BUY or SELL? Reacting to the Biggest Fantasy Football Training Camp News (07/27 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Los Angeles Rams running back received effusive praise from Sean McVay, who described him as 'a stud' who 'is going to have a big role'; McVay indicated Corum will get carries between the 20s and some third-down work, though not in every high-leverage situation near the goal line where Kyron Alexander may retain priority.

The source references a draft-class comparison where Ryan Wilson ranked Ken Walker ahead of Breece Hall at the combine, which the source brought up to Hall directly. This context illustrates the pre-draft perception gap between the two backs, though the source does not provide a current fantasy stance on Hall.

In a three-receiver league, Brian Thomas Jr. is a strong pick; the source is taking him over other options at that draft position because the league format prioritizes receiver depth.

The source will not project Caleb Williams as a top-five quarterback in six-point per passing touchdown leagues because there are many other quarterbacks who can do similar things but are more accurate than Williams.

Lamb ranks 61st in yards per catch and 29th in yards per target among 130 wide receivers with 100+ targets over the 2022-present stretch; he ranks 30th in fantasy points per target over his career. Last year Pickens outperformed Lamb in fantasy points per target (2.14 to 1.72), and Pickens outscored Lamb after Lamb returned from injury.

Lamb ranked 30th in fantasy points per target in PPR; source prefers him in late round one despite concerns about Dallas' defense improving and competition from Ryan Flannoy and Jake Ferguson (who had over 100 targets last year). Lamb and Pickens averaged eight targets per game together last year and should maintain that volume as Dallas' 1 and 1A receivers, making Lamb a top-10 pick in source's view.

Wide receiver was signed by Baltimore, indicating a roster addition but no specific role or usage details provided.

Olave was identified as a blob winner from round seven; while not as dominant as Pickens, he still emerged as a successful mid-round receiver pick from the wide receiver cluster.

The source reports Christian Kirk left 49ers practice with a trainer, indicating a potential injury concern during training camp.

Christian McCaffrey is part of a draft team (McCaffrey, Rice, Jacobs, Neighbors) that the source describes as having 'no risk' and is enthusiastic about, calling it 'game over.' The source made McCaffrey their avatar, indicating strong conviction.

Moore is grouped in the wide receiver blob with Tate, Evans, Harrison Jr., and Williams; the source identifies him as the number-one receiver on his team and notes he has a good quarterback, both key criteria for blob breakout potential.

Source notes that DJ Moore was acquired at the end of round four in a mock draft, suggesting he was available at a discount relative to typical ADP; however, source also discusses that Garrett Wilson may have higher ceiling if things go right for him versus Moore, and that Wilson is likely to get more targets than Moore.

Adams was identified as a round-four blob winner in the source's historical analysis of receivers who escaped the wide receiver cluster in prior seasons.

The source clarifies that David Montgomery remains the primary back in Houston's backfield as long as he is healthy. While Woody Marks may get third-down opportunities, Montgomery is expected to maintain his lead role. The source notes Montgomery had 33 touchdowns in the last three seasons in Detroit but may not get the same touchdown opportunities in Houston.

Source notes that Njoku was not on the Chargers roster when Justin Herbert broke out in the second half of his rookie year, part of a broader point about roster turnover and uncertainty regarding whether current weapons will produce.

Wilson was identified as a round-four blob winner from the previous season, part of the source's analysis of which receivers stepped out of the wide receiver cluster to identify patterns for current-year sleepers.

Source argues that Garrett Wilson has a higher ceiling than DJ Moore if things go right for him; source also notes Wilson is likely to get more targets than Moore, and emphasizes that targets matter more than offense quality when evaluating wide receiver upside.

Pickens has averaged more yards per target and more yards per catch than CeeDee Lamb in all four of Pickens' seasons since 2022; he ranks 5th in yards per catch and 6th in yards per target among 130 wide receivers with 100+ targets, compared to Lamb's 61st and 29th respectively. In fantasy points per target over his career, Pickens ranks 23rd versus Lamb's 30th. Last year Pickens significantly outperformed Lamb in fantasy points per target (2.14 to 1.72), and Pickens outscored Lamb after Lamb returned from injury.

Pickens ranked 23rd in fantasy points per target in PPR and outscored Lamb last year (2.14 to 1.72 PPR points per target). Source prefers him in late round two to early round three, not middle round two where he was drafted in a pick-by-pick mock (ahead of Nico Collins and A.J. Brown). Pickens benefits from contract year motivation and upgrade from Pittsburgh to Dallas offense, but faces target competition from Ryan Flannoy and Jake Ferguson.

Over the last four seasons (all of Pickens' career), Pickens has significantly underperformed C.D. Lamb in per-catch efficiency, per-target efficiency, and fantasy points per target despite Lamb playing three of those years in Pittsburgh. The source projects Pickens at 7.5 to 8.0 targets per game going forward, down from his 8.3 targets per game in weeks 7-17 when Lamb was healthy, due to improved Dallas defense, a better run game, and increased involvement from Jake Ferguson and Ryan Flannoy.

Pickens was identified as the ultimate winner from the wide receiver blob in 2024, averaging 17 points per game; the source attributes his success to exceeding 7+ targets per game, a key criterion for identifying breakout receivers in mid-round ranges (rounds 4-6).

Pickens has averaged more yards per target and more yards per catch than Lamb across all four years of his career (Pickens' entire career and Lamb's prime). Source projects Pickens will continue this efficiency advantage and average more fantasy points per target than Lamb going forward.

