Fantasy football buzz: Should you fade De’Von Achane or embrace the risk?playIntroducing ESPN knockout leagues, a new way to play fantasy football (1:10)ESPN FantasyJul 27, 2026, 09:43 AM ETClose
Everything that happens in the NFL has additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.
Our Fantasy Football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the league.
July 27: Fade De’Von Achane or embrace the risk?
Eric Moody: Achane is being drafted as the RB5 and 11th overall, yet some managers view him as one of the biggest bust candidates.
The upside is obvious. Achane has already established himself as one of the league’s most explosive running backs, producing career highs of 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 1,350 rushing yards last season. Since entering the league in 2023, his 5.62 yards per carry leads all qualified backs. He has also scored at least 11 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons.
What separates Achane from most backs is his ability to create fantasy points in multiple ways. He can turn an ordinary carry into a long TD, but he has also been one of the league’s most productive receiving backs. Over the past two seasons, Achane averaged 86.0 targets and 72.5 receptions. That combination of rushing efficiency, receiving volume and big-play ability gives him league-winning upside.
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There are legitimate concerns, though.
New Dolphins QB Malik Willis has historically targeted RBs far less frequently than former starter Tua Tagovailoa. Willis is also more likely to scramble instead of checking the ball down, which could reduce Achane’s receiving production. Achane averaged 21.5 fantasy points in games with Tagovailoa over the past two seasons, compared to only 10.5 without him.
Mike McDaniel’s departure creates another unknown. His motion-heavy scheme consistently put Achane in favorable situations and maximized his speed. New offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik must prove he can do the same.
Even with those concerns, there are reasons to believe Achane can remain an elite fantasy option. Slowik spent last season as Miami’s passing game coordinator, so he already understands Achane’s strengths. Head coach Jeff Hafley has also emphasized building a physical offense around the running game, play-action and the strengths of the roster. Achane should be at the center of that plan.
Miami’s offensive line also offers more stability than expected. Four starters return from a unit that helped the Dolphins average 4.73 yards per carry last season. Center Aaron Brewer remains a major strength, while first-round guard Kadyn Proctor brings additional upside and athleticism.
Miami also hired Zach Yenser as its offensive line coach. Yenser spent the past two seasons as the Houston Texans’ assistant O-line coach, helping a unit that paved the way for Joe Mixon to rush for 1,016 yards and 11 TDs in 2024. He also coached Ray Davis during his 1,452-yard, 21-TD season at Kentucky and previously worked with some of the San Francisco 49ers’ best rushing offenses.
Fantasy managers are understandably nervous about Miami’s QB and coaching changes, but I’m willing to accept the risk. Achane may lose some receiving volume, but his explosiveness, limited competition and projected 323 touches still give him elite RB1 upside.
July 24: Sorting through the Panthers, Texans and Broncos backfields
Jonathon Brooks played three games in his 2024 draft year and has been sidelined since Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesBy Liz LozaCarolina Panthers: Entering training camp as the Panthers’ projected RB1, Chuba Hubbard aims to rebound after a nagging calf injury and subsequent inefficiency limited him to just 8.4 fantasy points per game (RB40) last season. Trevor Etienne and Jonathon Brooks are also involved, sharing reps with the first-team offense during training camp. Brooks has the talent and potential opportunity to nab a sizable role.
Lauded for his explosive running style and tackle-breaking ability, the Texas standout was selected 46th overall by the Panthers in 2024. Two ACL tears — suffered in a span of just 13 months — have kept Brooks sidelined for all but three pro efforts. He now appears back to health, working as a full participant at training camp. Dave Canales validated Brooks’ hardiness stating, “He looks like the guy that I remember, and I’m really excited for that.” Noting Rico Dowdle’s departure and Hubbard’s aforementioned struggles, Brooks presents with league-winning upside. He’s currently being drafted in the 13th round of 10-team leagues.
Houston Texans: The Texans traded for David Montgomery in an attempt to retool the team’s backfield, which averaged the fourth-fewest yards per carry (3.9) and ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game (108.9) last year. While he may not be the fastest or flashiest runner, Montgomery is more than a one-note power back. He’s a nuanced three-down producer with adequate hands and massive red zone appeal. Montgomery brings stability and consistency to the Texans. Something that Woody Marks has not yet achieved.
The second-year back is expected to receive a decent number of reps with running backs coach Danny Barrett recently saying that “He’s [Marks] going to get lots of opportunities.” Barrett also added “I think the key for Woody is understanding his role” and “… his role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams. He’s a kickoff return guy. But, more importantly, probably in the passing game as well.” That aligns with what we know about Marks as a player. Lauded for being a versatile receiving threat in college, the 25-year-old could flirt with upward of 30 catches. While Marks figures to serve a purposeful role, Montgomery remains the best fantasy bet. Projected to lead the backfield in terms of touches and fantasy points, Montgomery offers investors RB2 appeal at an overall ADP of 72.3.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton is notorious for employing a rotation of running backs, which makes forecasting this year’s crowded backfield all the more head-scratching. J.K. Dobbins led last year’s group — averaging 16.4 touches and 11.6 fantasy points per game — before a foot injury ended his season prematurely in Week 10. In his stead, R.J. Harvey took over the primary ball carrier duties for the remainder of the season. While he excelled as a receiver (RB8 in targets, receptions, and receiving yards) the then-rookie managed an unremarkable 3.4 yards per carry on his 96 total totes after Dobbins was sidelined. Seemingly underwhelmed, Denver brass chose to further clutter the backfield, drafting Jonah Coleman in the fourth round. In possession of pile-dragging power and adequate hands, the rookie enters training camp with a chance to seize a sizable role. With a hydra this headed, however, managers are best served staying away in redraft leagues. Though, in dynasty Coleman makes for an enticing long-term investment.
July 23: Can you rely on Jared Goff all season long?
