Training Camp Preview: NFC South
Wed Jul 27 10:52am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Thomas continues to battle injury
This is the seventh in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.
Falcons
The Falcons will be without longtime quarterback Matt Ryan for the first time in a long time. So the big storyline of this camp will be the quarterback spot. Marcus Mariota is expected to take over but rookie Desmond Ridder could also be in the mix. Either way, a new player will be at the helm at the most important position on the team. There will be plenty of pressure on this new player. Atlanta holds their training camp at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga.
Position battle: The Falcons have a lot of openings at receiver this year. Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire season, leaving a huge hole at the position. The team drafted Drake London to serve a big role, but after him, it is Bryan Edwards, Olamide Zaccheaus, Auden Tate and Damiere Byrd are the top candidates to start opposite London. This is a wide open battle with a lot of similar options looking to start.
Injury watch: Calvin Ridley has been indefinitely suspended through the conclusion of the 2022 season for gambling. He can appeal the suspension, though, so that is something to watch going forward. There is a slight chance he could get the suspension reduced because his gambling offense seems pretty minor. We might get more clarity on it all before camp is out. This is a situation to watch.
Saints
New Orleans is another team that will be without a franchise staple at quarterback for the first time in several season. Drew Brees hung it up, leaving Jameis Winston as the new quarterback for the team. Winston will have a lot of pressure on him, taking over for one of the best quarterbacks of all time. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in New Orleans. Winston and his teammates train at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, La.
Position battle: The Saints gave Adam Trautman a shot to start much of last year but he wasn’t great in that role. He should get first shot again this year, but won’t be handed anything. He will need to earn that job. Juwan Johnson and Taysom Hill should be the top competition for Trautman. We should get a better idea of this position battle as camp practices get underway and preseason games get started.
Injury watch: Michael Thomas didn’t play at all last year as he continued to be slowed by an ankle injury. He played just seven games the previous year. He is going to open camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start, which is not a great start for Thomas. The Saints don’t expect him to be on that list long, though. He should be practicing before long. Either way, his health is one to watch. If healthy and playing like his old self, Thomas can be an elite fantasy player.
Panthers
The Panthers had a disappointing season last year, mainly because of inconsistent quarterback play and injury. Those should be the big issues to watch in camp for the Panthers. The Panthers will have a two quarterbacks batting it out to start. And Christian McCaffrey is healthy for now, but his injury issues the last few seasons really slowed the entire offense. It is essential for McCaffrey to be healthy if the Panthers hope to have a successful season. The Panthers hold their training camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.
Position battle: As mentioned, the Panthers will have quarterback battle on their hands this camp. Baker Mayfield is a heavy favorite to win, but the Panthers want him to earn the job. He will need to hold off Sam Darnold, who disappointed with his chances last year. Darnold will need to take a big step forward this year if he hopes to beat out Mayfield.
Injury watch: Christian McCaffrey might be the most important player on the Panthers. Unfortunately, he has played just 10 games the past two seasons. He has battled various injuries, which is a big concern for potential fantasy owners. McCaffrey has the potential to be the top fantasy player in the game if he is able to play a full season. That is a big “if” after his last two years, though.
Bucs
The Bucs likely get one more year out of Tom Brady, hoping to make another run at the Super Bowl. Tampa certainly has the pieces on both sides of the ball to win it all. Much of season might depend on Brady. If he can still keep performing at his usual level, this team will be tough to beat once again. Does Brady still have it in him at age 45, though? That is the question. Brady and company will start their quest for another Super Bowl at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Fla.
Position battle: Rob Gronkowski decided to retire once again, giving the Bucs an opening at their staring tight end spot. There are three candidates to start, including Kyle Rudolph, Cameron Brate and Cade Otton. Rudolph seems the most likely candidate to start, but his lack of production the last few years is a bit of a concern. He will need to show well in camp and preseason action to hold off the other two candidates.
Injury watch: Chris Godwin suffered a torn ACL late last season, putting the start of his season this year in jeopardy. Godwin is making great progress from his injury, though, and is not even being placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list as camp opens. This is a great sign for Godwin. The Bucs still might be cautious with their star receiver, though, bringing him along slowly early in the year. It is no sure thing he is in the lineup Week 1.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Dynasty | The Panthers traded up in the second round to select Texas running back Jonathon Brooks. Dynasty Analysis: It's a good landing spot for Brooks, who looks like a player who has a skillset of a premier running back in the NFL. He'll need to get healthy and return from a late season ACL tear but the Panthers are likely playing the long game here. With Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders not doing much to impress, it's hard to see Brooks not grabbing the top spot on the depth chart as soon as his knee will cooperate. Dynasty managers are also going to need to exhibit some patience here with Brooks as well but he still looks like a late first round rookie pick.
