Training camp serves as a valuable time for fantasy football fans. Enlightening the community on potential workloads, positional roles, and overall outlooks for the upcoming season. Oftentimes, fantasy fans look back on training camp and see the hints that were left for the forthcoming season. No need to fear future reflections, here are some of the biggest risers and fallers through training camp thus far.
There has been fantasy football hype surrounding Henderson since the second he got drafted by New England this offseason. Despite Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, signing a four-year, $36 million contract just last year, his poor performance alongside the new regime has combined to create murky waters for the veteran’s workload moving forward. While it may take some time for Henderson to work his way up the depth chart, most analysts expect him to do so by mid-season.
Early reports have indicated that the Patriots selected Henderson for talent rather than top need. Considering his first NFL touch resulted in a 100-yard touchdown, it’s fair to say he’s got it. If the Patriots improve as the Las Vegas bookies predict, Henderson could finish this year as an RB1 despite his current ADP of RB23.
Egbuka, the second receiver taken in this year’s NFL draft, served as a stud at Ohio State for the past three years. The word from reporters, coaches, and teammates alike is unanimously positive surrounding the rookie. Quoting him as a versatile and cerebral player who can play any position in the offense he’s asked to.
Egbuka enters a unique situation in Tampa Bay where receiver talent is plentiful. Just this offseason, veteran Chris Godwin inked a fresh three-year, $66 million deal. Mike Evans remains as dominant as ever, and last year’s rookie Jalen McMillan looks to be worth the draft price. Many are left wondering why the Buccaneers would invest such high draft capital into another receiver. The situation as a whole is confusing at first glance, but can only be boiled down to one thing: the team loved the player. They wouldn’t have selected a receiver in the first round when they already have a loaded receiving room unless they truly think the player is special.
For years, the Green Packers have cycled through countless receivers. Year after year, a different one emerges as the fantasy football breakout favorite. After the recent ankle injury to wide receiver Jayden Reed, it appears this year’s breakout favorite is rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. After not taking a wide receiver in the first round since 2002, the Packers selected Golden with the 23rd overall pick in this year’s draft. Analysts and fans alike thought the receiver room was plentiful in Green Bay, leaving fans surprised by the selection.
Despite having depth, Green Bay has struggled to find a true WR1 since the departure of Devante Adams. The first round selection suggests they are all in on making Golden the go-to target for Jordan Love moving forward. Throughout training camp, reports have been nothing short of stellar for the rookie, making him a desirable target in fantasy football drafts this year.
After being sidelined from a firework accident in the offseason, Najee Harris recently returned to drills. The injury to Harris has left only the rookie running back Omarion Hampton to lead the backfield for the Chargers through training camp. While many expect Harris to be ready at some point early in the season, the opportunity for the rookie to take over the workhorse role may be too much for him to overcome.
The loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater also puts a damper on the hopes for Harris. The offensive line remains strong, but losing the best left tackle in the league surely won’t go unnoticed.
Most of the players on this list are rookies that you can take later in your draft. Positive reports paired with high draft capital are a recipe for success that shouldn’t be ignored by the fantasy football community. While every rumor can’t be trusted, unanimous praise can’t either.
*The statistics used in this article are based on the half-PPR format provided by fantasypros.
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