Playing in one of the most explosive offensive systems in the NFL, Jared Goff remains a stable and consistent QB2 option in superflex and standard fantasy leagues. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn ImagesMatt Bowen: In a 2QB superflex format or a home league where managers draft multiple quarterbacks, are you taking the high-ceiling target, or do you focus more on landing the passer who gives you a more reliable floor?Your League, Your Rules
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For me, I want stability at the QB2 spot — numbers I can count on, even if the upside is somewhat limited. Give me 16-18 points in the lineup. I can win with that in Superflex and I know what I’m getting in standard leagues if my starter is on a bye or if he’s down due to an injury.
The quarterback I keep coming back to is Jared Goff. Goff averaged 17.5 PPG last season and we know he can have breakout weeks (four games of at least 24 points). Plus, he plays in one of the league’s most explosive offenses. That unit averaged 27.8 PPG last season (second-most in the league) with legit targets in the passing game.
Amon-Ra St. Brown can uncover at every level of the field. Jameson Williams has big play juice. Jahmyr Gibbs is electric out of the backfield. And TE Sam LaPorta is primed for a bounce-back season. There are gameplan advantages here.
Now, I know Goff brings extremely limited rushing upside to the lineup (just 45 rushing yards last season). He’s a pure pocket thrower. But the Lions’ offensive system is one that centers on rhythm concepts off play-action, layered reads and vertical shots, and Goff is one of the league’s best at seeing the field and delivering the ball on time/with location. Over his past three seasons, Goff has averaged 17.9 PPG, with at least 4,500 yards passing and 30 touchdowns in each.
Solid and consistent numbers you can count on? I’ll take it.
July 22: Is Sam LaPorta a draft day bargain?
Despite concerns about his comeback from injury, Sam LaPorta could emerge as a bargain draft pick for managers who prefer to wait to draft TEs. Scott W. Grau/Icon SportswireTristan H. Cockcroft: A one-time fantasy football star, Sam LaPorta’s career has slipped over the past two seasons, with the most recent seeing him miss the Detroit Lions’ final eight games due to a herniated disc in his back that ultimately required a microdiscectomy. Jeremy Fowler’s report Tuesday that LaPorta has been fully cleared for training camp (with surgery having corrected the issue) is welcome news to the tight end’s prospective fantasy managers.
LaPorta set the single-season record for fantasy points by a rookie tight with 239.3 in 2023. It would be a mark he’d hold for a short time, as Brock Bowers scored 262.7 points the following season. Interestingly enough, Bowers would also struggle through injuries during his own follow-up campaign, as his fantasy production dipped to 176.2 points, in part due to five missed games. The patterns served as reminders of both the perils of regression as well as the wear and tear of TEs.
But as 2026 dawns, there’s far more optimism surrounding Bowers’ rebound prospects than LaPorta’s. In early mocks, Bowers is going second on average among tight ends and 21st overall. LaPorta is going seventh and 65th. That’s a divide that makes sense — LaPorta has had three seasons thus far in the NFL, compared to Bowers’ two — but it still indicates a prospective bargain hailing from the Motor City.
As I approach the tight end position in my own drafts this preseason, I’m taking two angles: Go all-in on the top talent, taking a Trey McBride or Bowers if they linger into the third round or Colston Loveland if he makes it into the fifth, or wait until the eighth round or later and seek a high-profit performer.
The latter is a group that in many drafts can include Harold Fannin Jr., George Kittle, Tucker Kraft and, yes, LaPorta. Though “65th” in ADP gives the sense that LaPorta is going too soon to qualify for the group, bear in mind that he went 87th in our most recent mock and in the eighth round or later in each of our past four mock drafts as well as nine out of 10 that we did in May.
Even in LaPorta’s down years (2024-25), he averaged 11.3 fantasy points, sixth-best among tight ends who played in at least 20 games, more than Loveland (TE3 in ADP), Tyler Warren (TE4), more than Kyle Pitts Sr. (TE5), more than Kraft and competitive with Fannin’s rookie-year production. LaPorta’s 14 weeks as a top-10 tight end scorer in that time were tied for fifth-best at the position, and that’s in spite of the fact that he had a 12.3% target share.
Keep tabs on his progress once training camps open, but a healthy LaPorta absolutely qualifies as a prospective bargain.
July 21: Six backups to keep on your fantasy radar
Rico Dowdle has been productive at each of his NFL stops and has RB2 potential if he can wrangle carries from Jaylen Warren. Charles LeClaire/Imagn ImagesMike Clay: Few are as creative with their article concepts as the great Bill Barnwell, and his recent “NFL All-Backup Team” is the just in example. In the piece, which includes his take on the best possible roster using only current backups, Bill includes a handful of players who very well could find their way to the fantasy football radar here in 2026. Here are the names you need to know, beginning with where I have each ranked positionally:
RB30 Rico Dowdle: After consecutive successful seasons with Dallas and Carolina, Dowdle now heads to Pittsburgh, where he has a good chance to lead the team in carries, perhaps by a long shot. If he’s able to separate from Jaylen Warren, RB2 numbers are a possibility.
RB33 Kenny Gainwell: Kenny “gained well” this offseason (sorry not sorry), landing $9.83 million guaranteed to join the Buccaneers. He’s likely going to split work with starter Bucky Irving and short-yardage grinder Sean Tucker, but his receiving chops could land him on the flex radar.
TE19 Terrance Ferguson: Ferguson has substantial competition for snaps in the Rams’ deep tight end room, but the 2025 second-round pick very well could operate as Matthew Stafford’s No. 3 target as soon as Week 1. He’s a no-brainer late-round flier.
RB54 Tyler Allgeier: Allgeier has no stand-alone value as a clear backup to third overall pick Jeremiyah Love, but he’s one of fantasy’s most appealing insurance backs and thus worth late-round consideration.
RB56 Keaton Mitchell: One of the most polarizing players on football social media, Mitchell is an explosive situational player, but his role will be limited with 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton ticketed for a feature role.
QB27 Fernando Mendoza: The first overall pick in April’s draft, Mendoza would be a more palatable late-round flier if he wasn’t an underdog to Kirk Cousins to start in Week 1. Pass on draft day, but make a speculative waiver add once his first start draws near.
July 20: Is Garrett Wilson undervalued at his 2026 fantasy ADP?
