Training Camp Preview: AFC North
Tue Jul 19 10:30am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Dobbins returns from torn ACL
This is the second 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.
Steelers
The story of the Steelers camp this year will be the quarterback position. There is going to be a new quarterback leading the way for Pittsburgh in 2022. You can expect all eyes to be on this position battle, seeing if the new quarterback can lead the team to the playoffs once again. The good news is the Steelers still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and won plenty of games last year despite the quarterback spot struggling some. Pittsburgh holds their training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Penn.
Position battle: For the first time in a long time, the Steelers will have a new quarterback at the helm. Ben Roethlisberger has finally hung it up. Pittsburgh signed Mitchell Trubisky and drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round of this year’s draft. This duo will battle it out for the right to start. It is like Trubisky’s job to lose right now, but don’t count out the talented rookie. Pickett isn’t going to just hand him the job.
Injury watch: Rookie receiver George Pickens did not play until late his senior season as he recovered from a torn ACL. He did play and looked good, but his knee is still something to watch because he has played very little since returning from the major injury. We would still keep an eye on his health during camp to be sure he is 100 percent going forward. If he is at full strength, Pickens could challenge Chase Claypool to start. He has a world of talent.
Browns
The Browns had high hopes last year but disappointed. The team made a big splash this offseason, making a change at the quarterback spot. Cleveland still remains uncertain at quarterback, though, because of the uncertainty surrounded new quarterback Deshaun Watson. This is likely the story of camp, seeing all eyes on Watson. It could make for some distractions for the entire team. Cleveland gets things going at the Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio.
Position battle: The Browns have some openings at receiver. Amari Cooper is the new No. 1 receiver, but after him, the depth chart is up in the air. Donovan Peoples-Jones, rookie David Bell, Anthony Schwartz and Jakeem Grant will battle it out for playing time. Peoples-Jones is the favorite to start opposite Cooper, but nothing is set in stone at this point. A strong camp and preseason could change things in a hurry for this unit. Stay tuned.
Injury watch: This isn’t an injury but you can be sure much of camp will be focused on Deshaun Watson and his looming suspension. He is going to be suspended, but the amount of time remains up in the air. Having Watson as their starter puts this offense at a different level, so the team hopes he will not be out too long.
Ravens
The Ravens missed the playoffs last year, causing for a disappointing season. The team had a lot of injury issues, though, which didn’t help their cause last year. So much of this camp will be getting the team healthy and staying healthy. The Ravens certainly have the talent to be one of the best teams in football. Baltimore holds training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owing Mills, Md.
Position battle: This seems to be a common theme many years for the Ravens, but this year is no different. The team has some openings at receiver once again. Rashod Bateman is slotted in as the No. 1 receiver, but after him, things are pretty wide open. Devin Duvernay, James Proche, Jaylon Moore and Tylan Wallace are the top candidates to battle it out for playing time after Bateman. It might just end up being a revolving door at the position, but if someone emerges, they could have some fantasy value.
Injury watch: Starting running back J.K. Dobbins missed all of last year after tearing his ACL the last game of the preseason. He has recovered well from the injury but will be brought along slowly in camp. The Ravens have high hopes for Dobbins to be their franchise back for years to come, so they need him healthy and won’t rush him back before he is ready. All signs point towards him being ready for Week 1, but keep an eye on camp and preseason action to be sure.
Bengals
The Bengals were a surprise last year, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. So you can bet expectations will be very high for this team. The Bengals won’t surprise anyone this year Cincinnati will be one of the favorites to win it all. The big story might be their Super Bowl hangover, making it all the way to the big game but losing. How will this impact them going forward? We will get to see this team in action at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Position battle: The Bengals really have all their starting positions figured out, but one position battle to watch is the backup running back job. Samaje Perine and Chris Evans should battle it out to be the top backup to Joe Mixon. Perine held the spot last year but Evans might be the more talented of the two with more upside. It would not surprise to see Evans emerge and get more playing
Injury watch: Tee Higgins had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum. He has missed out on offseason programs, but expectations are he should be ready for the start of training camp. He might not be 100 percent for the start of camp, though, so don’t be surprised if he is brought along slowly. The Bengals won’t rush their star receiver back to action if they have any fear he isn’t 100 percent healthy. But either way, Higgins is expected to be ready for Week 1, which is all that really matters to fantasy teams.
