Discussion 2023 NFL DREAM TEAM Discussion
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These 2023 rookies are primed for big 2nd-year jumps in 2024 (msn.com)
These 2023 rookies are primed for big 2nd-year jumps in 2024
Story by Jeff Risdon • 12hr
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers
Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looking defeated against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports© USA TODAY
It starts at the top with 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The diminutive QB didn't have a lot to work with in Carolina as a rookie, but he also didn't help himself with frequent poor (or late) decisions. Only Mac Jones earned a worse PFF grade as a passer in 2023, with Young throwing nearly as many INTs (10) as TDs (11) despite far and away the league's worst yards per attempt (5.5).
Now he's got a new coach, a new system, a (hopefully) better offensive supporting cast and a year of knowing what's coming under his belt. Young should look more like the franchise quarterback the Panthers expect him to be in 2024.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
Johnston caught 38 passes for 431 yards and two TDs for the Chargers as a rookie. After saying goodbye to Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and RB Austin Ekeler, Johnston will be given every chance to dramatically improve upon those modest numbers for a No. 21 overall pick.
New head coach Jim Harbaugh witnessed Johnston's high-end ability while coaching Michigan against TCU back in 2022, and the big-framed Johnston is the type of wideout Harbaugh's offenses have relied upon over the years. He'll need to run smoother routes and catch the ball a little cleaner, but Johnston should really benefit from the offensive system change and also the addition of rookie Ladd McConkey as a slot receiver to help spacing.
These 2023 rookies are primed for big 2nd-year jumps in 2024
Story by Jeff Risdon • 12hr
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers
Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looking defeated against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports© USA TODAY
It starts at the top with 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. The diminutive QB didn't have a lot to work with in Carolina as a rookie, but he also didn't help himself with frequent poor (or late) decisions. Only Mac Jones earned a worse PFF grade as a passer in 2023, with Young throwing nearly as many INTs (10) as TDs (11) despite far and away the league's worst yards per attempt (5.5).
Now he's got a new coach, a new system, a (hopefully) better offensive supporting cast and a year of knowing what's coming under his belt. Young should look more like the franchise quarterback the Panthers expect him to be in 2024.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
Johnston caught 38 passes for 431 yards and two TDs for the Chargers as a rookie. After saying goodbye to Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and RB Austin Ekeler, Johnston will be given every chance to dramatically improve upon those modest numbers for a No. 21 overall pick.
New head coach Jim Harbaugh witnessed Johnston's high-end ability while coaching Michigan against TCU back in 2022, and the big-framed Johnston is the type of wideout Harbaugh's offenses have relied upon over the years. He'll need to run smoother routes and catch the ball a little cleaner, but Johnston should really benefit from the offensive system change and also the addition of rookie Ladd McConkey as a slot receiver to help spacing.
QBs in NFL dynasty are somewhat akin to rucks in AFL dynasty,
Get a good one and he'll play for years. When you have a QB/ruck flex getting at least one good one is essential.
.
Even more so in NFL, I think.
All other positions usually depend on coaching and game style.
A WR/TE in a run-first team may never be a good fantasy scorer: witness London and Pitts at Atlanta.
A RB in a pass-first team may be less affected if they are also a pass-catcher but many teams like to employ a RB by committee approach.
Plus, most RBs have a limited shelf-life - either due to injury or the RB market in which many clubs are happy to play a rookie RB through their rookie contract and then discard them for another rookie.
QBs aren't totally immune but are consistent scorers - more than other position, purely because no matter what the game plan is they have to be involved in every offensive play.
Get a good one and he'll play for years. When you have a QB/ruck flex getting at least one good one is essential.
.
Even more so in NFL, I think.
All other positions usually depend on coaching and game style.
A WR/TE in a run-first team may never be a good fantasy scorer: witness London and Pitts at Atlanta.
A RB in a pass-first team may be less affected if they are also a pass-catcher but many teams like to employ a RB by committee approach.