Despite obvious concerns with the Jets’ offense, Garrett Wilson is still a high-upside receiver heading into 2026. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesEric Moody: Wilson looks like one of the better wide receiver values in fantasy drafts because the market seems to be pricing in the New York Jets’ offensive dysfunction while overlooking just how much target volume he continues to command.
Wilson has seen 147, 168 and 154 targets in his three healthy seasons, and before his knee injury last year, he was again on pace for roughly 160 targets. That kind of workload isn’t always easy to find for someone selected as the WR15 in drafts, with an ADP of 38.4.
The production from Wilson has been solid despite years of shaky quarterback play. He opened his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, posting 83 catches, 1,103 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, 95-1,042-3 in 2023 and career highs of 101-1,104-7 in 2024, which produced 253.9 total fantasy points (WR9).
We also saw the upside before Wilson was injured in 2025. In his first five games, Wilson averaged 9.6 targets and 19.0 fantasy points per game. Through four games, he ranked second among WRs in targets (38) and receptions (27), fifth in receiving yards (311), and third in touchdowns (three).
There are concerns: The Jets’ offense could struggle again; Geno Smith is coming off a season with 19 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and 3,025 passing yards; and New York added more target competition around Wilson. Still, Smith completed 67.4% of his passes last season and owns a 78.3% career on-target rate.
The Jets also added coordinator Frank Reich, whose offenses finished in the top 10 in passing yards three times and in scoring four times across his eight full seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator or head coach. Smith also brings a stronger statistical résumé than Wilson has typically had from his QB.
For redraft leagues, Wilson is best viewed as a high-end WR2 with legitimate WR1 upside. Our projections also point to a relatively high floor. From a dynasty perspective, Wilson is still just 26 years old and is worth targeting in trades, especially for teams contending for a championship. His value has been dragged down by years of offensive woes in New York, but the talent, age and target volume are still there.
July 17: Reasons for concern about Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor has been a steady fantasy force, but is his recent workload cause for concern? AP Photo/Martin MeissnerLiz Loza: Taylor has become one of the position’s most reliable producers, finishing inside the top 12 among fantasy running backs in four of six campaigns. Volume has long floated his production, as he averages 18.4 carries per contest in his career. The whispers about adjusting his upcoming workload are Indy’s version of summer stock: pure theater.Entering the final year of his contract and on a roster scant of talent, Taylor figures to remain the centerpiece of the Colts’ offense in 2026. The question is not how often he’ll be fed but, rather, if he can withstand the projected feast.A running back has cleared 300 totes in consecutive seasons just 15 times over the past two decades. Taylor and Derrick Henry are the only two backs to have done so in the past two seasons.
Just six of the other 13 backs reached 1,000 rushing yards the following season and only four of them played in every game (LaDainian Tomlinson, Chris Johnson, Michael Turner, Marshawn Lynch).
Consecutive 300-carry seasons, since 2006-07Next season2019-20 Derrick Henry937 rush yds, 10 TDs (9 games missed)2018-19 Ezekiel Elliott979 rush yds, 6 TDs (1 game missed)2013-14 LeSean McCoy895 rush yds, 3 TDs (4 games missed)2012-13 Marshawn Lynch1,306 rush yds, 13 TDs2010-11 Michael Turner800 rush yds, 10 TDs2009-10 Cedric Benson1,067 rush yds, 6 TDs (1 game missed)2009-10 Steven Jackson1,145 rush yds, 5 TDs (1 game missed)2009-10 Chris Johnson1,047 rush yds, 4 TDs2008-09 Adrian Peterson1,298 rush yds, 12 TDs (1 game missed)2007-08 Clinton Portis494 rush yds, 1 TD (8 games missed)2006-07 Willie Parker791 rush yds, 5 TDs (5 games missed)2006-07 Edgerrin James514 rush yds, 3 TDs (3 games missed)2006-07 LaDainian Tomlinson1,110 rush yds, 11 TDsThere is one notable constant: a drop in workload. These 13 players averaged 89.9 fewer carries the next season and all of them saw a decline of more than 20 carries.Daniel Jones’ return from injury further complicates matters for Taylor’s output. The 27-year-old Taylor’s numbers plummeted after Jones tore his Achilles in Week 14. Despite seeing a slight uptick in rushing opportunities, Taylor’s efficiency and fantasy points per outing dropped significantly. While Jones is expected to be under center in Week 1, a setback could torpedo Taylor’s stock.Jonathan Taylor 2025 breakdownWeeks 1-13Weeks 14-18*Carries PG18.8 (RB3)19.4 (RB2)Yds per carry5.7 (RB2)3.1 (RB48)Fantasy PPG24.8 (RB2)12.9 (RB22)*Jones was injured early in Week 14 gameTaylor’s feature-back status certainly provides potential investors with a high floor. However, his extensive mileage and history of ankle issues make drafting a premium wide receiver — like Amon-Ra St. Brown or CeeDee Lamb — a perfectly viable alternative.
July 15: Why free agent Stefon Diggs is a value right now
Stefon Diggs was productive last season, but will he find a team to play for in 2026? Scott Taetsch/Getty ImagesEric Karabell: A notable wide receiver, who caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards last season and outscored Drake London, CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson in PPR formats, remains without a team to perform with as training camp approaches. This receiver can be controversial, of course (though he isn’t alone in that respect), which might explain why he has been employed for three franchises over the past three seasons, but it is hard to argue with the numbers.
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What should fantasy managers do about four-time Pro Bowl WR Stefon Diggs?
Diggs, 32, made unfortunate news this offseason for off-field conduct, but there doesn’t appear to be a potential NFL suspension lurking for when he finds a team. Diggs has been vocal recently, stating on his own YouTube channel “you can’t name a better No. 2 [WR] than me,” and, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “at least five teams have been checking in on Diggs.” This makes sense. NFL teams covet production, often at any financial (or other) cost.
Other than the 2024 season with the Houston Texans, which was interrupted by a serious knee injury, Diggs has been a model of on-field consistency, topping 1,000 receiving yards seven times, sailing past 100 receptions five times and scoring double-digit touchdowns twice. He starred for the Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills and, last season, New England Patriots, who ostensibly replaced him with former Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown. Perhaps a reunion is possible, perhaps not, but some NFL team must sign the talented Diggs.
