One KEY Training Camp Storyline to Watch for All 32 Teams

Adam Randall is a late-round running back option for the Ravens positioned alongside Rasha Lee as a potential handcuff to Derrick Henry. Described as a dynasty nerd favorite, if he emerges as the preferred handcuff to Henry, he could become fantasy relevant in later rounds quickly if Henry gets injured.

Alec Pierce is recovering from ankle surgery that occurred in April, followed by a forced follow-up surgery pushing into August. This timeline creates significant uncertainty for his Week 1 availability and directly impacts target distribution across the Colts WR room. If Pierce is not fully healthy by Week 1, the Colts are likely to add an outside receiver (potentially Keenan Allen) to mitigate risk, which would dampen target projections for Josh Downs and Tyler Warren.

Ian Hartitz owns Bowers in several dynasty leagues and has handcuffed him with Michael Mayer on his bench, indicating confidence in Mayer's upside. Hartitz notes this is one of very few situations around the league where he would recommend this handcuff strategy, suggesting Bowers is a premium dynasty asset worth protecting with a backup tight end.

Caleb Douglas is the Dolphins' third-round draft pick positioned to take over the role of Jaylen Turbert. Ian Hartitz describes the Dolphins' wide receiver group as 'a hilarious sad excuse for a group,' suggesting Douglas has opportunity to emerge as a primary option despite the weak overall room.

Chris Brooks is competing with Marshon Lloyd for the RB2 role in the Packers backfield.

Christian Watson is expected to be one of the two primary outside receivers for the Packers, positioning him ahead of Jaden Reed in the receiving hierarchy.

Current ADP suggests a 60-40 split with Jonathan Brooks, though a 70-30 split in Hubbard's favor would make him a value. Efficiency concerns are significant: his longest run last year was only 14 yards, indicating limited explosive play capability. Hubbard is dealing with a calf injury and is vulnerable to being overtaken by Brooks without injury occurring. Ian Hartitz humorously expressed hope for more production, noting the lack of explosive runs.

Colston Loveland is established as the tight end in the Chicago Bears offense and expected to be a key target for Caleb Williams; in an offense where Williams could theoretically throw for over 4,000 yards with Ben Johnson's play-calling, Loveland should be a focal point if the offense consolidates around primary receivers.

D'Andre Swift is pretty well set in the Chicago Bears offense; Ian Hartitz expects him to maintain a 60/40 split in the backfield with Roschon Johnson, making him a reliable target.

Damen Martinez, a seventh-round pick from Miami drafted by the Seahawks, is in the Packers running back room; he had pre-draft buzz but fell due to off-field concerns that were not widely known at the time.

Dave Montgomery is in the RB dead zone—not a particularly special talent and lacking ideal pass-down usage. Despite being projected for significant volume in July, Ian Hartitz has concerns about his scoring environment and doesn't love his pass-game role. An 80% snap share could unlock more volume and pass-game upside, but Montgomery is not at the talent level of Jahmyr Gibbs.

David Njoku was signed by the Chargers on a low-money deal after a delayed process; Ian Hartitz is not convinced Njoku will emerge as a significant fantasy threat in the Chargers' tight end committee.

Derrick Henry is locked in as the Ravens' lead running back. Ian Hartitz emphasizes his exceptional durability—'the dude is an alien and he barely ever misses time'—making him a reliable workhorse despite his age. Henry is explicitly ruled out as a comp for Josh Jacobs because he is significantly more explosive.

DJ Giddens is competing with Seth McGoan for the RB2 job behind Jonathan Taylor, but even if he wins the backup role, he should not be prioritized for roster stashing. The Colts have a history of making late-offseason moves and lack significant financial or draft capital investment in their backup RB room, making them likely to sign an external option (like Kareem Hunt) if Taylor is injured rather than rely on Giddens.

London is locked in as the Falcons' wide receiver one and target hog in the pass game; the key training camp storyline is the wide receiver two battle behind him.

Ian Hartitz mentions drafting Elijah Surratt but notes he did not use first or second round picks on him, suggesting he is not a priority target compared to other Ravens receivers.