Plus, most RBs have a limited shelf-life - either due to injury or the RB market in which many clubs are happy to play a rookie RB through their rookie contract and then discard them for another rookie.
QBs aren't totally immune but are consistent scorers - more than other position, purely because no matter what the game plan is they have to be involved in every offensive play.
The Jets just might have a very good offence this season.
IF Rodgers is fit and firing he should have 2, maybe 3, decent WRs to throw to:
Wilson: who was reasonable even with bad QB play
M Williams: who may be past his best but could, if fit be OK
Malachi Corley: the Jets traded up to draft him at the top of the3rd round; a YAC king in college - with 253 catches in thre years he had 2,068 yards after the catch, almost 400 more than any other WR;
Then there is Breece Hall as the RB1 with a good rookie, Braedon Allen, at RB2.
IF Rodgers is fit and firing he should have 2, maybe 3, decent WRs to throw to:
Wilson: who was reasonable even with bad QB play
M Williams: who may be past his best but could, if fit be OK
Malachi Corley: the Jets traded up to draft him at the top of the3rd round; a YAC king in college - with 253 catches in thre years he had 2,068 yards after the catch, almost 400 more than any other WR;
Then there is Breece Hall as the RB1 with a good rookie, Braedon Allen, at RB2.
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Texans' DeMeco Ryans shares how C.J. Stroud excelled this o***eason (msn.com)
Texans' DeMeco Ryans shares how C.J. Stroud excelled this o***eason
Story by Zac Wassink, Yardbarker • 6hrs
C.J. Stroud exceeded expectations as a rookie and has set a high bar for himself and the Texans moving forward. It sounds like the young star has spent his o***eason making sure he'll be able to meet the raised expectations heading into his sop****re campaign.
During a Thursday news conference, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans discussed how Stroud embraced his role as the offense's undisputed leader during Stroud's first full NFL o***eason as a starter.
Per Pro-Football-Reference stats, Stroud finished his first NFL regular season ranked sixth in the league with a 100.8 passer rating and first with an average of 273.9 passing yards per game. He tossed 23 touchdown passes with only five interceptions across 15 contests, and he then guided the Texans to the divisional round of the playo***.
On Thursday, Ryans challenged Stroud to "continue to become the leader that we want him to be" as a second-year pro. Ryans also indicated Stroud has already shown he can handle the high expectations many have for the Texans ahead of August.
"You see how much better he got from his first day of camp last year until our last game — how much better [he got], you saw the growth of him," Ryans added. "And that’s the same thing as we come into this season."
As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Stroud second among the betting favorites behind only Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs (+475) at +850 odds to win the Most Valuable Player Award for the 2024 regular season. Stroud could get his hands on multiple trophies between training camp and Super Bowl LIX if he manages to avoid the dreaded sop****re slump that often impacts players who enjoy stellar rookie campaigns.
Texans' DeMeco Ryans shares how C.J. Stroud excelled this o***eason
Story by Zac Wassink, Yardbarker • 6hrs
C.J. Stroud exceeded expectations as a rookie and has set a high bar for himself and the Texans moving forward. It sounds like the young star has spent his o***eason making sure he'll be able to meet the raised expectations heading into his sop****re campaign.
During a Thursday news conference, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans discussed how Stroud embraced his role as the offense's undisputed leader during Stroud's first full NFL o***eason as a starter.
"I think C.J. has done a really good job this o***eason as a leader when it comes to working with other guys — knowing that he’s not just working by himself but finding the avenues to get a group together and work together," Ryans explained, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "That’s very important, especially when it comes to timing in the passing game for receivers and quarterbacks. They have to be in sync. And it shows that they see how important that was because guys were working together this summer."