Price's ADP is fine and falling from consensus top-five rookie RB pick right after the NFL Draft to middle of the first round in rookie drafts; the source was overexcited about his fit replacing two backs (Charbonnet and others) but now views him as a flex option or potential starter rather than an RB2, comparable to Travion Henderson's situation last year.

Price's upside is capped by committee concerns: Helani and Emmanuel Wilson are getting significant work, and Charbonnet's return from injury will further limit Price's touches and production once he's healthy; the source's biggest fear is that Price won't establish himself before Charbonnet returns and takes away volume.

The source does not expect Price to bust out and crush ADP right away; while acknowledging Price is a talented running back capable of playing in the league, the source is uncertain whether he will emerge as an amazing running back who significantly outperforms his draft position.

Ferguson had over 100 targets last year and will remain a factor in Dallas' passing game, competing for targets alongside Lamb and Pickens. Source notes his involvement as a consideration when projecting target distribution for the Cowboys' top receivers.

Jake Ferguson is expected to increase his involvement in the Dallas offense in 2024, which could reduce target share for C.D. Lamb and George Pickens; the source cites Ferguson's increased role as one reason to project Lamb's targets down from 9.7 to 8.0-8.5 per game.

Coker is being called wide receiver one in Carolina, but the source is not ready to buy that projection; Coker only ran 15 snaps last year, and if that doubles it would take away a role from Coker, suggesting the WR1 designation is premature.

The source reports Jonathan Brooks is looking good in training camp and will have his first padded practice since November 2024. Dave Canales emphasizes the importance of Brooks getting comfortable with his legs and building confidence as he returns from injury, with timing expected to return naturally.

The source reports Jordan James is the very early leader to be the number two running back behind Christian McCaffrey with the 49ers, indicating he's winning the backup role competition in training camp.

Josh Jacobs is part of a draft team (McCaffrey, Rice, Jacobs, Neighbors) that the source describes as having 'no risk' and expresses strong enthusiasm about.

The source references buzz about a big year coming for Keaton Mitchell with the Chargers, grouping him among several players expected to break out, but does not provide specific analysis or conviction on his outlook.

Source identifies Mitchell as having a big year coming in training camp.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Giants have been highly impressed by rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields in training camp; however, source adds skepticism, noting that everyone looks great in training camp until they don't, suggesting caution about reading too much into early impressions.

Harrison Jr. is grouped in the wide receiver blob with Tate, DJ Moore, Evans, and Williams; the source notes there is some question about whether he is the number-one receiver on his team, a key criterion for identifying blob breakouts.

Arizona wide receiver left the field and tweaked his back during an 11-on-11 drill in training camp; source notes he had gotten off to a good start in camp prior to the injury.

Arizona wide receiver was mentioned in context of Marvin Harrison's injury and training camp performance, but no specific fantasy insight provided.

Evans is positioned in the wide receiver blob alongside Tate, DJ Moore, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jamison Williams in the same draft range, part of the source's analysis of mid-round receiver comparisons.

Source considered Evans as an alternative to Devontae Adams in a late-round wide receiver decision but ultimately chose Adams, suggesting Evans was not the preferred option.

The source compares Trey Harris to Quentin Johnson, noting that when Harris was drafted, the source thought it signaled the end of Johnson's role with the Chargers. The source also references Johnson as one of several Chargers receivers expected to have a big year, though expresses uncertainty about which players will actually deliver on that expectation.

Source notes Johnson as having a big year coming; however, the source also raises a concern that when Justin Herbert broke out in the second half of his rookie year, Johnson wasn't doing much, suggesting uncertainty about whether Johnson will capitalize on improved quarterback play and offensive weapons around him.

Carolina rookie running back is going to be full go for camp, indicating no injury concerns heading into training camp.

Rice was identified as a round-six blob winner but the source discounts his significance due to his suspension, noting he would not have been a legitimate round-six pick without the suspension impact.

Barkley in late round two is going where he is supposed to go; the source does not use the word 'excellent' to describe the value, suggesting it is fair but not a steal.

ESPN's Chris Rim reports the Chargers expect Trey Harris to be a legitimate part of the passing offense. The source compares Harris to Quentin Johnson in terms of skill set and notes Harris has speed and after-catch ability that fits Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme. However, the source acknowledges Harris wasn't a complete receiver coming into the NFL but suggests he may develop after a season to understand the game.

Source mentions Harris as part of a group of players (Quentin Johnson, Trey Harris, Arande Gadsden, David Njoku) who were not on the Chargers roster when Justin Herbert broke out in the second half of his rookie year, suggesting uncertainty about whether Harris will contribute meaningfully in the current offense.

Houston Texans running backs coach Danny Barrett said Woody Marks is going to get a lot of opportunities this season, including on third down. The source notes Marks caught a lot of passes in college and could be very successful in PPR leagues if used appropriately with CJ Stroud. Marks is positioned as a good pick in double-digit rounds, banking on either a Montgomery injury or his role in the passing game, though he won't be the same type of guy as Montgomery was in the playoff game with over 100 yards rushing.

Seattle running back has no timetable for return from injury, but Mike McDonald is very encouraged by his rehab progress, suggesting positive trajectory toward availability.

Flowers was identified as a round-six blob winner; the source notes he challenges the target-volume criterion for blob breakouts, suggesting alternative factors beyond 7+ targets per game can drive success in the mid-round receiver range.