Training Camp Daily Dose: Dose: Crab Shining In The Bay
NFL training camps are in full swing as the summer rolls on, and the preseason kicks off in less than one week when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings finally quench the thirst of NFL fans worldwide as they face off in the Hall of Fame Game. Plenty of news sprouted out of camps on Monday, so let’s check out the most fantasy-relevant happenings as we continue to work toward Week 1.
Multiple sources showered Oakland wide receiver Michael Crabtree with positive reviews on Monday as the former 49ers standout attempts to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 season. Crabtree hauled in three or less passes in half of San Francisco’s contests last season, but is undoubtedly eager to prove himself in a contract year with a new organization. New coach Jack Del Rio will attempt to establish his running game early in 2015, but the Raiders threw the ball 629 times last season (4th most in the NFL), a total that won’t decrease unless the Raiders suddenly find success under the new coaching regime. With favorable game scripts likely headed his way, Crabtree will have ample opportunity to prove he is worthy of a long term deal after the 2015 season while providing quality fantasy production at a bargain price.
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Committee Concerns
DetroitLions.com expects rookie Ameer Abdullah to play “a similar role as Reggie Bush did” in Detroit as the Nebraska product begins his NFL career. With fellow running back Joique Bell just seen running at practice for the first time this summer, Abdullah will have a great shot to be extremely productive in an offense that targeted running backs 157 times under OC Joe Lombardi last season.
The San Francisco 49ers are under new leadership this season, and OC Geep Chryst stated that he does not want “tightly defined roles” among his running backs in 2015. Longtime PPR product Reggie Bush seems unlikely to unseat Carlos Hyde for carries between the tackles, but the two should provide a nice duo for the 49ers as they look to establish a fresh identity under a new coaching staff. With Hyde unlikely to see three-down work, Bush’s ADP is interesting in leagues awarding points per reception while Hyde will need to be productive in the red zone to provide value at his third/fourth round ADP.
The Tennessee Titans have a crowded backfield as camp begins, with ESPN reporter Paul Kuharsky expecting coach Ken Whisenhunt to use a committee behind rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota. Rookie David Cobb will attempt to grab a piece of the running back pie while battling Bishop Sankey and Antonio Andrews this summer, but finding value in this backfield while the Titans struggle will be a tall task this season.
Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith told the Tampa Bay Times that running back Doug Martin will be the lead back for the Buccaneers in 2015. Charles Sims was less than impressive last season in limited work (2.8 ypc on 66 rushes), so Martin will have a chance to rekindle the spark from his glory days of 2012. A lead back with a modest ADP makes Martin a decent target in drafts this summer.
Running back Gio Bernard will be on the short end of the workload split with fellow Bengals back Jeremy Hill, as the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Bernard “won’t have near as many touches” as Hill. Bernard will likely still hold some value in PPR leagues, but cozying up to Jeremy Hill in the early second round of fantasy drafts is extremely enticing. Double-digit scores and north of 250 touches is easily attainable for the former LSU Tiger.
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In Other News…
Washington coach Jay Gruden told reporters, “I feel a difference with Jordan” as the tight end attempts to put together an injury-free season. Reed and fellow Washington tight end Niles Paul combined for 89 catches on 116 targets in 2014, so Reed could provide massive value at his late-round ADP if he stays on the field and holds off Paul. Reed could also be president if he joins the race and holds off Donald Trump, but I like the chances of Reed to pay off when drafted in deep TE2 territory.
Julio Jones dropped five pounds this offseason and added “another gear” to his already impressive speed, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The notion that Jones may actually improve upon a 104 catch, 1,593 yard season is both mind-boggling and very real at the same time.
Rueben Randle is drawing positive reviews from his wide receiver coach Sean Ryan as New York Giants camp gets underway. Randle will attempt to build on a 71 catch, 938 season and carve out a meaningful role alongside stud Odell Beckham Jr. and the rehabilitated Victor Cruz, who looks “solid” so far at camp. OC Ben McAdoo’s first turn in charge of the New York Giants offense saw the team finish 9th in passing attempts and 7th in passing yards among all 32 NFL teams, so there should be enough volume to support three fantasy-relevant wide receivers.
Bears rookie wide receiver Kevin White has been sidelined for more than six weeks with a shin injury, leaving the youngster with plenty of work to do with his first NFL season quickly approaching. White’s absence will open up more playing time for Eddie Royal, who stood out to NFL reporter Dan Pompei on Monday, who said, “I’ll be surprised if Eddie Royal doesn’t have a big year.” Royal could be strolling into a heap of snaps as he comes off his most productive season since his rookie campaign in 2008.
Washington running back Alfred Morris is “working to improve his receiving skills” according to the Washington Post. Morris has snagged 11, 9, and 17 passes in his three NFL seasons, so a PPR bonanza won’t be arriving despite the hard work.
Quick Slants
The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly “working diligently” toward an extension with speedy wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who will be a free agent after the 2015 season. … Super Bowl standout Chris Matthews is getting work with the “top-end rotation” so far in training camp. Matthews has plenty of competition for snaps at receiver in Seattle, but would create an imposing red zone duo with tight end Jimmy Graham. … Dallas running back Darren McFadden’s hamstring troubles continue as he has yet to practice at Cowboys camp. Be prepared to read that sentence many times this summer. … Leonard Hankerson has reportedly been “the best wide receiver at Flowery Branch so far” as the Atlanta Falcons begin camp. Hankerson won’t be jumping Julio Jones or Roddy White without a significant injury, but he should compete with Devin Hester and rookie Justin Hardy for snaps at receiver behind Matt Ryan’s top two targets. … Hakeem Nicks blamed the offensive scheme of the Indianapolis Colts for his lackluster 2014 performance, while this author blames his midsection on the Ben and Jerry’s corporation. … Stevie Johnson is a wide receiver who can provide significant draft value in fantasy leagues this season, and the new Chargers receiver is apparently building rapport with Philip Rivers early in camp. … Cardinals running back Andre Ellington is on the shelf early in camp with a tight hamstring. Ellington played just 12 games last season, so a healthy preseason would go a long way to ease the fears of fantasy owners who roster the Arizona back this summer. … PPR enthusiasts should take note as New England coach Bill Belichick gave running back James White praise after Monday’s practice as the second-year back attempts to grab the passing-down role in the Patriots backfield.
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