A report from earlier in July detailed how playing in the Snoop Youth Football League founded by entertainment superstar Snoop Dogg helped Stroud develop traits he flashed en route to earning Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors this past winter. It was revealed last year that Stroud paid for flights and hotel rooms to work out with teammates following spring practices even though he hadn't yet been named the team's QB1 at that time.Per Pro-Football-Reference stats, Stroud finished his first NFL regular season ranked sixth in the league with a 100.8 passer rating and first with an average of 273.9 passing yards per game. He tossed 23 touchdown passes with only five interceptions across 15 contests, and he then guided the Texans to the divisional round of the playo***.
On Thursday, Ryans challenged Stroud to "continue to become the leader that we want him to be" as a second-year pro. Ryans also indicated Stroud has already shown he can handle the high expectations many have for the Texans ahead of August.
"You see how much better he got from his first day of camp last year until our last game — how much better [he got], you saw the growth of him," Ryans added. "And that’s the same thing as we come into this season."
As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Stroud second among the betting favorites behind only Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs (+475) at +850 odds to win the Most Valuable Player Award for the 2024 regular season. Stroud could get his hands on multiple trophies between training camp and Super Bowl LIX if he manages to avoid the dreaded sop****re slump that often impacts players who enjoy stellar rookie campaigns.
A couple of additional thoughts on drafting QBs in a Dynasty league.
First, if you have a late pick you might find that all the best QBs have already been drafted.
So you face a tough decision: take a lesser, but still decent QB, or draft a top-end WR or RB.
In AFL terms: would you prefer a McInerney/Briggs/O'Brien or a Bont/Neale/Oliver/Naicos?
There are arguments both ways.
Second, every team will have it's weak spots. It's unavoidable.
Every pick involves an opportunity cost: draft a top WR and you may be passing on a top RB.
Obvious, I know, but easily forgotten when drafting.
The question is: in which position are you prepared to have the weakness?
First, if you have a late pick you might find that all the best QBs have already been drafted.
So you face a tough decision: take a lesser, but still decent QB, or draft a top-end WR or RB.
In AFL terms: would you prefer a McInerney/Briggs/O'Brien or a Bont/Neale/Oliver/Naicos?
There are arguments both ways.
Second, every team will have it's weak spots. It's unavoidable.
Every pick involves an opportunity cost: draft a top WR and you may be passing on a top RB.
Obvious, I know, but easily forgotten when drafting.
The question is: in which position are you prepared to have the weakness?
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NFL inching closer to 18-game schedule, plus Derek Carr two losses away from unfortunate league record (msn.com)
NFL inching closer to 18-game schedule, plus Derek Carr two losses away from unfortunate league record
Story by John Breech • 8hrs
Vacation time is officially over in the NFL. By the end of the day today, a total of 28 teams will be in training camp, and by the end of the day tomorrow, all 32 teams will be in camp. And not that anyone's keeping track, but we're also less than 10 DAYS away from the first preseason game of the NFL season and that will happen on Aug. 1 with the Bears facing the Texans in the Hall of Fame Game.
I think what I'm trying to say here is that you have officially survived the o***eason and football is BACK. All right, let's get to the rundown.
1. NFL inching closer to an 18-game schedule
The NFL went more than 40 years before expanding the regular-season schedule from 16 to 17 games, but it's starting to look like the 17-game schedule might soon be on its way out after just three years.
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell revealed this week that the union has started talking with the league about the possibility of pushing the schedule to 18 games.
2. Ranking quarterbacks based on the support they have around them
A few weeks ago, we ranked the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL, but this week, we decided to add a twist to that by ranking the top quarterbacks based on how good their support system is. With that in mind, Cody Benjamin took a look at which quarterback has the best combination of weapons, offensive linemen, coaches and defensive help.
Basically, he ranked each quarterback based on who has the best support. And Patrick Mahomes didn't even crack the top five. Mahomes is definitely the best QB in the NFL right now, but the Chiefs ranked sixth on Cody's list in terms of how much support they give their quarterback.