Dynasty | With the early selection of RB Jonathon Brooks (in a trade up, no less), the Panthers seem to have consolidated their backfield. Dynasty Analysis: Both Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard will have a little more time in the sun as Brooks rehabs his torn ACL and gets back into playing shape. But make no mistake, the move to draft Brooks signals an intention in Carolina to feature him in the running game. Sanders will be in the most peril, considering his cap hit, but both backs could be cap casualties and, in the meantime, will serve as backups to Brooks once he is healthy.
Dynasty | The Colts drafted wide receiver Adonai Mitchell with the 52nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Mitchell lasted a little longer than most expected but landed on his feet when he was taken by the Colts with the 52nd overall pick. He'll compete with players like Josh Downs and Alec Pierce for targets behind Michael Pittman. Ultimately, his dynasty value is going to hinge on the health and development of quarterback Anthony Richardson. His fall, along with some uncertainty about his place in the offense is likely going to push him down into round two of most rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The second round selection of WR Adonai Mitchell gives the Colts' franchise QB yet another explosive weapon. Dynasty Analysis: In a drastically shortened rookie campaign, Richardson gave dynasty players a tantalizing glimpse of his playmaking abilities. His obvious strength was in the running game, but after several injuries and an early end to his season, the goal will be to keep him in the pocket and help him get comfortable standing tall and throwing downfield. Adding Mitchell to an already stocked supporting cast of WRs Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, as well as RB Jonathan Taylor, should give Richardson all the weaponry he needs to outperform his QB8 dynasty ranking and join the top three conversation.
Dynasty | Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott was taken in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders. Dynasty Analysis: Sinnott was surprisingly taken in the second round of the NFL Draft by the tight end-needy Washington Commanders. It's a surprising development as most thought Sinnott wasn't going to be taken until day three. The draft capital used combined with the fact he was the sercond tight end taken overall is going to vault Sinnott up rookie draft boards. While he could be taken a little too highly, Washington was a premier draft spot for a tight end and that can't be ignored.
Dynasty | The New York Jets drafted Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley early in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: He should slot in nicely behind Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams and be allowed to come along rather slowly. Corley is a bit of a project but his ceiling is tantalizing. Aaron Rodgers has been notoriously tough on rookie receivers, so some patience may need to be used here. However, Corley still looks like a pretty solid pick in the late second or early third round of a rookie draft. He's a small school prospect but has some pretty impressive tape out there so he could be a steal in the end.
Dynasty | The Arizona Cardinals drafted Florida State running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Benson was snapped up with the 66th overall selection. It's a solid landing spot for the former Seminole who will presumably pair with James Conner in a new-look backfield in the desert in the short-term. However, Conner's injury history and age is going to likely pave a quick path to a true starting job for Benson sooner rather than later. While he may not reach his potential for a year or two, Benson looks like a very solid pick right around the round 1/2 turn in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | With the early third round selection of RB Trey Benson, the Cardinals prepare for life after James Conner. Dynasty Analysis: Benson was widely regarded as a top two RB in the rookie class, and could prove to be a steal in the third round. But it isn't the type of draft capital that commands an immediate workload. Dynasty managers can expect a dip in Conner's dynasty value long-term; a dip that was coming for the 28 year-old anyways. But the short term value should get a bump as Conner takes on a full workload with Benson's fresh legs waiting patiently until the wheels fall off for Conner.
Dynasty | The Bengals drafted Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Burton was a surprise pick of the Bengals at #80 overall. While he's currently buried on the depth chart, there's a chance he can grow into real relevance if Tee Higgins eventually gets moved. Burton is a project but one with a pretty solid landing spot as he's now paired with Joe Burrow. Alabama receivers obviously have a solid track record in the NFL and Burton was once a highly though of prospect. Perhaps we have a diamond in the rough here with a late round rookie pick.
Dynasty | The Los Angeles Rams drafted Michigan running back Blake Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Corum was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the NFL Draft. Never afraid to take a shot on a runner, Sean McVay has struck again, this time with the uber-productive Corum. Unfortunately, the Rams also have a very talented player in Kyren Williams at the top of the depth chart. Corum is going to be difficult to value in rookie drafts this Spring because he could be one injury away from major value or spend a long time on the bench watching Williams. In the end, he's likely going to be a short-yardage player who is a serious thorn in the side of Williams managers. Corum projects as a likely late second or early third rounder in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in round three of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Now this is interesting. Somehow the 14th wide receiver taken overall, Wilson still has some tantalizing upside. Pittsburgh has historically done very well with receivers taken in the middle rounds and he fits the mold of a player with upside who could blossom in the right environment. With George Pickens the only real certainty on the depth chart, Wilson makes for a solid "high ceiling and low floor" type of rookie pick in the middle rounds of a rookie draft.