Diggs continues to find a home in our weekly mock drafts at ESPN Fantasy, but clearly far later than his 2025 numbers and his potential 2026 statistics warrant. Perhaps there is no “right time” to take the chance, but if Diggs signs with an NFL team tomorrow, those that passed him up in drafts that matter to them may regret it. I selected Diggs late in the 11th round of the Scott Fish Bowl industry slow draft (12 teams, modified PPR), well after the top 100 and a few spots before I took Bills WR Khalil Shakir. I felt the upside of Diggs was worth it there. He had fallen far enough.
In ESPN leagues, Diggs is currently outside of the top 50 for wide receivers in ADP, going in the range of Carolina Panthers third-year option Jalen Coker, New York Jets rookie Omar Cooper Jr. and Tennessee Titans veteran Calvin Ridley. This seems like incredible value. Diggs is rostered in only 32.4% of leagues, though up slightly during the past week. This probably reflects fantasy managers seeing Diggs commenting, perhaps presuming a resolution to his unemployment will soon be remedied.
Who really knows for sure? Perhaps we’re still talking about Diggs in a month, or perhaps no NFL franchise wants to deal with this situation. Both of those seem unlikely. This well-established fellow scored 210.3 fantasy points last season. It will not be long before he finds work and his projection and ranking adjust. If you happen to be drafting soon, get ahead of the news and consider Diggs before it is too late.
July 14: Jalen Coker among trio of WRs to target late in drafts
Jalen Coker is trending upward on an improving Panthers offense and makes for a fine late-round pick. Bob Donnan/Imagn ImagesMatt Bowen: Everyone is looking for some upside late in fantasy drafts. Players who can emerge at some point during the season. Where there’s path to weekly production. Today, let’s look at three players on my radar who are being undervalued at this point of the summer. We’ll start in Carolina.Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan is the No. 1 in Carolina. We know that. But I saw enough from Coker over the second half of last season to keep him on my draft board this summer. Coker missed time to start last season due to an injury, but from Weeks 11-18 he averaged 11.0 PPG with four games of double-digit production and had a touchdown reception in three. Coker has the vertical stretch ability to win down the field, plus he can run the deep in-breakers or see the ball on three-step quicks underneath. I see a versatile target here with multi-level ability, and the growth of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in Dave Canales’ system matters here, too. The arrow is pointing up on Coker, the No. 2 in the Carolina route tree. Grab him in the later rounds.
Romeo Doubs, New England Patriots
The trade for A.J. Brown has quieted the talk on Doubs and his role in the Patriots pass game this season. But let’s remember that Doubs signed a four-year deal with New England, which included $39 million in guarantees. Doubs, who averaged 10.3 PPG in Green Bay last season, is willing to work the middle of the field, plus he can uncover in the red zone. Doubs caught four of his six touchdowns last season on throws inside the 10-yard line, and he saw nine end zone targets. As the No. 2 opposite Brown, Doubs doesn’t bring a high-end ceiling to the lineup, but he can be a reliable target with PPR juice for quarterback Drake Maye. And I just landed Doubs in the 11th round of our 12-team PPR mock draft. Good value for a player who could produce some WR3 weeks this season.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Michael Pittman Jr. is gone. He’s in Pittsburgh now. That leaves Downs to compete for targets with boundary receiver Alec Pierce and tight end Tyler Warren in Indianapolis. So, let’s target Downs in the Colts’ system as a dynamic mover in the slot — with PPR upside. From Weeks 1-13 last season, before the injury to quarterback Daniel Jones, Downs had five games of double-digit production with six receptions in four. While Downs won’t post big touchdown numbers (11 touchdown receptions over three seasons), he’s in line to see a boost in target volume this season. Put him on the radar as a potential WR3/flex.
July 10: Five players with breakout potential in IDP leagues
Coming off his first season as a full-time starter, Laiatu Latu has double-digit sack upside in 2026. Jeffrey Brown/Icon SportswireEric Moody: Individual Defensive Player (IDP) fantasy leagues are often won by finding defenders who outperform their average draft position after the obvious names are gone. These five sleepers all have a clear path to more snaps or a bigger role in 2026, making them worth targeting later in drafts.Payton Wilson, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Wilson could take a big step simply by staying on the field in a strong front-seven environment. He has played every game over the last two seasons and improved his tackle and sack totals from 2024 to 2025. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s simpler defensive scheme should help Wilson play faster, better understand what’s happening around him, and turn his athleticism into more snaps and tackles.
Nic Scourton, DL, Carolina Panthers: Scourton showed flashes late in his rookie season and now gets the benefit of a better supporting cast around him. He finished 2025 tied for the team lead with 5.0 sacks, ranked second with 34 pressures, added 47 tackles and had seven tackles for loss. With improved hand work and more one-on-one opportunities next to Jaelan Phillips and Derrick Brown, Scourton has a real chance to take a major step in his second season.
Malaki Starks, DB, Baltimore Ravens: Starks’ role next to Kyle Hamilton should create big-play opportunities this season. Hamilton does so much work near the line of scrimmage that Starks should get more freedom to play deep, read the quarterback and capitalize on hurried throws. That might cap his tackle upside, but it boosts his chances for interceptions and passes defended in his second NFL season.
Laiatu Latu, DL, Indianapolis Colts: Latu has already shown the fantasy production and pressure rate to support a breakout. He became a full-time starter in his second season in 2025, posted good sack (8.5) and tackle for loss (12) numbers last season and even added three interceptions. Most importantly, he ranked in the top 10 in pressure rate among edge rushers, which points to legitimate double-digit sack upside.
Jalyx Hunt, DL, Philadelphia Eagles: Hunt’s second-half surge is exactly the kind of trend worth chasing late in fantasy drafts this summer. After a slow start, Hunt stockpiled 33 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions from Weeks 10-18. Even in a part-time role, Hunt led the Eagles in pressures (55) and sacks (8) for the season. If that momentum carries over, he could crush his ADP.
July 9: Houston, we’ve got RB potential!
