NFL Off Season News /Rumors And Discussion

[NewYorkKnight]

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Matt Vensel said Charles Johnson was the receiver who "popped out most during spring workouts."

This is especially noteworthy considering Vensel questioned Johnson's spot on the roster earlier this month. Playing ahead of first-round pick Laquon Treadwell, Johnson reportedly made several plays throughout minicamp. He is not going to hold off Treadwell through training camp, but Johnson likely ensured his place on the roster with a strong spring. He will still need an injury to Treadwell or Stefon Diggs to become a fantasy factor in the Vikings' run-heavy attack.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Coach Andy Reid said Jamaal Charles (ACL) might not be cleared for training camp.

"We’ll have to see with Jamaal," said Reid. "You don’t want to take any steps back." Charles did some individual work at OTAs, but isn’t going to be full-go at the start of camp. Kansas City could rest Charles the entire preseason. Charles has setback risks coming off two knee surgeries in the last four years, but remains on track for Week 1.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Sammy Watkins (foot surgery) told TSN in Canada that he expects to be ready early in training camp.

Watkins stated in early June that "nobody knows" when he'll be healed following surgery to repair stress fractures in his left foot. Now out of his walking boot, Watkins is changing his tune. "For training camp, I think I’ll definitely be available," he said. "I might sit out 2-3 days. ... The goal is to come back and be prepared for training camp." Watkins did reiterate that "there's really no timetable." Despite the concerning injury and subsequent surgery, Watkins' Average Draft Position hasn't moved much. He's a third-round pick pretty much across the board.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

DenverBroncos.com's Andrew Mason believes Ronnie Hillman has the "inside track" for the backup running back job.

Hillman might own the job entering training camp, but he will have to hold off fourth-round pick Devontae Booker, who reportedly looked good in the offseason program. With Kapri Bibbs also in the mix, it would be surprising if Hillman held onto the backup spot after averaging 3.5 yards a carry over his final 12 games last season including the playoffs. C.J. Anderson is locked in as the No. 1.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Bears coach John Fox said he is "expecting good things again" from Jay Cutler.

Cutler posted a career-best 92.3 quarterback rating last season, but the Bears finished bottom-12 in both points scored and total offense. Fox does not put those offensive struggles entirely on Cutler's plate. "Alshon [Jeffery] wasn’t healthy the whole season. Kevin White did not play," Fox said. "I’m not knocking any of the guys that did play, but a lot is always made of the quarterback, and his supporting cast is critical." Even with Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte gone, Cutler's weapons will be better this year if both Alshon and White can stay healthy. Basically going undrafted, Cutler carries some underappreciated upside.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

After watching Coby Fleener's Colts tape, Drew Brees observed that the athletic tight end seemed to be "always open."

"I'm watching Colts film or Fleener film," Brees recalled. "It was like, 'Man, this guy has an uncanny ability to separate.' He's always open. There's always a place to throw the ball where he can get it." The New Orleans Times-Picayune says Fleener, Brandin Cooks, and Willie Snead were the "three most-targeted players" by Brees at Saints minicamp. Signed to a five-year, $36 million deal by New Orleans, Fleener offers mid-range TE1 upside in one of the league's pass-heaviest offenses with one of the league's premier passers.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

Sammy Watkins said he is staying in Buffalo all summer to rehab his surgically-repaired foot.

Over the weekend, Watkins said he plans to be ready early in training camp, and he appears to be doing everything in his power to make good on that promise. He also is focusing on staying healthy after being constantly limited his first two seasons. "The important part is getting on the field and staying healthy," Watkins said. "Once I figure my body out and do the assessment I need to do, I’ll figure out what type of food, everything I need to do to keep myself on the field." The fourth-best fantasy receiver over the final nine weeks last year, Watkins will be a huge value if he is able to get and stay healthy.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec said Dennis Pitta (hip) "looks like he can be a significant contributor."

Pitta has not played in a game since September of 2014, but he practiced without limitations during OTAs and minicamp. Zrebiec reports Pitta "is moving well," and coach John Harbaugh said he "looks like the same player we've seen in the past." Pitta's hip will always be a ticking time bomb, but it looks like he is healthy right now. Even in a loaded tight end corps, Pitta has the talent to contribute.

 

[NewYorkKnight]

The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec said Terrance West is "leaner and more explosive" than in the past.

While the "best shape of his life" narrative is always eye-roll inducing, there are plenty of backs who have taken the next step simply by getting in shape. Reportedly down 15 pounds, West could be the next in that long line, but he faces a tough climb to relevance in a loaded backfield. On the bright side, West has worked ahead of Lorenzo Taliaferro all spring.