Here's a look at the five teams that are giving their QB the most support this year:
1. Lions QB Jared Goff. "David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are a thunder-and-lightning combo behind arguably the league's best line, Amon-Ra St. Brown is an elite chain-mover, and Sam LaPorta is just getting started as another safety valve. Throw in Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell, who refuse to dial down their aggression as decision-makers, and it's no wonder the new Lions seem here to stay."
2. 49ers QB Brock Purdy. "Christian McCaffrey is the centerpiece as Kyle Shanahan's do-it-all utility man, with the rugged, explosive Samuel in a similar role. If Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation isn't resolved, robbing the group of a true downfield target, they would dip."
3. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. "Saquon Barkley's name is arguably bigger than his resume, but his All-Pro juice behind a typically sturdy line and alongside such a dominant one-two punch out wide could -- should? -- propel Hurts to another MVP candidacy."
4. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa. "Few quarterbacks, if any, enjoy such an electric cast of characters like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle; De'Von Achane also offers lightning speed out of the backfield, giving Mike McDaniel a truly video-game-like spread."
5. Vikings QB Sam Darnold/J.J. McCarthy. "The O-line isn't perfect, but everything else is in place: Aaron Jones is splashy, even if he's in town as a rental, and the trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson is nearly unmatched across the NFL."
You can check out Cody's full top 10 list here. .................
NFL inching closer to 18-game schedule, plus Derek Carr two losses away from unfortunate league record
Story by John Breech • 8hrs
Vacation time is officially over in the NFL. By the end of the day today, a total of 28 teams will be in training camp, and by the end of the day tomorrow, all 32 teams will be in camp. And not that anyone's keeping track, but we're also less than 10 DAYS away from the first preseason game of the NFL season and that will happen on Aug. 1 with the Bears facing the Texans in the Hall of Fame Game.
I think what I'm trying to say here is that you have officially survived the o***eason and football is BACK. All right, let's get to the rundown.
1. NFL inching closer to an 18-game schedule
The NFL went more than 40 years before expanding the regular-season schedule from 16 to 17 games, but it's starting to look like the 17-game schedule might soon be on its way out after just three years.
NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell revealed this week that the union has started talking with the league about the possibility of pushing the schedule to 18 games.
- Howell confirmed that he's talked with the league. "We have talked at a very, very, very high level superficially, with a recognition … about, 'Yeah, this is something that we should be talking about. And we should really kick the tires and understand what else goes into that decision-making process,'" the NFLPA director told the Washington Post.
- 18-game schedule could happen sooner than expected. Under the collective bargaining agreement, the NFL can't just expand the schedule to 18 games. The NFLPA has to be on board with the idea, and the good news for the NFL is that it's starting to seem like the NFLPA is on board with the idea. "The simple fact of the matter is when you have a growing enterprise and there are opportunities within that intervening period of time where progress could be made and you could tweak the existing CBA legal document, why wouldn't you want to do that," Howell said.
- Roger Goodell wants to see an 18-game schedule happen. We know the NFL is definitely pushing for an 18-game schedule, and that's because Goodell came out and admitted it before the draft. Back in April, the NFL commissioner said it would make sense for the league to move to an 18-game schedule.
2. Ranking quarterbacks based on the support they have around them
A few weeks ago, we ranked the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL, but this week, we decided to add a twist to that by ranking the top quarterbacks based on how good their support system is. With that in mind, Cody Benjamin took a look at which quarterback has the best combination of weapons, offensive linemen, coaches and defensive help.
Basically, he ranked each quarterback based on who has the best support. And Patrick Mahomes didn't even crack the top five. Mahomes is definitely the best QB in the NFL right now, but the Chiefs ranked sixth on Cody's list in terms of how much support they give their quarterback.
Here's a look at the five teams that are giving their QB the most support this year:
1. Lions QB Jared Goff. "David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are a thunder-and-lightning combo behind arguably the league's best line, Amon-Ra St. Brown is an elite chain-mover, and Sam LaPorta is just getting started as another safety valve. Throw in Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell, who refuse to dial down their aggression as decision-makers, and it's no wonder the new Lions seem here to stay."