Eric All is a candidate to be tight end one for the Cincinnati Bengals; he looked good as a rookie before injuries derailed his progress, but his targets per route run numbers were really good. If he can stay healthy and secure an every-down role with Joe Burrow, he should be of interest to fantasy managers. Zack Taylor has given incredible quotes about All, calling him 'physical' and saying 'he's trying to put his face through somebody's soul.' All is expected to be a late-round or last-pick darling in bigger leagues and potentially a waiver wire pickup in dynasty.

Hartitz questions whether Ingram remains Denver's lead tight end after a poor 2024 season in which he failed to play 60% of snaps in a single game. He expresses skepticism about Ingram's role stability and warns against chasing past tight end production (referencing Jimmy Graham), though he acknowledges tight end additions (Jaylen Wadd, Justin Jolly) as context for ongoing uncertainty.

Fannin missed OTA time with a groin injury and his status heading into the season remains uncertain. Drafted as a workhorse, he needs confirmation of his full-time role given the injury recovery timeline.

Hartitz drafted Pacheco cheaply early in the offseason and is encouraged by his clear-cut RB2 role in Detroit with minimal backup competition (Sion Vakai, Jacob Sailors, Jabari Small have only 10 combined regular season touches). Despite being one of the worst running backs by efficiency metrics in Kansas City, Pacheco still produced upside RB2 fantasy output due to the Chiefs' offensive environment. Hartitz projects similar or better production in Detroit's superior offense if Pacheco secures the RB2 role, with high-end upside as a 'middle class man's David Montgomery' who could score enough touchdowns to generate RB2 production with handcuff upside.

Dobbins had 164 touches last season compared to just 75 for RJ Harvey in the first 10 weeks, averaging 5 yards per carry vs. Harvey's 3.7. His role as Denver's RB1 appears cemented despite Harvey's superior efficiency, though year-two role expansion for Harvey remains possible.

Jahmyr Gibbs is used as the standard for special talent at running back; Dave Montgomery is explicitly not compared to Gibbs' level of talent.

Connor remains on the Cardinals roster with a different contract situation and is projected to make the final roster; his status is a key variable in determining backup running back opportunity, with potential trade or release scenarios that could reshape the backfield hierarchy.

Javante Williams is used as a comp for Josh Jacobs in terms of role and production profile; both are pass-catching backs who don't need to be particularly explosive to score fantasy points consistently.

Jaden Higgins is safe from Tank Dell's return status; his role and opportunity should remain solid regardless of whether Tank Dell is healthy or not. Ian Hartitz indicates Higgins' role is secure either way.

Hartitz questions whether Jaden Reed will finally get outside receiver reps in Green Bay. He expresses doubt that Reed will earn significant outside snaps, predicting Christian Watson and Matthew Golden will occupy the two outside receiver spots while Reed remains slot-focused. However, Hartitz acknowledges he could be wrong and notes that if Reed does get more outside opportunities and touches, 'nothing but good things' would follow for his fantasy value.

Love is going to be force-fed the football as the Cardinals' lead back after being drafted third overall; the backup running back situation behind him is the key training camp storyline to monitor for fantasy purposes.

Ian Hartitz mentions drafting Jerry Judy but notes that Casey Concepton and Denzo Boston present bigger potential issues than round three or four picks like Rashad Bateman.

Coleman is the direct handcuff and backup to JK Dobbins at 220 pounds with the best pass protection ability in his draft class. He caught plenty of passes at Washington and represents the Latavius Murray archetype rather than a pure early-down grinder. Hartitz worries that Coleman's skill set—pass protection and receiving ability—combined with his direct handcuff role behind Dobbins, creates a 'three-headed nightmare' in Baltimore's backfield that impacts RJ Harvey's fantasy value from day one. Coleman's versatility makes him a more credible backup than a pure reserve, potentially limiting Harvey's role.

Positioned as a rare late-round sleeper with genuine upside to climb and take the starting job without injury occurring to Chuba Hubbard. Expected to be one of the single biggest training camp risers; could shift from current 60-40 or 50-50 split depending on camp performance. Has the talent and opportunity to become a top-100 pick if he continues to rise through camp. Currently a great late-round pick, though his ADP may rise significantly as training camp progresses and he potentially becomes a top-100 pick by the time home drafts are in full swing.

