NFL training camp previews for all 32 teams.

[Greenbacks]

Deja Vu

1. Two summers after Mychal Kendricks first began to question his future in Philadelphia, the veteran linebacker revealed that he requested a trade this past offseason. The Eagles promptly denied that request, citing Kendricks' youth (26 years old) and talent. The older brother of Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks signed a four-year extension with the Eagles in August of 2015.

2. Steelers president Art Rooney II never took Ben Roethlisberger's offseason retirement chatter seriously, chalking it up to "frustration" stemming from the AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots. Rooney was far from alone in that assessment, as skepticism prevailed until Roethlisberger announced his return in early April. Pittsburgh's quarterback has doubled down on the retirement talk, insisting he will "sit down and do some [thinking] again" after the 2017 season.

3. With J.J. Watt healthy and Jadeveon Clowney wreaking havoc, the Texans like their chances of repeating as the NFL's top-ranked defense.

 

[Greenbacks]

Transaction Corner

1. The Titans' biggest defensive star has been rewarded with a much-deserved mega contract. One of the most disruptive -- and most versatile -- defensive linemen in football over the past four years, Jurrell Casey has landed a four-year, $60.4 million extension with $40 million guaranteed.

2. No NFL coach has reached the 100-win mark faster than Mike Tomlin, whose success has earned him a new payday. Tomlin's win total has triggered a vesting option in his contract, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, extending his deal through the 2019 season. The Steelers, in the meantime, have been discussing a longer deal with their head coach.

3. 49ers defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 draft, signed his rookie deal just in time for the first practice of training camp.

4. The Raiders agreed to terms with their own first-round pick, cornerback Gareon Conley. That leaves Titans wideout Corey Davis as the last remaining unsigned first-rounder.

5. The Friday afternoon news dump came and went without word of Ezekiel Elliott discipline, but not all Cowboys avoided the long arm of the NFL's law. Defensive lineman Damontre Moore has been suspended two games for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse. Dallas' defensive front is going to be short-handed to start the season.

6. The Seahawks are hoarding first-round draft busts. After signing former Jaguars offensive lineman Luke Joeckel and ex-Dolphins pass rusher Dion Jordan, Seattle added recently released linebacker Marcus Smith, the Eagles' top draft choice in 2014.

7. After singing the praises of Kevin Pierre-Louis the past couple of summers, Pete Carroll has finally given up the ghost. The Seahawks have traded the freakishly athletic linebacker to the Chiefs in exchange for Pro Bowl special teamer D.J. Alexander.

8. The Raiders cut ties with veteran offensive lineman Austin Howard, a 39-game starter over the past three years in Oakland.

 

[Greenbacks]

Injury Updates

1. Broncos linebacker Shane Ray is expected to be sidelined six to eight weeks after suffering a torn ligament in his wrist in Thursday's practice. Slated for a full-time starting role with DeMarcus Ware now retired, Ray has an outside chance to be back on the field by Week 1.

2. Headlined by a theoretically stout defensive front seven, Chicago's 2017 roster has infused coach John Fox with abundant optimism. If the Bears are going to exceed otherwise marginal expectations, though, they need key players to stay healthy. That prospect is off to an inauspicious start, as Fox revealed that star edge rusher Pernell McPhee had his knee scoped on Friday.

3. After an initial scare last week, Chargers first-round wideout Michael Williams is "responding well" to treatment on his back, general manager Tom Telesco offered.

4. John Brown has been the talk of Cardinals camp, flashing impressive 2015 form after a string of freak injuries sabotaged his 2016 season. Bruce Arians might be without his services for a week, as the speedy wideout tweaked his quadriceps.