David Montgomery could be set for a lead role with the Houston Texans. Tim Warner/Getty ImagesTristan H. Cockcroft: The run game hasn’t been stellar during DeMeco Ryans’ three-year tenure as the Houston Texans’ head coach. His teams have placed 22nd, 15th and 22nd in rushing during that time, with nine different running backs getting double-digit carries in a game. Joe Mixon (17th in 2024) was the only one to finish higher than 29th at the position in fantasy points in any of those years.
But after an offseason that saw the Texans trade for veteran running back David Montgomery and bolster their offensive line by adding free agents Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller and drafting Keylan Rutledge in the first round, things might be looking up for the team’s backfield … or are they?
Montgomery, now 29, is coming off the worst of his seven seasons to date, though he was playing in a supporting role behind star Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. In his first two years in Detroit, Montgomery placed in the top 15 at the position in fantasy points per game (12th in 2023, 15th in 2024), and bear in mind the latter came in a season when Gibbs led all running backs in scoring. Montgomery’s speed and big-play metrics, while never top-shelf, remained consistent across his three years with the Lions, and, despite his age, his workloads have never been particularly concerning.
In Houston, Montgomery is expected to serve as the lead back, taking the reins from second-year Woody Marks, whose 79.5 fantasy points after taking over as the starter in Week 10 of last season ranked 32nd among running backs. Marks is expected to maintain a meaningful role, though all indications are that he’ll more likely be used as a change-of-pace and passing-down back.
It’s that passing department where the Texans’ backfield struggles become most clear: Ryans’ teams have targeted the running back on 15.4% of their pass attempts, sixth lowest in the league, signaling Ryans’ and quarterback C.J. Stroud’s preference for their deep crop of wide receivers and tight ends. The team returns largely the same receiving room, meaning this might again be a bottom-half squad as far as running back targets, but there are reasons for optimism nevertheless.
Montgomery’s arrival gives the Texans a much more suitable backfield tandem than their 2025 model. Marks, for example, was a considerably better receiving back in the eight games he played behind Nick Chubb to begin the season, averaging 5.2 fantasy points per game on passing plays with a 20.8% target share, compared with 2.7 and 12.6% after he took over as the starter. Montgomery, meanwhile, has proved to be a capable pass catcher in his own right, averaging 4.3 fantasy points per game on passing plays and having three seasons of 30-plus receptions. He’ll cede most of that work to Marks but should prove at least adequate in that area.
The offensive line remains a concern, however, as Rutledge, Smith and Teller boost what was one of the league’s worst overall units in 2025, though none represents a substantial upgrade. Smith and Teller have injury concerns, missing 17 games between them the past two seasons, while Rutledge will be transitioning to center after primarily playing right guard in college. A lot of things will need to go right on the offensive line if the Texans’ backfield is to truly reach the league’s upper tiers.
Considering that this is Montgomery’s best opportunity for a big rushing workload in three years, and that he’s likely to handle the bulk of goal-line chances, he’s a plenty capable fantasy RB2. His No. 25 positional ADP — behind 22 clear starters and two tandem backs (TreVeyon Henderson, Jadarian Price) — paints the picture of a relative fantasy bargain.
Marks, meanwhile, is going 42nd among running backs, one spot ahead of the running back who inherited Montgomery’s old job in Detroit, Isiah Pacheco. Marks’ potential spike in receiving work, which will better use his skill set, makes him a relative value for the price tag in PPR leagues as well.
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July 8: Don’t sleep on 49ers’ Pearsall late in drafts
Ricky Pearsall was limited to nine games last season but led the 49ers in receiving yards per game. Matthew Huang/Icon SportswireEric Karabell: San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall has played in only 20 of 34 NFL games since being selected No. 31 in the 2024 NFL draft, as injuries and bad luck (including being shot) have hampered him. Pearsall is healthy today (well, who isn’t?) and in line to start for one football’s most creative and productive offenses. Yeah, MVP candidate RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Mike Evans coming from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and TE George Kittle are options for QB Brock Purdy, but do not overlook Pearsall.
After all, Pearsall, 25, has performed well when healthy. He started last season with a pair of 100-yard receiving efforts in September before a knee injury cost him six weeks. Pearsall had 96 receiving yards in Week 15 and reached 85 in Week 17. No 49ers WR reached 650 receiving yards for the season, but Pearsall led the squad by averaging 58.7 receiving yards in his nine games.
Predicting injury is dangerous and difficult, and one can see how productive this 49ers offense might be if the key players can simply stay on the field. Purdy averaged 4,000 passing yards for the 2023-24 seasons. McCaffrey, even with volume reduced from last season — how can it not be? — remains stellar. Evans was a 1,000-yard receiver every year until 2025, and Kittle has achieved that mark four times. Purdy’s main targets are at least 30 years old except Pearsall. With a little luck, perhaps we’ll get to enjoy a full season and a full breakout. Consider Pearsall late in fantasy drafts.
July 7: Five players who are value picks in best ball drafts (or any format)
After a down 2025 season, Jerry Jeudy is a value player hidden in plain sight in all manner of fantasy football formats. Scott Galvin-Imagn ImagesMike Clay: We’re not quite in the heart of fantasy football draft season, but DraftKings best ball drafts
have been running for months. I’ve drafted my fair share of squads, and a close look at my exposure magnified several underrated players scattered throughout the draft pool.
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cardinals: The third overall pick in April’s NFL draft, Love is looking to become the 10th consecutive running back drafted in the top 12 to finish top 12 in fantasy points as a rookie. Effective as both a rusher and receiver, Love has an elite statistical ceiling but can be had at the Round 2/3 turn.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Steelers: The new Steelers’ wide receiver has finished as a top-20 fantasy scorer four of the past five seasons but can be had in the ninth round of drafts. Pittman isn’t a big touchdown scorer, but he has produced 800-plus receiving yards for four years in a row and has a good shot to pace the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers in receptions.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Browns: This one might raise an eyebrow, but a 15th-round ADP for a player of Jeudy’s caliber is a bit of a head-scratcher. Yes, 2025 was a disaster (he averaged a career-low 7.1 fantasy points per game), but he was a top-25 receiver in two of the prior three seasons (including 12th in 2024) and is still in his prime at age 27. Even with added target competition, Jeudy is Cleveland’s best pass catcher and well worth a late-round dart throw.