2. 49ers QB Brock Purdy. "Christian McCaffrey is the centerpiece as Kyle Shanahan's do-it-all utility man, with the rugged, explosive Samuel in a similar role. If Brandon Aiyuk's contract situation isn't resolved, robbing the group of a true downfield target, they would dip."
3. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. "Saquon Barkley's name is arguably bigger than his resume, but his All-Pro juice behind a typically sturdy line and alongside such a dominant one-two punch out wide could -- should? -- propel Hurts to another MVP candidacy."
4. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa. "Few quarterbacks, if any, enjoy such an electric cast of characters like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle; De'Von Achane also offers lightning speed out of the backfield, giving Mike McDaniel a truly video-game-like spread."
5. Vikings QB Sam Darnold/J.J. McCarthy. "The O-line isn't perfect, but everything else is in place: Aaron Jones is splashy, even if he's in town as a rental, and the trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson is nearly unmatched across the NFL."
You can check out Cody's full top 10 list here. .................
In re-draft many argue that it's best to leave QBs to later rounds.
In super-flex Dynasty, virtually everyone recommends getting a top QB early. Look at the Dynasty rankings on any site and the first picks are all QBs.
On FantasyPros: picks 1-5, 9-10 are QBs.
But I was thinking of later picks when I was speaking of a weak position.
Then, I think, it depends on how you have already drafted.
In my case, I have #12 in our Dynasty comp. There is no way I will be able to get a too QB.
So do I accept that QBs will be my weakness?
If so, at what stage do I draft one? And which WR/RB/TE do I forego?
Alternatively, you might have strength in QB/WRs, but lesser, or none, RBs.
So it is easy to panic and take the next RB up on ADP/your list just to get one. You shouldn't. Consider the relative value.
ADPs are generally a good indicator of relative value. BUT still only consensus opinions and NOT necessarily accurate.
I have had reasonable success in AFL drafts drafting players I believe in much earlier than their ADP.
A final thought:
as everyone will likely have one weak position a trade between a team with strong WRs and weak RBs snd a team with strong RBs and weak WRs can be a win-win for both teams.
In super-flex Dynasty, virtually everyone recommends getting a top QB early. Look at the Dynasty rankings on any site and the first picks are all QBs.
On FantasyPros: picks 1-5, 9-10 are QBs.
But I was thinking of later picks when I was speaking of a weak position.
Then, I think, it depends on how you have already drafted.
In my case, I have #12 in our Dynasty comp. There is no way I will be able to get a too QB.
So do I accept that QBs will be my weakness?
If so, at what stage do I draft one? And which WR/RB/TE do I forego?
Alternatively, you might have strength in QB/WRs, but lesser, or none, RBs.
So it is easy to panic and take the next RB up on ADP/your list just to get one. You shouldn't. Consider the relative value.
ADPs are generally a good indicator of relative value. BUT still only consensus opinions and NOT necessarily accurate.
I have had reasonable success in AFL drafts drafting players I believe in much earlier than their ADP.
A final thought:
as everyone will likely have one weak position a trade between a team with strong WRs and weak RBs snd a team with strong RBs and weak WRs can be a win-win for both teams.
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It really depends on what is left. I am pick 14 in my dynasty league (last). Selections are determined by previous players choices. Testing in two different dynasty start up mock drafts choices swing considerably. Sometimes 10 QB go in round 1 before I get to pick and therefore CD Lamb or A St Brown and Bijan Robinson are available at 1.14 and 2.01.
So if your top QB means Hurts, Allen, Jackson, Mahomes, then no, you and I will probably not get those picks and you simply pick the best available.
So if your top QB means Hurts, Allen, Jackson, Mahomes, then no, you and I will probably not get those picks and you simply pick the best available.