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
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade on Wednesday, according to his agent, Harold Lewis, as he seeks more long-term security after the two sides settled on a one-year extension last year worth $21 million. However, a source said that the Bengals are not interested in trading Hendrickson. It's not surprise that Hendrickson is looking for a new deal after posting a career-high 17.5 sacks, which was second in the NFL behind Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt. It was the highest total for a Bengals player since sacks became a statistic in 1982. He also finished 11th in pass-rush win rate as an edge rusher and created the second-most sacks (18) in the league. Contract issues aside, Hendrickson is going to be a very coveted defensive lineman in IDP fantasy formats this fall after his big 2023 campaign.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers are "more likely" to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel than Brandon Aiyuk during this year's 2024 NFL draft, according to a source. Aiyuk's name has been mentioned in trade rumors all offseason, but now Samuel is the more likely pass-catcher to be dealt. Samuel, 28, is two years older than Aiyuk but has more versatility in the offense. However, Samuel also has a salary cap hit north of $20 million in 2025. Aiyuk is looking for a new long-term deal as he heads into the fifth and final contract of his rookie deal, but the Niners have been hesitant to give him a market deal given their other financial commitments. San Francisco took rookie pass-catcher Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the first round on Thursday night, potentially foreshadowing a trade of either Samuel or Aiyuk in the coming days.
From RotoBaller
In recent weeks, both the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings reached out to the Los Angeles Chargers to see if they had any interest in trading quarterback Justin Herbert, according to league sources. The answer they got very quickly was "a flat no." Not only do the Chargers love Herbert, but they also would have had to take on a $63.5 million salary cap charge in 2024 at a time they have $32.3 million of cap space. Meanwhile, the Patriots took QB Drake Maye third overall and the Vikings took QB J.J. McCarthy 11th overall in the first round of this year's NFL draft. There's still a lot to like about the 26-year-old Herbert, but it's hard to ignore the fact that he lost Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason and is now in a run-first offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chicago Bears drafted USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. The Bears made this all but a certainty when they traded Justin Fields to the Steelers earlier this off-season. Williams will immediately take over the franchise and will be in a unique situation as a rookie starter with an offense that isn't exactly lacking talent. The likes of Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and D'Andre Swift should be enough to keep his dynasty value high even as he learns the position. Williams should be immediately installed as a low-end QB1 and an easy pick at the top of a Superflex league rookie draft.
Dynasty | The Washington Commanders selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The Commanders decided to make Daniels the face of the franchise and took him with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's hard to blame him as he put up video game numbers last season at LSU. It's difficult to see any other quarterback with a higher ceiling than Daniels has, though it's also evident there's a low floor here as well, especially considering his small frame. If he can prove his throwing ability can match his rushing talent, the sky is truly the limit, though. Daniels could find his way to the top of Superflex rookie drafts and is an easy early second rounder in conventional rookie drafts this off-season as well.
Dynasty | The New England Patriots drafted UNC quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The Patriots have hit the reset button with the first pick in the post-Bill Belichick era and took Maye with the third overall selection. He should have a solid chance to take over as the starter immediately and be given every opportunity to succeed. However, there are concerns here as Maye will not exactly be given a roster full of elite talent. Maye is in danger of some really serious adversity early in his career and may need to work through it. Regardless, Maye looks like a solid Superflex pick and a second rounder in conventional formats.
Dynasty | The Arizona Cardinals drafted Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The Cardinals decided to stand pat in the draft and took Harrison with the fourth overall selection. He should immediately take over as the top option for Kyler Murray in the desert and is in place to immediately become a big factor in dynasty leagues. Simply put, Harrison has the talent, pedigree and skill set to be an immediate WR1 and should be the top overall position player taken in rookie drafts this off-season.
Dynasty | The top Washington pass-catcher gets an upgrade at QB with the selection of Jayden Daniels. Dynasty Analysis: Currently ranked as WR35 in DLF's dynasty ranks, McLaurin could get the biggest value bump at the position with the QB change. A precision passer who is also a dangerous runner, Daniels is exactly what the Commanders needed to open up the offense. McLaurin figures to benefit the most as the Heisman-winning rookie's top receiving option, and could jump more than 10 spots into low end WR2 range.
Dynasty | The New York Giants drafted LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: The Giants reportedly flirted with many options in the draft (including maneuvering for a quarterback) but ended up grabbing Nabers with the sixth overall pick. It's hard to blame them as Nabers could honestly be the best receiver in this class. While Daniel Jones' health and overall play is still in question, Nabers should enter the season as the top pass catcher for the Giants and makes for an easy top-three pick in conventional dynasty rookie drafts this off-season.
Dynasty | Murray gets a new WR1 with the arrival of Marvin Harrison, Jr. Dynasty Analysis: After missing half of the 2023 season rehabbing a torn ACL, and losing DeAndre Hopkins before the season and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown after the season, dynasty owners have been understandably skeptical of Murray. But the addition of Harrison gives Murray arguably the best weapon of his career. Previously ranked as QB10 with mid/late 2nd round ADP, Murray is poised to jump back into the first round for the first time since the ACL injury in 2022.
Dynasty | Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr was drafted 8th overall by the Atlanta Falcons. Dynasty Analysis: Wow. Penix was reportedly rising up draft boards this off-season but few expected him to go in the top ten of the NFL Draft, no less to the Falcons, who had recently signed Kirk Cousins. Penix is now in place to back up Cousins for a year or more before taking over for Atlanta as their long-term answer. Unfortunately, his chance at a starting job is close to zero for this season and his draft stock in dynasty leagues is going to suffer as a result, Patience could be rewarded for dynasty managers but it's going to be tough to use a pick (and a roster spot) long-term for a lottery ticket like Penix. In short, this looks like a pick better in reality and fantasy and Penix is a serious wild card in dynasty rookie drafts as a result.