 

[Greenbacks]

[h=1]Cowboys, QB Luke McCown agree to one-year deal.[/h]The Dallas Cowboys are adding much-needed depth at quarterback.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday that Luke McCown has agreed to a one-year, $250,000 deal. It's a one-year minimum with $80,000 to sign and $170,000 guarantees on his base.
The Cowboys have Dak Prescott, Kellen Moore, and rookie Cooper Rush on their roster but needed another backup after losing Zac Dysert to a back injury. He is expected to be out for the season.
McCown, 36, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2004. He last played for the New Orleans Saints in 2015. The Saints re-signed McCown last season to a two-year, $3 million contract. He was released this offseason after they signed Chase Daniel.
In his career, McCown has completed 216 of 356 passes for 2,370 yards with nine touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

 

[sharky99]

thanks for the info GB

 

[Greenbacks]

[h=1]Fabiano's 2017 fantasy football projections: TEs.[/h]Fantasy football analysis continues to develop and evolve as we become more and more advanced. No longer is it limited to a simple look at the rank of defenses against the pass and the run to determine starts or sits, as it was back in the late 1990s. (Wow, that seems like so long ago!) Now in the Information Age, the level of statistical projections, algorithms, metrics and research used to project a player's points and fantasy value are almost on the level of an NFL scout. While some information can be paralysis by analysis, a lot of it is useful in our quest to become champions. In an effort to be a one-stop shop for the most important information as it pertains to your fantasy draft preparation, here's a look at my tight end projections for the 2017 season. I've also included a few of the more vital team stats from last season, including each team's tight end target and reception totals, the percentage of overall team targets and receptions that went to tight ends, and the percentage of overall team red-zone targets that went to the position. And of course, fantasy points against (strength of schedule) information is also included at the end.
Also included are a few nuggets, tidbits and analysis (for those who might be sick of all the numbers) on the most important fantasy players, in addition to the tendencies and trends of their coaches and coordinators. In some cases, you'll even see a quick historical breakdown of how well players have done (based on points) under the coaches and coordinators who'll be calling their plays in 2017.

 

[Greenbacks]

thanks for the info GB

No problem sharky

 

[Greenbacks]

Arizona Cardinals

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Projections
Jermaine Gresham: 43 rec, 413 yards, 3 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 57.3 fantasy points

The Cardinals ranked 27th in tight end targets and 25th in red-zone targets last season. ... Jermaine Gresham led the team in tight end targets with 61, but he was 23rd among all tight ends around the league. He was also tied for just 27th in red-zone targets, so Gresham's opportunities to produce were limited at best. In fact, he's scored a combined three touchdowns in his last 31 contests. ... Over his last seven seasons as either a head coach or offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians hasn't had a single tight end rank higher than 21st in fantasy points (Dwayne Allen, 2012). Furthermore, Arians hasn't had a tight end not named Heath Miller finish better than Allen's 22nd at the position.

 

[Greenbacks]

Atlanta Falcons

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Projections
Austin Hooper: 42 rec, 463 yards, 4 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 70.3 fantasy points

The Falcons finished last season tied for 28th in targets and tied for ninth in red-zone targets among tight ends a season ago. ... Jacob Tamme led the team in tight end targets with a mere 31, and he's no longer on the roster. ... Austin Hooper, who averaged just 1.9 targets per game as a rookie, looks to become the new top option in the pass attack for new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Tamme did tie for 17th in red-zone targets at the position last season, so Hooper should an increase in opportunities to produce for the Falcons and fantasy fans. He's worth a late-round look as a No. 2 fantasy tight end with upside. ... Levine Toilolo figures to be second on the depth chart.

 

[Greenbacks]

Baltimore Ravens

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Projections
Benjamin Watson: 28 rec, 313 yards, 2 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 43.3 fantasy points
Crockett Gillmore: 24 rec, 243 yards, 1 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 30.3 fantasy points

Baltimore was third in tight end targets and tied for third in red-zone chances in 2016. ... Dennis Pitta led the entire team in targets (121), but he's since been released after suffering another hip ailment in the offseason. ... Benjamin Watson, who is coming back from torn Achilles, looks like the projected starter with Crockett Gilmore and Maxx Williams behind him on the depth chart. None of the three are draftable in fantasy leagues at this point. ... In his last 10 season as an offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg has produced three top-10 performances from tight ends. Those came from L.J. Smith (2006) and Brent Celek (2004, 2011) during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

