Fantasy News

Second-year tight end Seth DeValve put on a "clinic" during offseason practice.

Not an actual clinic—just a lot of plays. Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal wrote that DeValve is "bigger, faster, and stronger" than last season and that he might be the most improved player this year. Hue Jackson noted DeValve as an "emerging player" earlier in the offseason, and DeValve has gotten solid reviews through the spring. The Browns drafted Miami tight end David Njoku in the first round of the draft, but DeValve might end up being the starter to open the year. He's someone to keep an eye on throughout the preseason as a potential breakout candidate.

Via: Akron Beacon Journal 6/23/17 - 04:24 PM ET

Jordan Matthews said he "expects" to be ready for training camp.

The Eagles slot receiver is currently dealing with knee tendinits and hasn't participated in training throughout the offseason. Multiple reports say that third-year receiver Nelson Agholor is performing well in the slot with Matthews out, which isn't surprising. Matthews is entering the last year of his contract and is missing a lot of time, but he'll probably still be in the slot for the Eagles this season.

Via: Jeff McLane 6/15/17 - 03:35 PM ET

Rookie running back Elijah McGuire "will contribute" this season, RB coach Stump Mitchell said.

Mitchell likes "everything" about the rookie back, talking of his ability to do it all, particularly as to catch the ball "extremely well." Matt Forte and Bilal Powell are sure to be the top two backs for the Jets this season, but McGuire looks like he will get some touches this season. He might not be a fantasy asset in 2017, but he's someone to keep an eye on.

Via: NJ.com 6/23/17 - 11:17 AM ET

Andy Reid praises Patrick Mahomes II for his growth.

"If you took how he was in the rookie camp and compared it to now, there’s no comparison there," Reid said of his rookie quarterback. Mahomes has a ton of natural talent and ability, and it's part of why the Chiefs traded halfway up the first round to select him tenth overall in the draft. Alex Smith is locked in as the starter for at least this season, but it's inevitable that Mahomes eventually plays. The gunslinger quarterback probably can't be in a better position than he is. Andy Reid might be the best quarterback coach in the league, and he'll mold Mahomes as he sits behind a great vet in Alex Smith. Mahomes should be looked at as a great dynasty league hold.

Via: James Palmer 6/15/17 - 03:30 PM ET

Panthers GM Dave Gettleman said “it’s his turn, it’s his time,” of Devin Funchess.

Funchess is entering his third season in the NFL, and he had five and four touchdowns in his first two seasons. Both head coach Ron Rivera and Gettleman said they could have gotten Funchess the ball more last season, when he only had 23 catches after having a great training camp. The former Michigan Wolverine is having another good offseason and will look to continue it in training camp and carry it over to the regular season.

Via: Carolina Panthers 6/23/17 - 10:10 AM ET

Drew Brees says he doesn't see a better "all-purpose back in the league" than Mark Ingram.

Brees made his case by saying Ingram can run between the tackles, catch it out of the backfield, and do other things on third down like pickup blitzes. Ingram was undoubtedly one of the most underrated runners in the league last season with his 5.1 yards per carry taking him over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and he also made a big impact as a receiver. The Saints brought in Adrian Peterson this offseason, which Brees acknowledged, but his high praise was for Ingram, though it could have been a confidence-building endorsement after New Orleans added AD and Alvin Kamara. Ingram's talent is probably worth a pick in the fifth round of fantasy drafts, but he could frustrate fantasy owners like last season. That said, there's no reason he and Peterson both can't be contributors.

6/15/17 - 02:58 PM ET

ESPN's James Walker projects DeVante Parker under 1,000 yards this season.

Walker went to the Dolphins OTA and minicamps that were open to the media, and based off what he saw, he projects Parker to catch 70 reception for 980 yards and seven touchdowns. Those numbers would have placed Parker in the top 20 of standard scoring for WRs last season. The third-year receiver has been talked up big-time this spring, with many expecting a huge breakout season. Walker's projection is a little conservative compared to some of the talk, but it's just a projection—Parker's numbers could end up quite higher (or quite lower) than this.

Via: ESPN 6/23/17 - 09:59 AM ET