Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has struggled and battled injuries since being selected with the No. 27 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Minnesota. Through his first 35 games, he's hauled in 93 receptions for 1,167 yards and four touchdowns. However, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken expects him to take a Year 4 leap in 2024. "You know, last year was interesting in the fact that we had Odell [Beckham Jr.] and Bate had missed the offseason and some of Fall camp," Monken said. "But as the year went on, Rashod really came on. I expect a tremendous year out of him." Although this is a positive sign, it's tough to find a path toward consistent fantasy production for the 24-year-old. Second-year wide receiver Zay Flowers and veteran tight end Mark Andrews are the clear No. 1 and No. 2 options in the passing game, and Baltimore will likely remain a low-volume passing offense like in previous years under Lamar Jackson -- especially after the addition of star running back Derrick Henry. Bateman might be worth a late-round flyer in fantasy football drafts, but his weekly upside figures to be limited.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has been one of the busiest ball-carriers in the NFL since earning the clear RB1 role with the Tennessee Titans in 2019. Since Week 1 of the 2019 campaign, he's tallied 1,645 total touches, 7,209 rushing yards, 1,086 receiving yards, and 68 touchdowns. He led the league in carries in four of the last five seasons and is entering his age-30 campaign. However, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken declined to put a cap on his workload in his first season with the Ravens in 2024. "Well, if he carries it 300 times, we're having a helluva year. I can tell you that. It means we're running it a lot; it means we're up in games," Monken said. "We want him to finish. We want him to be the closer." He mentioned that the team wants to ensure he stays healthy through 17 games and will use other running backs in the offense, but it sounds like he'll continue to be a high-volume rusher. Although Henry seems to have lost a step in his long speed and efficiency, he should have plenty of goal-line opportunities on a team that has scored the sixth-most touchdowns (249) over the last five years, and he continues to possess RB1 upside thanks to volume.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (hamstring) is on track to practice next week after sitting out rookie mini-camp and the start of OTAs. Odunze has been dealing with hamstring tightness, but the injury isn't concerning at this point in the offseason. The No. 9 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is viewed as at least a high-end wide receiver prospect after racking up 167 receptions for 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns over his last two collegiate seasons at Washington. He'll get a chance to grow as a pro alongside quarterback Caleb Williams, but he'll face stiff target competition as a rookie. DJ Moore and Keenan Allen have a combined ten seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards and both were effective players last year. Meanwhile, running back D'Andre Swift and tight ends Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett have all had big games as receivers, so Odunze could be more of a 2025-and-beyond asset for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick (Achilles) is taking part in OTAs this week, according to NFL.com. The 30-year-old suffered a torn ACL during training camp in 2022 and a torn Achilles in 2023's training camp. It's been an unfortunate run of bad luck for the 2017 undrafted free agent, but hopefully, he'll make it to the start of the season in 2024. Patrick caught 164 passes for 1,476 yards and 11 touchdowns in his last 31 games, but considering he hasn't taken the field in two years, it's tough to get excited about his fantasy football outlook. Assuming Patrick's agility and speed haven't been completely zapped by major injuries, he's likely to start the season behind Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, and Marvin Mims Jr. Troy Franklin and Lil'Jordan Humphrey could also pass him up on the depth chart, depending on how he's moving at this point in his career. The Broncos are likely to have a bottom-ten offense under rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

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Veteran free-agent wide receiver John Ross signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. Ross announced his retirement from football last July, but he is attempting a return to action for the 2024 season. The former No. 9 overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals out of Washington famously broke Chris Johnson's 40-yard dash time at the 2017 NFL Combine with a 4.22 official run. That stood until the 2024 NFL Combine which saw Xavier Worthy post a 4.21 40-time. Despite his speed, Ross failed to make a significant impact in four years with the Bengals and one season with the New York Giants. Overall, he hauled in 62 passes for 957 yards and 11 touchdowns in 37 career games. Ross is likely a longshot to make the Eagles' 53-man roster, but he'll compete with veteran Parris Campbell and rookies Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith to work behind star wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich (foot) is working off the field at OTAs as he works his way back from a foot injury, but head coach Sean Payton said he expects him to be ready for training camp later this summer. After a decent showing as a rookie in 2022, Dulcich was limited to just two games in 2023 and hauled in just three passes for 25 yards. He will likely compete with veteran tight end Adam Trautman for the lead tight end duties this offseason, but neither player figures to have much upside with rookie quarterback Bo Nix under center. That said, Dulcich remains an intriguing dynasty-league stash based on his strong prospect profile and small glimpse of upside in his debut season.