[Greenbacks]

Buffalo Bills

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Projections
Charles Clay: 54 rec, 531 yards, 4 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 77.1 fantasy points

The Bills ranked tied for 21st in targets and tied for 20th in red-zone targets last season. ... Charles Clay led the team in targets (87), due in large part to the fact that Sammy Watkins missed half the year, but he still finished just 18th in fantasy points at the position. While he could have some PPR and matchup-based appeal this season, Clay is still worth no more than a late-round flier in drafts. ... In nine seasons as an offensive coordinator, Rick Dennison has had two tight ends (Tony Scheffler - 2007, Owen Daniels - 2012) finish in the top 10 in fantasy points. However, just one of his tight ends have finished better than 17th in fantasy points in his last six years in Houston and Denver.

 

[Greenbacks]

Carolina Panthers

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Projections
Greg Olsen: 74 rec, 1,021 yards, 5 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 132.1 fantasy points

The Panthers finished tied for sixth in tight end targets and 12th in red-zone targets a season ago. ... Greg Olsen, who led the team in targets for the third time in the last four years, has averaged 80 catches for 1,062 yards and five touchdowns since 2014. He also leads all tight ends in targets (376), receptions (241) and yards (3,185) in that time. ... Olsen's 129 targets from last season were a career best. ... He has played in all 16 games in each of the last nine seasons between Chicago and Carolina. Since 2012, the Miami (FL) product has finished eighth or better in fantasy points at the position in each season. He'll be the second or third tight end selected in most 2017 drafts.

 

[Greenbacks]

Chicago Bears

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Projections
Zach Miller: 41 rec, 423 yards, 4 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 66.2 fantasy points
Dion Sims: 19 rec, 154 yards, 1 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 21.4 fantasy points

Chicago was 25th in targets and tied for 22nd in red-zone chances among tight ends in 2016. ... Zach Miller was on pace to finish with 75 catches, 778 yards and six touchdowns before going down with an injured foot. The Bears added Dion Sims and rookie Adam Shaheen in the offseason, so Miller is now no lock for a roster spot. At best, he'll be worth a late-round flier in an offense that likes to use the tight end. ... In his three seasons as an offensive coordinator, Dowell Loggains has produced a pair of top-20 fantasy tight ends in Jared Cook (2012) and Delanie Walker (2013). Had Miller not missed time, he was projected to finish with 116 points - that would have been good for fifth among tight ends.

 

[Greenbacks]

Cincinnati Bengals

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Projections
Tyler Eifert: 54 rec, 668 yards, 7 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 108.8 fantasy points

The Bengals ranked 24th in tight end targets and were tied for 19th in red-zone targets in their first season under offensive coordinator Ken Zampese. ... Tyler Eifert led the team's tight ends in targets (47), but he missed half of the season due to injuries. He has now missed more games (26) over the last three years than he's been active for (22), which is a major cause for concern for fantasy owners. His statistical upside is huge, however, as Eifert would have projected for 92 targets, 62 catches, 769 yards and 14 touchdowns over 16 games based on the totals he produced in the last two seasons. He'll be worth a roll of the dice in the middle to late rounds, but there's a lot of risk involved.

 

[Greenbacks]

Cleveland Browns

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Projections
David Njoku: 45 rec, 489 yards, 4 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 70.9 fantasy points

The Browns ranked 23rd in targets and 29th in red-zone targets among tight ends last season, which is no surprise when you consider the decline in Gary Barnidge's numbers. ... With Barnidge now off the roster, David Njoku projects as the new starter. Rookie tight ends rarely make an immediate fantasy impact, however, so the Miami (FL) product won't be worth more than a late flier in seasonal formats. ... In six seasons as either an NFL head coach or offensive coordinator, Hue Jackson has produced a pair of top-10 fantasy tight ends (Eifert - 2015, Zach Miller - 2010). ... The Browns have had a pair of top-10 tight ends (Barnidge - 2015, Jordan Cameron - 2013) in the last four seasons.

