News: ESPN reports that Jets general manager John Idzik has a decision to make on the future of running back
Mike Goodson after Friday's arrest on drug and weapon charges. The report says Idzik cut two players arrested recently for possession of marijuana,
Claude Davis and
Cliff Harris. But that doesn't mean he will take the same approach with Goodson, whose contract includes a $1 million signing bonus. The bonus is divided into payouts, and the report says he has yet to receive the full amount; he has pocketed at least $500,000. If Idzik tries to send a message and decides to cut him before the legal process plays out, it would be harder to recoup the money, according to a source. He'll have a better chance if he waits for the courts (and the league) to rule on the matter.
Analysis: It sounds like Goodson's days with the Jets are numbered, but if the legal process comes down in his favor he could remain with the team. But based on the reports of his arrest and the new regime with the Jets, they could decide to part ways, especially since they still have Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight on the roster. Keep an eye on what develops, but don't plan on drafting Goodson in the majority of leagues.
News: ESPN reports that Patriots tight end
Rob Gronkowski, who is scheduled to undergo the fourth surgery on his left forearm on Monday, should be OK. The report says doctors feel confident that the infection has been eradicated, but they won't know for sure until they take tests during the procedure and then examine those over the next week. A new plate is expected to replace the one already in his arm and he will begin a new 10-11 week recovery period.
Analysis: We're glad to hear that Gronkowski should be OK after the forearm surgery, but he still has to deal with the upcoming procedure on his back, which should take place in 3-4 weeks. The goal is get Gronkowski back on the field for training camp, but he might not be ready until just before the start of the season. If Gronkowski is 100 percent with all his ailments then he has the chance to remain the No. 1 tight end in Fantasy with a pick in Round 2. But based on his health in May, he is dropping down the rank lists to more of a Top 5 Fantasy tight end. He's still worth drafting by Round 3 or 4 in the majority of leagues, but his value has taken a hit with another forearm surgery and the potential back problem. Stay tuned, and hopefully we get more good news as the offseason moves on.
News: The father for
Robert Griffin III told
USA Today his son has been throwing a football since late April. That suggests he's ahead of schedule and could be ready to play in Week 1 against the Eagles on Sept. 9. RG3 posted on Twitter he had been doing "a couple of roll out throws," meaning he's running and throwing at the same time. "Everybody in the organization is targeting that season opener," Robert Griffin II said.
Analysis: The father added that RG3 is a little ahead of himself in his rehab compared to when he tore his right ACL in college, another good sign. Griffin tore up his knee on January 6 and the typical recovery from just an ACL procedure is nine months. His knee was damaged beyond that -- he also injured his MCL and PCL. Training camp opens on July 25, less than seven months after he got hurt. The Redskins' first game takes place September 9, eight months and three days after he got hurt. If the Redskins approach the injury with the long-term picture in mind then they might not rush him back so soon. A Fantasy gameplan: Draft Griffin with a pick in Round 7 or 8 and pair him with Carson Palmer in the final rounds. Palmer has a great early-season schedule and the Cardinals take on the Panthers in Week 5 when the Redskins are on bye. We'll keep you posted on RG3.
News: The
South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that Dolphins rookie
Mike Gillislee, who ran for 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season at Florida, will compete with
Lamar Miller, a 2012 fourth-round pick, and
Daniel Thomas, a 2011 second-round pick, for the starting tailback spot during training camp this summer. Gillislee was drafted in the fifth round this year.
Analysis: We'd be shocked if Gillislee was the starting running back this season, but he doesn't have to leap frog proven veterans. Miller is unproven after barely playing as a rookie, and Thomas has struggled in two years. Still, Miller is expected to start, and Gillislee has the chance to beat out Thomas for the No. 2 job. Keep an eye on what happens, and unless Gillislee somehow ascends to the top of the depth chart he is only worth drafting with a late-round flier in standard leagues. In rookie-only formats take a chance on Gillislee with a second-round pick.
Vick: New offense is 'a lot easier'
Michael Vick, QB, PHI
9:15 AM
News: In an interview with 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia,
Michael Vick said his critics "know nothing about football" and preferred not to address issues about his play up to this point. That's because he's excited about the future, mainly working in Chip Kelly's new up-tempo no-huddle offense. Vick's working on ball security with Kelly, just one of several areas he has to clean up in order to efficiently play, which he's excited to do. "We had a lot of deeper throws last year, which required more time," Vick said. "It's just a big difference. Not to say there was anything wrong with the West Coast system, I loved it. I spent seven years in it, and it was cool. But I think the change of pace for me at this point in my career is good and the game is a lot easier now."