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The Arizona Cardinals signed wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to his rookie deal on Thursday, the team announced on X. The deal includes $35.37 million over four years and a $22.5 million signing bonus. All money is guaranteed. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is viewed as one of the best wide receiver prospects of all time, and he's expected to be a true No. 1 wide receiver for Kyler Murray from the jump. Harrison Jr. caught 144 passes for 2,474 yards and 28 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Ohio State and took home the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is given to college football's most outstanding receiver each season. Despite having yet to play an NFL snap, Harrison Jr. is being selected as a top-ten fantasy wide receiver in high-stakes FFPC drafts.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that wide receiver Jameson Williams is a "man on a mission" during offseason workouts this year. The head coach said Williams is the most improved player since the start of the spring. It's high praise for the 23-year-old former 12th overall pick in 2022 out of Ohio State. Williams was recovering from a torn ACL in his rookie campaign and played in just six games. He was suspended in 2023 and finished with 24 receptions, 354 yards and two touchdowns in 12 regular-season games (10 starts) in Year 2. Williams has lots of big-play ability and should have a bigger role in Detroit's offense in his third year in 2024, but there are a lot of mouths to feed and he should still be a distant No. 3 behind receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and stud tight end Sam LaPorta. He's worth a flier late in fantasy drafts as a potential breakout candidate.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that wide receiver Darius Slayton, who wants a new contract, hasn't been attending voluntary organized team activities this week. There has been no word on when Slayton is expected to rejoin the team. As long as Slayton doesn't stage a lengthy and damaging holdout this summer, the 27-year-old is likely to remain a starter in 2024, even after the club selected Malik Nabers sixth overall in the first round of this year's NFL draft. Slayton is entering the final year of his two-year contract and is seeking an extension. Even though he's likely to remain a starter, he's going to lose valuable targets to Nabers and last year's third-round pick, Jalin Hyatt. And it's not like Daniel Jones at quarterback gives fantasy managers tons of confidence. Slayton had a career-high 770 yards and four touchdowns on 50 receptions in 17 games (13 starts) last year.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants tight end Darren Waller, who has been contemplating retirement this offseason, has not been in attendance for the team's voluntary organized team activities this week, and there is no word on when he expects to join the team. All signs are pointing toward Waller hanging up his cleats after posting a disappointing 52 receptions for 552 yards and one touchdown on 74 targets in 12 starts in his first year in the Big Apple last year. The 31-year-old doesn't have any guarantees left on his contract, and the Giants could free up $11.625 million in salary cap space if he's a post-June 1 cut. He has missed at least five games due to injuries in each of the last three seasons. If Waller officially calls it quits, Daniel Bellinger figures to serve as the team's primary pass-catching tight end in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson said that the team is planning to use more of a no-huddle offense this year under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders are going to have a new-look offense this year with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels taking over under center after the team traded Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Running back Brian Robinson also has new competition in the backfield in the form of do-it-all back Austin Ekeler. A faster pace for Washington's offense could be good for everyone involved, including Robinson, who finished his second season in 2023 with 733 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 15 games played. The Commanders will most likely view the 25-year-old as their preferred early down and between-the-tackles runner, with Ekeler taking valuable targets in the passing game away from B-Rob.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said that head coach Andy Reid has pushed him "to push it down the field" during organized team activities this week in order to test his receivers and the team's secondary defense. Almost half of Mahomes' attempts on Wednesday featured the ball traveling more than 20 yards downfield. Only 17 of Mahomes' 60 pass attempts that traveled 20-plus yards down the field last year were completed. It's part of the reason KC signed speedy wideout Marquise Brown in the offseason -- to give the Chiefs more chances to make explosive plays down the field. Reid said that Mahomes and Brown are developing some nice chemistry this offseason. With Rashee Rice likely facing a suspension to open the 2024 season, Brown could make for a really nice target in fantasy drafts this fall if he continues to build chemistry with Mahomes.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) said he doesn't have any doubt that he'll be ready for Week 1 of the 2024 regular season to face the Minnesota Vikings. The expectation all along has been that Jones will be ready to go for the start of the new season after tearing the ACL in his right knee in Week 9 of 2023. The 26-year-old also missed a game with a neck injury, but that issue is apparently behind him as well. The former first-rounder needs to show progress this year if he wants to remain the team's starting QB beyond 2024, despite signing a four-year, $160 million deal last offseason. Before getting hurt last year, Jones threw for 909 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions, but he didn't have much of a chance behind a terrible offensive line. Jones has already been taking part in OTAs and should have full clearance by training camp. At best, Jones is a No. 2 fantasy QB in superflex leagues for his rushing ability.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) is throwing every other day as he continues to rehab from his season-ending shoulder surgery last year, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Watson was seen throwing passes at organized team activities on Tuesday, which means he took the day off on Wednesday while still taking part in individual and team drills. Stefanski said that Watson is "making great progress" and "looked like himself to me" after having surgery last November to fix a displaced fracture to the glenoid in his right shoulder. General manager Andrew Berry said he expects Watson to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. The 28-year-old has clear QB1 upside when healthy, but the three-time Pro Bowler is also a pretty big injury risk, as he's played in just 12 games with Cleveland the last two seasons due to injuries and suspension.