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- AFL Club
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AFC: One potential fast riser on every team's depth chart (msn.com)
AFC: One potential fast riser on every team's depth chart
Story by Yardbarker Staff • 3hrs
With all NFL training camps open, some players are already making strong impressions.
Yardbarker NFL writers identify one potential fast riser on the depth chart for all 16 AFC teams.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Wide receiver Malik Washington | With veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. landing on the physically unable to perform list, Washington will have a chance to earn reps as the first-team offense's No. 3 receiver. A sixth-round pick, Washington was one of the most productive players in college football last season for Virginia, catching an FBS-high and ACC-record 110 passes for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Wide receiver Javon Baker | According to Boston.com's Khari Thompson, Baker, a fourth-round pick, hasn't received many first-team reps so far, but that could soon change as he is turning heads in training camp. The 6-foot-1, 202-pounder has made several spectacular catches, providing optimism that he can be a reliable deep-threat target for New England as a rookie. — Colum Dell
DENVER BRONCOS | Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. | Mims’ workload should increase after Denver's trade of WR Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in March. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Broncos plan to use the second-year wideout as an “explosive play guy” in the passing game and in the new kickoff returns setup.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | Wide receiver Tre Tucker | Veteran WR Michael Gallup’s unexpected retirement could give Tucker more opportunities. The third-round pick out of Cincinnati flashed big-play ability in 16 games during his rookie season, leading the Raiders in yards per reception (17.4).
CINCINNATI BENGALS | Running back Chase Brown | The Bengals must find a way to replace their third all-time leading rusher, Joe Mixon, after trading him to the Texans in March. Cincinnati signed veteran Zack Moss in free agency, but Brown, a fifth-round pick in 2023, could prove to be the answer after averaging 4.1 yards per carry and showing off his receiving ability with 14 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown as a rookie.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS | Wide receiver Roman Wilson | The Steelers signed veteran wide receivers Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller this o***eason in hopes of filling the void left by Diontae Johnson, whom the team traded to Carolina in March. However, Wilson, a third-round pick, could prove to be Pittsburgh’s best No. 2 option opposite George Pickens after reeling in 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final year at Michigan. — Aaron Becker
HOUSTON TEXANS | Wide receiver John Metchie | The start of Metchie's NFL career was interrupted by a terrifying leukemia diagnosis that kept him out for the entire 2022 season. He returned in 2023 but seems primed to do much more after impressing quarterback C.J. Stroud in minicamp by running some of the "best routes" he'd ever seen. In training camp, he got the the best of No. 1 cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | Tight end Jelani Woods | Woods missed last season with a hamstring injury but could be a breakout candidate for the Colts if healthy. With a compelling mix of size (6-foot-7, 253 pounds) and speed (4.61 40-yard dash), he should separate himself from the rest of the depth chart, including Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox and Will Mallory, and carve out a significant role.
AFC: One potential fast riser on every team's depth chart
Story by Yardbarker Staff • 3hrs
With all NFL training camps open, some players are already making strong impressions.
Yardbarker NFL writers identify one potential fast riser on the depth chart for all 16 AFC teams.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Wide receiver Malik Washington | With veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. landing on the physically unable to perform list, Washington will have a chance to earn reps as the first-team offense's No. 3 receiver. A sixth-round pick, Washington was one of the most productive players in college football last season for Virginia, catching an FBS-high and ACC-record 110 passes for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Wide receiver Javon Baker | According to Boston.com's Khari Thompson, Baker, a fourth-round pick, hasn't received many first-team reps so far, but that could soon change as he is turning heads in training camp. The 6-foot-1, 202-pounder has made several spectacular catches, providing optimism that he can be a reliable deep-threat target for New England as a rookie. — Colum Dell
DENVER BRONCOS | Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. | Mims’ workload should increase after Denver's trade of WR Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns in March. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Broncos plan to use the second-year wideout as an “explosive play guy” in the passing game and in the new kickoff returns setup.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | Wide receiver Tre Tucker | Veteran WR Michael Gallup’s unexpected retirement could give Tucker more opportunities. The third-round pick out of Cincinnati flashed big-play ability in 16 games during his rookie season, leading the Raiders in yards per reception (17.4).