Ray Davis, RB, Bills: The late rounds were made for insurance running back lottery tickets, and Davis is one of my favorites. Sure, he has near zero stand-alone value, but should James Cook III miss time, Davis will be the lead rusher in one of the NFL’s top offenses. We saw that scenario three times over the past two seasons and Davis averaged 21.0 touches, 130.3 yards and 19.4 fantasy PPG in those outings.
Jack Bech, WR, Raiders: Bech didn’t do much during an underwhelming rookie campaign — he cleared three targets in a game only twice and failed to score a touchdown — but the 2025 second-round draft pick has a new offensive playcaller, a new quarterback and minimal target competition. The TCU product is one of my favorite Hail Mary picks in the 19th or 20th round.
July 6: The Buccaneers backfield offers excellent value
Bucky Irving of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers averaged 9.2 yards per catch in 2025. Cliff Welch/Icon SportswireEric Moody: Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell are two of my favorite values at their current average draft positions, and I want exposure to this Buccaneers backfield in as many drafts as possible.
Irving is the RB20 in our draft trends and could outperform his average draft position. His 2025 season was disappointing, but it also created the discount. As a rookie, he produced 1,514 total yards, eight touchdowns and 5.4 yards per carry in 17 games while looking like one of the most dynamic runners in football, consistently making defenders miss and turning ordinary touches into explosive gains. Irving then fell to 865 total yards, four touchdowns and 3.4 YPC last season while missing seven games. The statistical drop looks ugly on the surface, but context is important. Irving dealt with foot, shoulder and knee injuries, underwent offseason shoulder surgery, and was running behind a Buccaneers offensive line that was wrecked by injuries and finished 27th in run block win rate.
The Buccaneers’ OL should be healthier entering the season and better up front. Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, Graham Barton and Cody Mauch give Tampa Bay a solid foundation if the group stays healthy. This OL was a problem last year because it could not stay intact, not because it lacks talent. That positions Irving as a bounceback candidate, especially with sources telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter in late May that he should be ready later this summer as he rehabs his shoulder. We also have Irving projected to lead the Buccaneers’ backfield in touches.
Tampa Bay did bolster its depth behind Irving this offseason, signing the veteran Gainwell. He broke out late last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as he averaged 13.3 touches and 17.8 fantasy points from Week 8 on. He did most of his damage as a receiver, which is important in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have consistently used running backs in the passing game, and Gainwell gives them someone who can handle that role right away. Tampa Bay also brought back Sean Tucker, who scored eight TDs (seven rushing) as a rookie, and could siphon away goal line opportunities.
Our projections suggest Irving and Gainwell should dominate the backfield touches. Irving has a clearer path to lead-back work and a higher ceiling if he returns to form, making him someone I’m comfortable drafting as my RB2. Gainwell is on the flex radar in deeper leagues and has significant upside if Irving misses time or struggles. This is a backfield I want exposure to in fantasy, and I want to leave as many drafts as possible with at least one of them on my roster.
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Buccaneers’ offseason grades
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Sleepers, breakouts and busts
July 2: Loveland is Chicago’s best pick
Colston Loveland was TE2 in the second half of last season. Melissa Tamez/Icon SportswireLiz Loza: There is a heated debate brewing in the Windy City. It has nothing to do with keeping ketchup off hotdogs or pretending that Pequod’s isn’t the Toddlin’ Town’s best pie. No, this conundrum is borne out of a place of privilege. That’s because for the first time in upwards of 20 years (more if you ask the locals), Chicago is beset with an embarrassment of offensive riches. These modern day Bears boast a charming and creative play-caller, a Madden Cover QB, and three playmaking pass-catchers. What a dizzying display of abundance!Based on current ADP, fantasy managers appear similarly high on the Bears’ corps. Colston Loveland (44.0) is presently being drafted in the fifth-round while Rome Odunze (73.9) and Luther Burden III (74.2) are both coming off the board in the eighth round. All three figure to benefit from the targets vacated by Olamide Zaccheaus (65) and D.J. Moore (85), Ben Johnson’s YAC-friendly scheme, and their individual connections with Caleb Williams.
Additionally, each member of Chicago’s “Big Three” comes equipped with his own power-up. Loveland could break the position, as he went on a tear over the back-half of 2025, wowing as fantasy’s TE2 from Weeks 9 through 18. Odunze offers big-time red zone appeal and led the team in end zone opportunities (11 looks over 12 games) during his sophomore effort. Burden flashed game-breaking speed while posting jaw-dropping efficiency metrics, registering 2.79 yards per route run (WR3).
While fans squabble over which of the two receivers will emerge as Chicago’s true No. 1, the surest virtual bet figures to be the squad’s tight end. Premier tight ends have regularly stunted the production of their team’s lead wideouts. Over the past decade, with the exception of Tyreek Hill, No. 1 WRs who shared the field with TEs averaging 15 fantasy points per game were all pushed outside of the top-15 FF producers at the position.
Starting TESeasonWR1PPGWR RankTrey McBride
Loveland recorded a target share of 22.3% (TE12) while managing 10.3 fantasy points per game as a rookie. He enters 2026 as ESPN’s consensus TE3, projected to haul in at least 80 balls for over 900 yards and upwards of six scores. Either Odunze or Burden could flirt with WR2 fantasy numbers, but neither is likely to finish inside the top 15. Leaning into either receiver’s upside is a completely appropriate choice, as long as one understands the likely statistical limitations of reported decision.
July 1: Will Chris Godwin Jr. be one of 2026’s biggest bounce-backs?
How early will you draft Chris Godwin Jr. in your fantasy football drafts? Cliff Welch/Icon SportswireTristan H. Cockcroft: It wasn’t too long ago that Godwin was one of fantasy football’s superstar-caliber wide receivers, with six consecutive seasons (2018-23) finishing among the position’s top 31 in fantasy points. In fact, through the first seven weeks of the 2024 season, he totaled 137.8 points, second-most among wide receivers and only three-tenths of a point behind Ja’Marr Chase’s number.