Josh Downs' target projection is contingent on two factors: Alec Pierce's health status and whether the Colts add an outside receiver like Keenan Allen. Colts coaches have been adamant that Downs can play on the outside, and Ian Hartitz ranks him slightly ahead of Jaden Reed. However, if Pierce is unavailable and the Colts add a capable outside receiver, Downs' snap count and target upside become significantly less plausible.

Josh Jacobs is going in round four of drafts alongside Malik Neighbors; if his injury situation is resolved and he's cleared to play all 17 games, round four will be a bargain for a player who has been a consistent top-10 RB in fantasy, scoring 31 touchdowns in 33 regular season games for the Packers. Ian Hartitz compares him favorably to Javante Williams in terms of role and production profile, noting he doesn't need to be explosive to score fantasy points.

Justice Hill is expected to play far more often than any other Ravens running back behind Derrick Henry. Ian Hartitz positions him as the primary backup with meaningful snap share and handcuff relevance if Henry gets injured, comparing the situation to Buffalo's Ray Davis/Ty Johnson dynamic where Hill would be the primary backup despite not being the preferred handcuff.

If Evan Ingram is completely out of the picture in Denver, Justin Jolly becomes a dynasty league consideration worth monitoring. Hartitz suggests Jolly could gain relevance if Ingram's role collapses, making him a potential value target in deeper formats.

Kareem Hunt remains a free agent and is the clearest RB2 option behind Kenneth Walker in Kansas City; he had eight touchdowns last season and is the best short-yardage running back in football. While not prime young Kareem Hunt, he represents a relevant later-round handcuff option if Kenneth Walker's injury history becomes a concern, and would likely be the Chiefs' first call if they need RB depth. As long as Hunt remains a free agent, Ian Hartitz worries he would be the team's first call at running back, creating uncertainty around the backfield composition and Hunt's potential role if signed.

If Alec Pierce is questionable for Week 1, the Colts are likely to acquire Keenan Allen due to his familiarity with Shane Steichen and proven track record. Keenan Allen led the Chargers in targets last season, making him a reliable veteran option. However, his addition would significantly reduce target upside for Josh Downs and other WR room members.

Kenneth Walker is the Chiefs' RB1, but his injury history is a concern; this creates opportunity for a clear RB2 handcuff option behind him, with Kareem Hunt as the primary candidate.

Competing in the wide receiver three battle in Buffalo alongside Skyler Bell and Josh Palmer; part of a depth chart situation to monitor but not expected to be overly fantasy relevant.

Pitts is competing for the number two pass game option role with John Robinson on the Falcons; the outcome is not expected to produce significant fantasy scoring for either player.

Davis held the RB2 role behind Javonte Williams for much of the second half of last season and is now competing with Jaden Blue for the backup job in Dallas.

Mark Andrews is expected to be the Ravens' number two pass game option behind Zay Flowers, with Rashad Bateman competing for the wide receiver two role.

Matthew Golden is expected to be one of the two primary outside receivers for the Packers, positioning him ahead of Jaden Reed in the receiving hierarchy.

Ian Hartitz projects Mayer could emerge as nearly a full-time player in the Raiders' offense, making him an exciting round-18 pick or dynasty league target. Hartitz notes this is one of very few situations around the league where he would recommend handcuffing a tight end, indicating strong confidence in Mayer's upside as a backup to Brock Bowers.

Mike Gesicki has not been given a true full-time role by the Cincinnati Bengals even when T. Higgins was out with concussions; Ian Hartitz, a longtime Gesicki truther, expresses frustration that the team still won't commit to him despite opportunities.

Ian Hartitz identifies Washington as the clear RB2 for the Raiders with fourth-round draft capital. Hartitz describes Washington as 'low-key a very very nice late round handcuff,' suggesting strong value in deeper rounds as a backup option behind the lead back.