 

[Greenbacks]

Dallas Cowboys

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Projections
Jason Witten: 62 rec, 634 yards, 4 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 88.1 fantasy points

Dallas was tied for 18th in tight end targets and tied for 13th in red-zone chances a season ago. ... Jason Witten finished 14th in fantasy points among tight ends and has experienced a down tick in targets in recent seasons. In fact, he's averaged 96 targets over the last three years after averaging 127 in his previous seven seasons. Witten is now worth no more than a late-round flier in drafts. ... In his 15 seasons as an NFL head coach or offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan has produced just four top-10 fantasy tight ends. Those include Jim Kleinsasser (2003), Jermaine Wiggins (2004), Randy McMichael (2005) and Witten (2014). However, he's had just one top-10 tight end since 2006.

 

[Greenbacks]

Denver Broncos

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Projections
A.J. Derby: 31 rec, 274 yards, 3 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 39.4 fantasy points
Virgil Green: 18 rec, 163 yards, 1 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 22.3 fantasy points

The Broncos finished tied for 28th in targets and 31st in red-zone targets among tight ends in 2016. ... Virgil Green was fourth on the team in targets, but he saw a mere 37 and was targeted in the red zone four times. A better blocker than pass catcher, he won't make an impact in fantasy leagues. ... A.J. Derby could be a player to watch, as new offensive coordinator Mike McCoy likes to use his tight ends in the red zone. However, Derby isn't a draftable asset at this point. ... In four seasons as the head coach in San Diego, McCoy's tight ends combined to score 45 touchdowns (11.2 per season). That includes Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry, who scored a total of 15 times just last season.

 

[Greenbacks]

Detroit Lions

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Projections
Eric Ebron: 66 rec, 724 yards, 4 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 98.2 fantasy points

The Lions ranked 26th in tight end targets and 30th in red-zone targets last season. ... Eric Ebron ranked fourth on the team with a career-high in targets (85), and he recorded personal bests in receptions (61), yards (711) and yards per catch (11.7). His one touchdown catch caused him to fall to 15th in fantasy points at the position, however. ... The departure of Anquan Boldin (95 targets) should mean a bigger target share is ahead for Ebron, who will also see a portion of the 23 red-zone opportunities that the veteran left behind. For fantasy fans who like to wait on the tight end position, Ebron is a perfect target. He's on the verge of what could be a top-10 tight end campaign.

 

[Greenbacks]

Green Bay Packers

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Projections
Martellus Bennett: 58 rec, 628 yards, 6 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 98.8 fantasy points

Green Bay was tied for 21st in targets and tied for 18th in red-zone chances among tight ends a season ago. ... Jared Cook was fifth in targets (51) on a team that saw three wideouts (Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb) and a converted wideout (Ty Montgomery) finish in the top four. With Cook no longer on the roster, Martellus Bennett becomes the top option at the position for Aaron Rodgers. While Cook's target total wasn't impressive, he did average 5.1 looks per game and was also among the league leaders in target rate per snap (15.5 percent). ... Even in a crowded pass attack, Bennett should still see 70-plus targets and has the potential to be a top-10 option.

 

[Greenbacks]

Houston Texans

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Projections
C.J. Fiedorowicz: 60 rec, 592 yards, 4 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 83.2 fantasy points
Ryan Griffin: 28 rec, 310 yards, 2 TDs, 0 rush yards, 0 rush TDs, 43.0 fantasy points

The Texans finished second in tight end targets and eighth in red-zone targets in 2016, as C.J. Fiedorowicz (89) and Ryan Griffin (74) ranked third and fourth on the team respectively. The duo also combined for 20 red-zone targets, with Fiedorowicz the leader (12) at the position. ... Fiedorowicz finished 10th among all tight ends in targets, and he averaged seven targets in the three games that Tom Savage led the Texans in pass attempts. Overall, the veteran was targeted seven or more times in nine of his final 11 contests. However, his 46 yards-per-game average and three scores in that time left much to be desired. ... Fiedorowicz is a draftable asset, but he's just a No. 2 fantasy option.