That, however, was the unfortunate week in which Godwin suffered a season-ending ankle injury, including a dislocation and ligament damage as a result of his leg being caught under Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith while trying to make a catch. Godwin would miss the Buccaneers’ final 10 games of that season, as well as the first three and five additional games last year as he worked himself back to full strength. In his absence, Emeka Egbuka, the No. 19 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, emerged as a productive receiving partner to Mike Evans.
Evans has since departed for San Francisco, leaving a logical competition between sophomore Egbuka and 30-year-old Godwin for the honor of being quarterback Baker Mayfield’s top target. Particularly interesting in this battle is that both players fit more of a slot-receiver mold, handling tougher catches over the middle, though Egbuka can, and did last season, handle more of the outside routes.
Fantasy managers are regarding Egbuka (45th player selected overall/WR20) as the clear preferred wide receiver, selecting him 49 overall spots sooner and 18 wide receivers earlier at the position than Godwin (94th overall/WR38). It’s a curious take considering Egbuka, who exploded onto the NFL scene with a third-best-at-the-position 102.4 fantasy points, cooled considerably later in the year, scoring fewer points over his final 12 games (93.3) and placing only 43rd at the position from Week 6 forward. That reported, his elevated role following Evans’ departure assures that Egbuka shouldn’t have much trouble performing like a fantasy WR2, even if he’s appearing to come with a hefty price tag in early drafts.
It’s Godwin who looks like a potentially major draft-day bargain. Despite never seemingly playing at 100%, he scored 71.8 fantasy points over the season’s final seven weeks, most among Buccaneers wide receivers and 25th best at the position across the league. Godwin’s health reports were positive throughout the offseason, and he received excellent marks for his performances throughout OTAs and minicamp, all signaling good odds that he, rather than Egbuka, will emerge as Mayfield’s No. 1 target.
Zac Robinson, who takes over as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator after serving in the role for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024-25, did get good production from his rotation of slot receivers in Atlanta, with Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Darnell Mooney putting up solid numbers out of the slot in those two years. Robinson’s tendency to rotate receivers in the formation could help maximize the production of both Egbuka, who seems likely to rotate roles the most, and Godwin, but Godwin’s history in the slot should earn him the lion’s share of those snaps.
A 10th-round pick thus far in the preseason, Godwin should be high on your list of wide receivers to stock your position in the middle rounds.
More:
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Each NFL team’s offseason report cards
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“Red flag” players to draft
June 30: Why these three rookie receivers are climbing draft boards
Makai Lemon has a clear path to serve as the WR2 in the Eagles’ offense. Bill Streicher/Imagn ImagesMatt Bowen: After jumping into mock draft rooms and also going through our most recent mock at ESPN, I’m starting to focus on a group of rookie wide receivers I want in my lineup this fall.
Today, let’s hit on three who are climbing my summer draft board based on player traits, anticipated usage and value.
Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints: The Saints’ offense is an ascending unit with an advanced playcaller in Kellen Moore, and the arrow is pointing up on second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. So, yes, I’m going to look at Tyson as the No. 2 target opposite Chris Olave. Tyson can stretch defenses vertically, and at 6-foot-2 he has the ball skills to win playmaking opportunities. Plus, in Moore’s offense — which features plenty of in-breaking concepts — Tyson can get loose after the catch on rhythm throws from Shough. I see WR3 upside here, and you can draft Tyson in the middle rounds.
Makai Lemon, Philadelphia Eagles: With A.J. Brown now in New England, Lemon has a clear path to playing the No. 2 role behind top wideout DeVonta Smith in a Philly offense that will have more timing throws (and under-center snaps) for quarterback Jalen Hurts under new coordinator Sean Mannion. Lemon has the foot quickness to separate, and he will accelerate through the ball to create immediate space after the catch. He’s a coverage manipulator in the route tree. We saw that on his USC tape. In that mock we did earlier this week, I drafted Lemon in the 10th round. That’s really good value for a rookie who can produce some WR2 weeks this season.
Germie Bernard, Pittsburgh Steelers: Bernard is my late-round flier. He has the skills to play inside or outside, but I look at the Alabama product as a slot target in coach Mike McCarthy’s offense. Remember, the slot receiver in McCarthy’s system will see the ball, and Bernard, while he’s not a vertical blazer, showed the ability to uncover on his SEC tape. Yes, Bernard has real competition for targets in Pittsburgh with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., but he can be viewed as a bench stash, especially in 12-team leagues. There’s potential upside here as a chain mover for Aaron Rodgers in 2026.
June 29: Will Rashid Shaheed break out for the Seahawks in 2026?
Rashid Shaheed has an opportunity to break out for the Seahawks this year, and could be a key fantasy draft pick in the middle rounds. Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesEric Karabell: A mere two members of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are going among the top 100 picks in ESPN average live drafts, and one of those fellows wasn’t even on the team last season. That’s Notre Dame rookie RB Jadarian Price, who should emerge with Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III off to the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still a superstar, and one of the first players off the draft board. That’s it! Nobody seems to want Seahawks players after that.
Consider WR Rashid Shaheed as a potential breakout option, and when we say “breakout,” that doesn’t mean stats like Smith-Njigba. It means perhaps he becomes relevant. Shaheed arrived in mid-season trade from the New Orleans Saints and made little fantasy impact for his new team, catching only 15 passes in nine games and scoring nary a touchdown, but he played a key role in the playoffs on offense and special teams. Shaheed, 27, signed a three-year, $51-million contract. The Seahawks will involve him far more this season.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Shaheed enjoyed a “major spring” in the team’s offseason program and QB Sam Darnold and Shaheed worked well together in spring practices, especially on throws in the intermediate passing game. Smith-Njigba hauled in 37% of Darnold’s passes last season, an extraordinary figure not likely to be repeated. Next on Seattle’s reception list was TE AJ Barner with 52 catches. WR Cooper Kupp caught 47 passes, roughly three per game. Shaheed is faster, younger, healthier and far more dynamic than Kupp, who is now 33. Consider 50 receptions easily attainable, and 75 realistic — with at least five TDs — making Shaheed a name to consider in the middle rounds.