CINCINNATI BENGALS | Running back Chase Brown | The Bengals must find a way to replace their third all-time leading rusher, Joe Mixon, after trading him to the Texans in March. Cincinnati signed veteran Zack Moss in free agency, but Brown, a fifth-round pick in 2023, could prove to be the answer after averaging 4.1 yards per carry and showing off his receiving ability with 14 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown as a rookie.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS | Wide receiver Roman Wilson | The Steelers signed veteran wide receivers Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller this o***eason in hopes of filling the void left by Diontae Johnson, whom the team traded to Carolina in March. However, Wilson, a third-round pick, could prove to be Pittsburgh’s best No. 2 option opposite George Pickens after reeling in 48 catches for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns during his final year at Michigan. — Aaron Becker
HOUSTON TEXANS | Wide receiver John Metchie | The start of Metchie's NFL career was interrupted by a terrifying leukemia diagnosis that kept him out for the entire 2022 season. He returned in 2023 but seems primed to do much more after impressing quarterback C.J. Stroud in minicamp by running some of the "best routes" he'd ever seen. In training camp, he got the the best of No. 1 cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS | Tight end Jelani Woods | Woods missed last season with a hamstring injury but could be a breakout candidate for the Colts if healthy. With a compelling mix of size (6-foot-7, 253 pounds) and speed (4.61 40-yard dash), he should separate himself from the rest of the depth chart, including Kylen Granson, Mo Alie-Cox and Will Mallory, and carve out a significant role.
"The Packers have signed Jordan Love to the richest contract for a quarterback in NFL history, per multiple reports. The four-year deal is for $220 million ..... also includes a record $75 million signing bonus, plus $155 million in new full guarantee "
Let me repeat that: 4yr - $220m
Meanwhile the rookies:
C Williams: 4yr - $39.5m
J Daniels: 4yr - $37.7m
D Mayo: 4yr -$36.6m
The RBs
CMC: 2yr $38.0m
Taylor: 3yr - $42.0m
Barkley: 3yr - $37.75m
D Henry: 2yr - $16.0m
Singletary: 3yr - $16.5m
Rookies:
Bijan: 4yr - $21.9m
Gibbs: 4yr - $17.8m
Hall: 4yr - $9.0m
The WRs:
Jefferson: 4yr - $125.7m
A J Brown: 3yr - $96.0m
Amon-Ra: 4yr - $120.0m
Hill: 4yr - $120.0m
Rookies:
M Harrison: 7yr - $67.0m
Nabers: 4yer - $29.2m
P Nacua: 4yr - $4.1m + performance based bonuses
I still find the NFL pay structures strange,
Let me repeat that: 4yr - $220m
Meanwhile the rookies:
C Williams: 4yr - $39.5m
J Daniels: 4yr - $37.7m
D Mayo: 4yr -$36.6m
The RBs
CMC: 2yr $38.0m
Taylor: 3yr - $42.0m
Barkley: 3yr - $37.75m
D Henry: 2yr - $16.0m
Singletary: 3yr - $16.5m
Rookies:
Bijan: 4yr - $21.9m
Gibbs: 4yr - $17.8m
Hall: 4yr - $9.0m
The WRs:
Jefferson: 4yr - $125.7m
A J Brown: 3yr - $96.0m
Amon-Ra: 4yr - $120.0m
Hill: 4yr - $120.0m
Rookies:
M Harrison: 7yr - $67.0m
Nabers: 4yer - $29.2m
P Nacua: 4yr - $4.1m + performance based bonuses
I still find the NFL pay structures strange,
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