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Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce saw his numbers take a hit in his sophomore season in 2023 while being relegated to a complementary role behind Devin Singletary. Pierce rushed for 416 yards and only two touchdowns while averaging 2.9 yards per carry while also dealing with an ankle injury. He had 939 rushing yards and four TDs as a Pro Bowl alternate in his rookie season. The Texans traded for Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon this offseason and signed him to a three-year, $27 million extension while also drafting rookie Jawhar Jordan, but they still have plans for Pierce in 2024. The 24-year-old figures to be a chance-of-pace option behind Mixon and on kickoff returns. Pierce has looked strong, compact and quick during OTAs this week. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said, "I think him and Joe as a one-two punch, would be very beneficial for us all."

From RotoBaller

New York Giants TE Darren Waller remains absent from voluntary OTAs as he continues to consider retirement, according to sources Thursday, May 23.

Fantasy Spin: Waller hasn't been consistent enough to truly make a difference for fantasy, but the landscape is so thin that managers will still want to monitor the situation. He's a borderline TE1 if he returns.

From TheHuddle

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will throw every other day as part of his ongoing rehab, per head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Fantasy Spin: Cleveland added Jerry Jeudy to a receiver room brimming with potential, so if Watson can stay upright he could deliver decent production from fantasy owners. Given his recent history, though, he can't be viewed as more than a midrange QB2 with upside.

From TheHuddle

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (knee) was photographed participating in OTAs on Wednesday, via the team website. There hasn't been much information available regarding Raymond's status until this latest development, which suggests that he has made progress in his recovery ever since missing the NFC Championship in January. Raymond managed to carve out a role on offense despite competing for targets with plenty of offensive playmakers. He finished 2023 with 35 catches, 489 yards, and one touchdown over 17 games (three starts), serving as a reliable option for Jared Goff. This year, Raymond will once again be in play for a non-zero target share given his familiarity with Detroit's offense. However, he remains off the fantasy radar in most formats as he operates behind the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has started to lose his grasp on the top role in the team's backfield. "Elliott is being viewed as the leader of the [running back] room, but it is already beginning to look like a committee approach as he and Rico Dowdle split nearly all of the first-team reps on Wednesday," wrote Patrik Walker of DallasCowboys.com. This will be an important competition to watch as offseason programs unfold and both Elliott and Dowdle compete for more opportunities. Elliott, of course, has spent most of his career with the Cowboys but did join the Patriots for the 2023 season. He's not getting any younger, but Dallas still values his experience and pass-catching skills, both of which could boost his fantasy value down the stretch. Dowdle has youth on his side, though, and it sounds like there's a real chance he could push to earn just as many touches as Elliott.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt (knee) participated in the first day of OTAs Wednesday, May 22.

From TheHuddle