Analysis: If Vick likes the new offense and thinks it's easier to run, that can only mean good things for his statistics. There's still a camp battle to be had with Nick Foles and rookie Matt Barkley but we expect Vick to get the job. How long he has it is another question since he has a propensity for getting hurt. Vick is one of the appealing No. 2 Fantasy QBs to draft with a mid-round pick this summer, particularly to pair up with a starter you end up waiting for on Draft Day.
News: The
Denver Post reports Broncos running back
Knowshon Moreno should be ready for offseason workouts this week after suffering a knee injury in the playoff loss to Baltimore. Moreno could be fighting for his roster spot with
Willis McGahee after the Broncos drafted
Montee Ball. The report says "there isn't much doubt" the Broncos want Ball and
Ronnie Hillman be their 1-2 running punch.
Analysis: Keep an eye on what happens with Moreno and McGahee heading into training camp, and hopefully the Broncos make it easier on owners to know who will make the final team. If Moreno is still with Denver once the season starts we expect him to provide a veteran presence behind Ball and Hillman but get little work. He is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues.
Bush in line for big year
Reggie Bush, RB, DET
11:40 AM
News: According to mlive.com,
Reggie Bush could be in line for a breakout season. The report says Bush was a solid contributor in Miami, but Detroit's offense is built for his skill set. Bush will play in an offense similar to the one he excelled in during his standout years in New Orleans. He also will not have to worry about competing for playing time, which occurred during the end of his career with the Saints. The report ends with this line: "Detroit has so many weapons, Bush will rarely see stacked boxes, which might make him, and those who own him in Fantasy Football, very happy."
Analysis: We agree with this report that Bush should have a good season with the Lions. He is expected to start ahead of Mikel Leshoure, and coach Jim Schwartz said Bush could be in line for as many as 80 catches. We consider Bush a solid No. 2 Fantasy running back in standard leagues with the chance to be a No. 1 option in PPR formats. He's worth drafting as early as Round 3 in standard leagues.
Broyles could have breakout year
Ryan Broyles, WR, DET
11:43 AM
News: According to mlive.com, Lions receiver
Ryan Broyles could be in line for a breakout season. The report says that Broyles had 349 receptions, 4,586 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns in college, so it is just a matter of time before his talent kicks in with the Lions. Broyles is currently recovering from his second ACL injury in two seasons. Detroit did not add a receiver early this offseason, which means the Lions must be comfortable with Broyles' progress.
Analysis: Broyles could be a steal with a late-round pick in most Fantasy leagues because of his potential. He could slot in as the No. 3 receiver for the Lions behind Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson, and he should be a nice Fantasy option when healthy.
Pistol in Smith's future
Alex Smith, QB, KC
11:12 AM
News: The Chiefs have hired former University of Nevada head coach Chris Ault to a consultation position. Ault is best known for developing the pistol formation (quarterback in shotgun with the running back a few yards behind him). The
Kansas City Star reports
Alex Smith was spotted running "a handful of plays" out of the formation during OTA practices recently.
Analysis: If the Chiefs stick with the pistol then Smith could provide a few rushing stats to go with passing stats. It's a tall order to expect Smith to suddenly become a solid Fantasy option after being a limited passer with the 49ers for eight seasons but he is among the quarterbacks worth looking into as a No. 2 option, albeit behind the likes of Andy Dalton, Michael Vick and others. You might not see Smith drafted this summer but he could be useful as a one-week option, perhaps in Week 3 vs. Indianapolis or in Week 8 at Jacksonville (Andrew Luck's bye week).
News: The
Miami Herald reports that Dolphins tight end
Michael Egnew has been training in mixed martial arts three days a week. “Doing that, you learn how to compete," Egnew said. “I expect to play this year. I’ve gotten stronger. I’m absolutely ready.”
Analysis: But Dion Sims is the better blocker to complement starter Dustin Keller. Egnew has more stretch-the-field skills than Sims but has a long way to go. He should not be drafted in the majority of leagues.
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