Fantasy News

The Patriots have selected LSU quarterback Danny Etling with the 219th pick (seventh round) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Etling is a pocket passer with a quick release that played two seasons at Purdue and two seasons at LSU in college. He worked his way into the starting quarterback in Baton Rouge and had 16 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions as a senior. For him personally, he won’t get much better coaching than in New England with the Patriots, and it’s a great sign that Bill Belichick clearly likes him enough to add to the quarterback room behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer. He can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

4/28/18 - 05:30 PM ET

Rob Gronkowski announces that he will play for the Patriots in 2018.

Gronk made an announcement on Instagram, stating “I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats. I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run.” Any concern about Gronk potentially retiring and/or any concerns about friction with head coach Bill Belichick can be put to rest. Expect the All-Pro tight end to be his usual self in 2018, which is a major difference-maker both in real life and in fantasy. He should be the top tight end off the board in all fantasy drafts this summer.

Via: Rob Gronkowski 4/24/18 - 06:25 PM ET

The 49ers have selected Washington wide receiver Dante Pettis with the No. 44 pick (second round) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

San Francisco gave up a third-round pick to Washington to get in position to draft Pettis, so they obviously targeted and really wanted him. During Washington’s College Football Playoff seaosn in 2016, Pettis had 15 receiving touchdowns along with 822 receiving yards. While his production as a receiver dropped as as senior, he’s still a versatile receiver that could immediately compete for a good amount of playing time catching passes from Jimmy Garoppolo. And he’ll certainly be asked to produce as a returner, which could have been the main reason the Niners targeted him so high in the draft. Pettis’ nine career punt return touchdowns in college are an NCAA record, and he averaged an absurd 20.4 yards per return as a senior. As a rookie, Pettis is just a late-round flier in deeper leagues as of right now.

4/27/18 - 08:00 PM ET

Multiple teams have made trade offers for Nick Foles, according to Chris Mortensen.

Mortensen says the Eagles “basic answer” is it’s going to take more than what they got for Sam Bradford from the Vikings just before the 2016 season (a first and a fourth), which isn’t surprising after Foles just led the team to its first Super Bowl in franchise history and won the game’s MVP. If more than one team did indeed make an offer, with the Eagles saying it will take more than what they got for Bradford, it indicates they are willing to move him. We would not trade Foles if it didn’t include at least a top-15 pick in the draft, as he has already shown he can get it done and win the team a championship, and the Eagles already have a really strong roster that doesn’t need to add positions. Backup quarterback is one of the most underrated and important positions in the NFL, and the Eagles have the best one in the league.

Via: Chris Mortensen 3/5/18 - 01:55 PM ET

The Texans have selected Mississippi State tight end Jordan Thomas with the 211th pick (sixth round) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Thomas is a “tweener” between wide receiver and tight end, but he will likely need to play tight end at the next level, and that’s what Houston drafted him as. He has the athleticism to be a difference-maker, but Thomas hasn’t put it all together, so Bill O’Brien will try to unlock his potential. He can be ignored for fantasy purposes for now.

4/28/18 - 05:15 PM ET

The Eagles and Nick Foles have agreed to a revised contract with a mutual option for 2019, according to Mike Garafolo.

Foles was set to become a free agent after the 2018 season, but this new deal gives him a pay raise while still giving him a chance to either 1) stay in Philadelphia for two more years if Carson Wentz gets injured again or 2) hit free agency after this season if he chooses. Also, this could wind up basically being a ploy to get quarterback-needy teams to offer more in a trade for the SB-winning quarterback, as it has the appearance of being serious about keeping Foles for at least 2018. A trade shouldn’t be ruled out based on the new deal, but the Eagles would be wise to hold out for anything less than a premium first-round pick or multiple high draft picks.

Via: Mike Garafolo 4/20/18 - 04:21 PM ET

The Detroit Lions have selected Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson with the No. 43 pick (second round) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

GM Bob Quinn, head coach Matt Patricia, and the Lions made a deal with their old friends in New England, trading up from No. 51 to get in a position to draft Johnson. As a junior at Auburn, Johnson was very productive in the SEC, rushing for 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding another 194 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Johnson profiles similarly to Le’Veon Bell in terms of running style, as he takes a patient approach that not many guys are able to pull off; and size wise, he looks similar to David Johnson. We really like Johnson’s ability and potential, but he is on a team with a crowded running back group that includes LeGarrette Blount, Theo Riddick, and Ameer Abdullah, so he might not be a big-time fantasy producer as a rookie.

4/27/18 - 07:55 PM ET