Fantasy News

It was "commonplace" to see Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, and Chris Hogan in three recevier sets during minicamp, according to Mike Reiss.

Cooks and Edelman are almost certainly going to be the most-used receivers in three receiver sets, but it was unclear who else would get the most playing time on the outside out of Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell. They both became good targets for Tom Brady last season, especially during the playoff run. It looks like the veteran Hogan has the advantage to start in three receiver sets which isn't surprising, considering he averaged 17.9 yards per reception last season and is entering his fifth year in the league. But the second-year receiver Mitchell will certainly have a role in the offense too. There are a lot of weapons for New England, but both Hogan and Mitchell are solid late round picks in 2017 fantasy drafts.

Via: ESPN 6/16/17 - 10:09 AM ET

According to the Pioneer Press, the Vikings have Michael Floyd's back on his probation issues.

Vikings COO Kevin Warren reportedly wrote a letter to be used in Floyd's defense to try to cancel his hearing. The Vikings encourage their players to drink kombucha tea, and that it is "utilized by many professional athletes as a probiotic." Floyd's story seems to line up, and the Vikings being this strong in their backing of Floyd says a lot. If Floyd is cleared, he'll be a contributor to the Vikings this season.

Via: Pioneer Press 6/25/17 - 02:06 PM ET

Jim Caldwell sees “consistent progress and improvement” with Zach Zenner.

Caldwell talked up Zenner’s ability to contribute a variety of ways on offense (running the ball, pass blocking, and catching out of the backfield), including the ability to contribute on special teams. The Lions head coach said he doesn’t “anybody has any question” that Zenner can run the ball and has progressed. The big third-year back says he’s getting more comfortable as he enters another year in the NFL. Ameer Abdullah will be the lead back, and Theo Riddick will have a big role on passing downs, but Zenner, thanks in part to his special teams contributions, looks like he could lock up the number three running back job.

Via: Detroit Lions 6/16/17 - 09:54 AM ET

Terrelle Pryor has been working out with Antonio Brown this offseason.

Both Brown and Pryor have been posting on social media glimpses of their workouts together. It's a major positive to see Pryor—who's only been a receiver for a couple years—working with a top-two receiver in the league right now. Working with AB will no doubt help the big alien-like Pryor improve his quickness and route running ability. According to ESPN, Pryor also said he's going to work with Randy Moss next month. It doesn't get much better than working with Antonio Brown and Randy Moss. Pryor will look to continue to improve as a receiver in his first season with the Redskins, and he offers pretty good upside in the mid rounds of fantasy drafts.

Via: ESPN 6/24/17 - 12:00 PM ET

The Colts have placed running back Christine Michael on IR.

It’s unclear what exactly happened to Michael, but he was reportedly looking good in workouts (as he usual does, with his athleticism). Michael was just signed by Indy two weeks ago.

Via: Indianapolis Colts 6/15/17 - 08:11 PM ET

Raiders offensive coordinator Todd Downing says on SiriusXM NFL wants to take more shots down the field this season.

Downing said on SiriusXM NFL that Derek Carr "has elite arm strength and we have some good deep ball threats, hope it opens it more downfield." The team added Cordarrelle Patterson this offseason, who certainly has the speed to get behind the defense, while Amari Cooper has shown deep ability through his two seasons and Michael Crabtree can stretch the field at times, too. The Raiders also added tight end Jared Cook, who can stretch the field better than most tight ends in the league. With one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and a fresh Marshawn Lynch also in the fold, it'll be tough to stop Oakland this season. After getting paid the biggest contract in NFL history, Derek Carr is a good bet for his first 4,000-yard season this year (he would have reached that mark if he didn't get hurt in Week 16 last season).

Via: SiriusXM NFL 6/23/17 - 04:42 PM ET

Mike Zimmer says Dalvin Cook has a "chance to be special."

The Vikings head coach isn't going to just say this just to say it. He said the selection of Cook by GM Rick Spielman was a "great pick," and it's clear the Vikings are thrilled with the former FSU running back. With Latavius Murray still recovering from ankle surgery, Cook has been getting a lot of first team reps along with Jerick McKinnon. Zimmer says the workloads at the position between Cook, Murray, and McKinnon will be worked out during training camp. It's one of the most important position battles to watch during training camp, but it could be a full-blown RBBC, as they all are good players that can make an impact.

Via: ESPN 6/15/17 - 05:03 PM ET