June 26: Three players moving up, three moving down
There are multiple reasons why Emeka Egbuka could have a breakout season in 2026. liff Welch/Icon SportswireMatt Bowen: Throughout the summer months, I’ll make changes or tweaks to my preseason rankings. This is based on tape study, projected numbers and sometimes just a gut feel for the position. Here are my most recent changes, with three players moving up and three more moving down.
Three players moving up
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A hamstring injury in Week 6 derailed a hot start to Egbuka’s rookie season (20.0 PPG in Weeks 1-5). However, I see a detailed route runner here who can separate at every level of the field. And with Mike Evans now playing in San Francisco, the door is open for Egbuka to emerge as the top target for Baker Mayfield. Egbuka is up to WR15 for me because of the breakout potential here in Year 2.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, New Orleans Saints: In an ascending Saints offense, Etienne has the makeup of a solid RB2 who can produce some RB1 weeks in Kellen Moore’s offense. Yes, Alvin Kamara could potential stay with the team, but that shouldn’t impact Etienne’s role as the lead back. With his dual-threat traits, Moore can get him loose in space as a pass catcher, plus Etienne can give managers 250-plus carries. I have Etienne slotted as my RB13.
Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears: I had Burden in the WR30 range, but that felt too low. Remember, Burden averaged 15.2 PPG over his last four games in 2025, which includes the 27.8 points he dropped on the 49ers defense in Week 17. Dynamic in the route tree, with high-end ball carrier vision after the catch, Burden is an ideal fit for Ben Johnson’s offense. Schemed targets and touches here. That’s why I moved him to WR22 — in front of teammate Rome Odunze.
Three players moving down
Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos: Nix is coming off the ankle injury that knocked him out of the playoffs, and Davis Webb is taking over as the primary playcaller for Sean Payton’s team. Some variables here to think about: Nix has the potential to produce big weeks (five games of 20 or more points last season), but he’s not an elite runner (three games of 40 or more yards rushing) and his lack of passing efficiency lowers his ceiling. He’s a QB2 for me.
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Minnesota Vikings: Availability concerns with Jones are real, as he’s missed at least six games in two of his past three seasons. Plus, his production declined last season. Jones averaged only 9.9 PPG in 2025, and I see more upside on the tape with backup Jordan Mason in the run game. Jones is down to RB36 in my ranks.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots: I rostered Henry in multiple leagues last season. He averaged 10.5 PPG and had enough red zone usage (22 red zone targets, seven end zone targets) to provide weekly upside. However, with the Patriots adding receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs to boost the perimeter passing game, I dropped Henry down to TE 17 in my current rankings. There’s a lower ceiling for him heading into 2026.
June 25: Lawrence’s late-season surge could be a sign of what’s to come
Trevor Lawrence finished as fantasy’s QB4 last season and could have an even higher ceiling in 2026. Mike Carlson/Getty ImagesEric Moody: Trevor Lawrence is one of the better quarterback targets for fantasy managers who prefer to wait on the position in drafts. He is coming off the best fantasy season of his career, finishing as the QB4, and his second-half surge is what really stands out. From Week 12 on, Lawrence finished as the QB1 while averaging 26.3 fantasy points per game. From Weeks 14-17, Lawrence scored 117.9 fantasy points, the most among QBs during that stretch. That’s when managers needed him most, with those games coming during the fantasy playoffs.
The biggest difference was Lawrence’s rushing production. He ran for a career-high 359 yards and nine touchdowns, while also throwing for 4,007 yards and 29 passing TDs. That rushing TD total is the main regression concern. Lawrence had never scored more than five rushing TDs in a season before, so managers should not assume another nine rushing TD season is coming.
But even with some rushing regression, Lawrence is well positioned for success in Jacksonville in 2026. Liam Coen is back as head coach and playcaller, Lawrence is entering his second year in the system and the Jaguars have a deep group of pass catchers. Jacksonville’s offense averaged 27.7 points per game last season, sixth best in the league, and it was even better late in the year. Over the final seven regular-season games, Lawrence had an 18:4 TD-to-interception ratio and the Jaguars averaged 34.4 PPG.
There is also room for Lawrence to continue to develop as a downfield passer. He attempted the sixth-most throws of 20+ air yards last season but completed only 36% of them, ranking 25th among qualified QBs. If Lawrence’s chemistry with his receivers, particularly Brian Thomas Jr., improves, his ceiling could be even higher.
June 24: Is MarShawn Lloyd being underrated in early drafts?
MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers had six carries in a shortened 2025 season. Larry Radloff/Icon SportswireTristan H. Cockcroft: Lloyd, a 2024 third-rounder, has had an exceedingly difficult time staying on the field in two NFL seasons to date. He has appeared in only one of 34 Green Bay Packers games during that time, held back by multiple hamstring issues, groin and hip injuries and appendicitis. And yet, despite Lloyd’s numerous absences, there he sits, second on the team’s projected running back depth chart following Emanuel Wilson’s departure to Seattle.
It’s a role that could become fantasy relevant in season, being that starting running back Josh Jacobs is now 28 years old, has 1,108 rushing attempts and 1,270 total touches on his legs over the past four seasons and could face discipline from the league following his arrest in May. The Packers seem to have high hopes for the speedy Lloyd, who has to this point of the offseason remained fully healthy and is showing the level of explosiveness the Packers hoped he would exhibit when they drafted him.
Chris Brooks, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry and ran for 10-plus yards on 11% of his attempts the past two seasons, represents Lloyd’s primary competition for the role. Pierre Strong Jr., who spent most of last season on the Packers’ practice squad, is another depth candidate.
Lloyd has been the No. 64 running back off the board, picked in only 3.4% of leagues, on average in ESPN drafts thus far, signaling his being beneath the cut in our standard format. If he continues to receive positive practice reports into the preseason, however, he’d elevate himself clearly ahead of the aforementioned competition into the No. 2 role and become a much more important insurance policy for Jacobs’ managers in the process. Jot Lloyd’s name down now, as he could become a strong wrap-up-round pick for those who draft closer to Week 1 or a pickup if your league drafts early.
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Four lingering questions ahead of Packers camp
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