes on 72 of them in his two seasons. He's caught 12 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown but could become more interesting as a waiver-wire pickup if one of Jefferson or Addison miss time.

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Minnesota Vikings rookie kicker Will Reichard managed to put on a display during spring practices that confirms he has the leg to kick in the NFL for a long time. However, most of his efforts came during positional drills without a defense pressuring him and sometimes even without a snap. During the final organized team activities, Reichard nearly hit a balcony that is perched on the wall behind and above the goal posts while moving through a progression of 40-plus yard attempts. He later drilled a 60-yarder that landed in a net that sits 10 feet behind the goal post and 10 feet off the ground. Reichard's success as a rookie will depend as much on his mental makeup as it does on his leg strength, though. For now, he's just one to watch as we near training camp and the preseason.

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