Dynasty | The Green Bay Packers drafted USC running back Marshawn Lloyd with the 88th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Lloyd was taken in the third round by the Green Bay Packers, a bit of a surprise pick considering the fact they added Josh Jacobs this off-season and re-signed AJ Dillon as well. Lloyd is a developmental prospect with a lot of tread on his tires but this wasn't the best landing spot for his dynasty value. His rookie ADP is going to fall a bit post-draft and he looks like a third or fourth round rookie pick as a result.
After plenty of trade rumors swirling around wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk leading up to this year's draft, the San Francisco 49ers have not dealt either of them through the first three rounds. "We didn't entertain any of that today. We're happy with our wide receiver group. Actually, more than happy. We're thrilled with it. And thrilled to add Ricky to it to make it stronger," general manager John Lynch said. The Niners have definitely been listening to trade offers for both wideouts, but apparently they just haven't been able to work anything out. Aiyuk is looking for a new long-term deal as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal, while Samuel is set to count over $20 million against the salary cap next year. Something's got to give. Now that we're onto Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft, it's more likely than not that both Aiyuk and Samuel will stick around for the 2024 season.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have selected Rice University wide receiver Luke McCaffrey with the 100th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The pick marked the end of Round 3 and Day 2 of the draft. McCaffrey is a converted quarterback who transferred from Nebraska to Rice during the middle of his collegiate career. He truly broke out during his final season with the Owls, catching 71 passes for 992 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for an additional 117 yards on the ground. The brother of 49ers star Christian McCaffrey and son of three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey, Luke demonstrated extreme leadership, football IQ, physicality, athleticism, and route running skills at Rice. He excelled in contested catch scenarios and should be a very reliable weapon for the Commanders and new quarterback Jayden Daniels. He figures to enter training camp as Washington's No. 3 wide receiver behind Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan with the 92nd overall pick in the NFL draft. McMillan totaled 559 yards on 45 catches with five scores in 11 games last season. He plays mostly from the slot and did have a nagging knee injury that limited his catches considerably compared to 2022, where he caught 79 passes. The 22-year-old does well in changing speeds in a route to put defensive backs on their heels. McMillan joins a veteran-led wide receiver room with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. McMillan should be in contention to serve as the number three option with Trey Palmer, who Tampa selected last season. McMillan should be a popular pick in rookie drafts and could carve out a role in redraft as well.
From RotoBaller
The Green Bay Packers selected USC running back MarShawn Lloyd with the 88th pick in the NFL draft. Lloyd is credited for having great acceleration and the ability to bounce outside the tackles. He averaged over seven yards per carry last season, which showcases his big-play ability. The 23-year-old ran for 820 yards and nine scores last season. Lloyd joins a running back room that just welcomed Josh Jacobs, which will limit his fantasy value early on, but he could grow into a part-time contributor over the course of his rookie season.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected University of Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson with the No. 84 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old was one of J.J. McCarthy's favorite targets on the national champion Wolverines. He caught 49 passes for 789 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, showcasing his speed, hands, and route running skills on a national stage. The Steelers have been looking for wide receiver help ever since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. Wilson could immediately slot into the Steelers' No. 2 wide receiver role alongside George Pickens, giving him appeal in both redraft and dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Cardinals selected University of Illinois tight end Tip Reiman with the No. 82 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played four years at Illinois, totaling 420 yards and five touchdowns off 41 catches. While the 22-year-old has plenty of positive attributes, he wasn't as productive at the collegiate level as others in his class. With that said, Reiman will have a chance to carve out playing time in Arizona, a team in a transition phase. However, he'll need to compete for snaps with Trey McBride, one of the league's emerging tight ends.
From RotoBaller
The Bengals selected Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton with the No. 80 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The 22-year-old began his collegiate career at Georgia. However, he played at Alabama in the last two seasons. During his time with the Crimson Tide, he totaled 79 catches for 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also averaged 20.5 yards per catch as a senior. It will be tough for anyone to get consistently involved offensively with Ja'Marr Chase and potentially Tee Higgins in the equation. However, If Burton gets snaps, he could flourish catching passes from Joe Burrow, one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams have selected University of Michigan running back Blake Corum with the No. 83 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The national champion is the third running back off the board following Texas' Jonathon Brooks and Florida State's Trey Benson. He totaled 2,905 scrimmage yards and a whopping 47 touchdowns over his last two seasons. He's not a major contributor in the passing game but clearly carves out plenty of work on the ground and near the goal line. Kyren Williams is still Los Angeles' top running back, but Corum should carve out a role and could even have immediate fantasy appeal given his nose for the end zone.
From RotoBaller