Dynasty | The fifth overall selection of left tackle Joe Alt gives Justin Herbert some much-needed blindside protection. Dynasty Analysis: Herbert still faces a lack of pass-catching weapons as of the draft's first round. But the concern of a run ultra-heavy approach under new head coach Jim Harbaugh should subside �" if only slightly �" with the arrival of Alt. Herbert has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, facing constant pressure when he is on the field. The pocket should solidify and Herbert should have significantly more time to throw with the upgrade at left tackle.
Dynasty | The Chicago Bears drafted wide receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 overall draft. Dynasty Analysis: Many mock drafts had put Odunze at #9 to Chicago and that's exactly where he ended up. His dynasty prospects are going to be a little cloudy early as he attempts to navigate his way to targets with the likes of Keenan Allen and DJ Moore early in his career but he has the chops to be a dominant dynasty performer in time. His career arc should match that of Caleb Williams and while the early returns could be hit and miss he still looks like a top three wide receiver and top five rookie pick this off-season.
Dynasty | The Minnesota Vikings drafted Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy with the tenth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: There was a lot of smoke about McCarthy being taken in the top five but he ended up falling to tenth pick where Minnesota was happy to scoop him up. The Vikings will likely hold an open competition between McCarthy and Sam Darnold but it certainly looks like McCarthy has been pegged as the future for the franchise. His upside is debatable in dynasty leagues as McCarthy may not be the most dynamic player in the draft but he does seem like one of the safer options. He looks like a late second or early third round pick in rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos drafted Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Nix ended up being the sixth quarterback taken in the NFL Draft but the 12th overall selection, being taken by the Broncos. Denver is looking to quickly replace Russell Wilson and Head Coach Sean Payton is reportedly enamored with Nix. All of this adds up to him likely being the week one starter for Denver and gives him a decent runway to be successful. The numbers are very impressive here and Nix now has a pretty solid runway to playing time. As such, his rookie ADP is likely going to rise into the second round of rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Las Vegas Raiders selected tight end Brock Bowers with the 13th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Bowers slipped a little in the NFL Draft as teams maneuvered around to secure quarterbacks. In the end, he ended up being taken 13th overall to the Raiders. It's an odd fit as Las Vegas invested in Michael Mayer last season but Bowers should still have a solid chance to contribute early and often. Having a clearer path to being a true TE1 on his team would have likely solidified his spot as a top five rookie pick but this could drop him down just a smidge. Still, he has as much talent as anyone we've ever seen at the position and should have a floor that makes him very desirable in round one of rookie drafts.
Dynasty | After getting a big quarterback upgrade with the selection of Caleb Williams, Moore gets some serious competition for targets as the Bears pick Rome Odunze. Dynasty Analysis: The excitement of Williams throwing to Moore and Co. lasted all of eight picks, as the ninth overall selection of Odunze poses a threat to Moore's workload. While Odunze's downfield prowess compliments the short-mid range deployment of Keenan Allen, Odunze will directly compete with Moore for downfield and perimeter targets. Moore will continue to line up as the WR1 in the offense, but his WR16 dynasty ranking at DLF isn't likely to hold up with his diminished target share.
Dynasty | The Raiders select generational talent Brock Bowers, effectively burying Mayer and his dynasty value. Dynasty Analysis: A chalk sleeper at the TE position, Mayer was positioned for a breakout in 2023. That is, until Brock Bowers came along. The 13th overall pick is considered one of the best TE prospects in league history, and he immediately walks into the starting job in Sin City. Mayer went into the draft ranked as the dynasty TE14 on DLF, in the neighborhood of Luke Musgrave and Cole Kmet, ahead of Dalton Schultz. His ranking is likely to plummet now that he is the backup to Bowers.
Dynasty | The Jaguars drafted LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Thomas landed in a great spot, being taken late in round one by the Jacksonville Jaguars. A true playmaker, he should have every opportunity to replace Calvin Ridley quickly in the Jaguars offense and is a candidate to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year based on his talent and opportunity. This was a solid development for his value and Thomas should have his spot as a top-6 player in rookie drafts solidified as a result.
Dynasty | Instead of drafting Jones' replacement, the Giants give him his best weapon yet in Malik Nabers. Dynasty Analysis: Seemingly in danger of losing his starting job, Daniel Jones didn't just avoid being replaced; he also got a massive weapons upgrade when WR Malik Nabers was selected sixth overall. The increase in job security �" when the Giants passed on QBs J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix, and Bo Nix �" was enough to improve upon Jones' QB26 DLF dynasty ranking. But the team invested in their quarterback even further by giving him an elite receiving weapon in Nabers. The job security and the addition of Nabers likely vaults Jones into mid-high QB2 range.
