Fantasy News

Willie Snead IV was “a popular target” for Ravens quarterbacks during minicamp.

Joe Flacco talked about how the former Saints receiver quickly gets open, which makes things easier for quarterbacks. The team’s official site writes “it appears that Snead will be Baltimore’s go-to guy over the middle of the field and to move the chains” this season. After he was suspended to start the season and then phased out of the passing game when he returned last season with the Saints, Snead appears set for a big role this season with his new team. Snead might deliver solid FLEX value this season, particularly in PPR leagues.

Via: BaltimoreRavens.com 6/15/18 - 08:27 PM ET

The Patriots are being cautious with Malcolm Mitchell this offseason.

According to The Providence Journal, the teams plan is the “bring him along slowly this offseason.” It sounds like Mitchell, who apparently didn’t practice much at all during offseason training, won’t be full-go for the start of training camp. With Julian Edelman suspended for the first four games of the season (pending appeal), there is a prime opportunity for Mitchell to have a big role on offense. However, he’s going to need to stay healthy after he missed all of last season with knee issues. Mitchell’s status will hopefully become more clear when training camp begins late next month.

Via: The Providence Journal 6/15/18 - 07:57 PM ET

The Colts have claimed former Titans wide receiver Zach Pascal off waivers, according to Ian Rapoport.

Pascal was undrafted last year out of Old Dominion and spent time with the Redskins in training camp before signing with the Titans’ practice squad before the regular season. He will come into Indy low on the depth chart, but Pascal can earn a roster spot with a strong camp this summer, as the Colts don’t have much proven depth behind T.Y. Hilton.

Via: Ian Rapoport 6/15/18 - 05:29 PM ET

Terrelle Pryor (ankle) is expected to be ready for training camp.

Pryor says his ankle injury is “minor” and that he’s “progressing very well” after missing offseason training. Ultimately, Pryor says it’ll be up to team trainer John Melody and head coach Todd Bowles whether he’ll practice for the start of training camp or not, but it doesn’t sound like the foot injury is expected to be something that will linger and keep him out for an extended period during training camp—though we’ll see. Pryor also says his foot injury from last season, which is unrelated to this one, kept him from playing at a high level. He says he’s now “healthy and ready to get back to form and have a dominant year.” The Jets depth chart is very crowded at receiver, so hopefully Pryor can stay on the field all training camp as he looks to carve out a solid role on offense.

Via: NewYorkJets.com 6/15/18 - 01:05 PM ET

Jets running backs coach Stump Mitchell compares Elijah McGuire to LaDanian Tomlinson.

Mitchell said McGuire “has the skillset to be a LaDainian Tomlinson, if he was given that opportunity. That’s not what presents itself to him at this particular point in time. But skillset, he can do it all.” LT was just inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year, so this is obviously lofty praise for the second-year back. However, Mitchell indicates McGuire won’t have a huge workhorse role like Tomlinson did, which isn’t surprising after the team signed Isaiah Crowell and Thomas Rawls to the backfield mix this offseason. The Jets also have Bilal Powell, who has made some big plays over the years for them. Mitchell did say that new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates “knows” what McGuire can do, though. Crowell didn’t show a ton despite getting 206 carries as the clear lead runner for Cleveland last season, and it won’t be surprising if McGuire passes him on the depth chart during the preseason. McGuire is certainly someone to keep an eye on moving forward after this very high praise.

Via: Daily News 6/15/18 - 12:56 PM ET

Kyle Shanahan hints at Dante Pettis potentially having a big role this season.

Shanahan says the second-round rookie has “got the ability to help pus out in a number of different areas.” The Niners head coach went on to basically say he’s not the fastest, quickest, or biggest receiver, but that he’s a good, balanced player that can be used “in a bunch of different spots.” Shanahan says they’re throwing a lot at Pettis, which shows they believe he can handle it and trust him. It was a bit of a surprise they took Pettis early in the second round of the draft, but the team clearly has plans to use him—potentially as a clear top-three guy along with Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin. At the very least, Pettis, who is one of the best punt returners in college football history, will have a big role as a returner in 2018.

Via: 49ers.com 6/15/18 - 08:45 AM ET

Jon Gruden has been impressed with Ryan Switzer.

“Ryan Switzer has really caught my eye,” Gruden said at the end of Raiders minicamp when asked of the players that have impressed him. “Switzer has come in here and not only been a punt returner, kick returner, he’s come in and been a force as a slot receiver. He’s really done well.” The Raiders obviously targeted Switzer in draft trade with the Cowboys because they feel he can make an impact for them, particularly as a returner. However, it sounds like he has a good start to potentially have a sizable role on offense in the slot. With rumors of a possible Martavis Bryant suspension swirling, Switzer might end up with a good shot at becoming Oakland’s number three receiver behind Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson this season.

Via: Raiders.com 6/15/18 - 08:41 AM ET