Ian Hartitz has been drafting Rashad Bateman at round 18 in best-ball formats despite injuries limiting his production. He flashed the ability to be a premier separator and deep ball threat at the NFL level, and Ravens brass expects him to be the number two wide receiver. With Lamar Jackson likely to generate significant passing volume in MVP-caliber seasons, Bateman offers late-round value.

Ray Davis is the preferred handcuff behind James Cook in Buffalo, but Ty Johnson actually gets more work on a weekly basis as a pass-down/scatback. Ian Hartitz uses this dynamic as a comparison point for the Ravens' Justice Hill situation, where Hill is expected to play far more often than other Ravens running backs despite not being the preferred handcuff.

Harvey averaged 5 yards per carry (vs. Dobbins' 3.7) and scored 12 total TDs last season, suggesting potential for expanded year-two role. However, Ian Hartitz expresses concern that his role may not change regardless of Dobbins' health status. The key fantasy question is whether Harvey retains a receiving role (10–12 touches per game in full PPR) and maintains handcuff upside behind an often-injured Dobbins, or if Jonah Coleman's presence as the direct backup diminishes that upside. Coleman's skill set—pass protection and receiving ability—combined with his direct handcuff role creates a 'three-headed nightmare' in Baltimore's backfield that impacts Harvey's fantasy value from day one.

Roschon Johnson is pretty well set in the Chicago Bears offense; Ian Hartitz expects him to maintain a 60/40 split in the backfield alongside D'Andre Swift, making him a reliable target.

Shedeur Sanders could potentially win the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback job outright, though Ian Hartitz expects him to take over no later than mid-October after Deshaun Watson's inevitable decline due to physical limitations from two Achilles tears. Sanders had mixed preseason performance with promising moments against Tennessee and on deep balls versus Raiders, but overall ranked among worst QBs statistically.

Competing in the wide receiver three battle in Buffalo alongside Keon Coleman and Josh Palmer; part of a depth chart situation to monitor but not expected to be overly fantasy relevant.

Tank Dell's health status is critical for the Texans passing game; if he returns to full strength, he was one of only 13 rookie wide receivers in the last decade to post top-24 fantasy numbers, and his presence elevates the entire Texans passing game including CJ Stroud. Ian Hartitz emphasizes that Dell was incredible before injury and can't say enough about how good he was.

Ferguson is identified as a potential late-round sleeper at tight end for the Rams, though he carries committee risk. The Rams' tight end room collectively scored the second-most PPR points in the league last year (behind only Tram McBride's Cardinals), with Kobe Parkinson finishing as TE22. If production consolidates around one player, Ferguson could offer significant late-round value without requiring a high draft pick.

Travis Hunter is the second-biggest Jaguars training camp storyline after Robinson; his offensive snap share remains uncertain, but Liam Cohen's willingness to use him on both sides suggests he could be a full-time player on defense and offense. Hunter is the only viable wide receiver handcuff in Jacksonville; if BTJ, Parker Washington, or Jakobi Meyers suffer injury, Hunter immediately flies up waiver wire rankings. Late-round pick with significant upside if a starter goes down.

Benson remains on the Cardinals roster and is a key variable in the backup running back situation; if he is traded or released to teams like Dallas or Chicago, it could make the backup running back battle more interesting for fantasy purposes.

Hartitz highlights Tucker Kraft's health status as a key Green Bay training camp storyline. If Kraft is fully healthy, Hartitz considers him one of the most talented players at the tight end position, making his availability a critical factor for fantasy value.

Hartitz highlights Tucker Craft's health status as a key Green Bay training camp storyline. If Craft is fully healthy, Hartitz considers him one of the most talented players at the tight end position, making his availability a critical factor for fantasy value.

Ty Johnson gets more work on a weekly basis than Ray Davis in Buffalo, operating as the scatback/pass-down specialist. This establishes a distinct role from the primary handcuff, with Johnson seeing more snaps despite Davis being the preferred handcuff to James Cook.

Tyler Warren's target projection could be affected by Alec Pierce's health status. If Pierce is unavailable, Warren could see more target volume; if the Colts add an outside receiver like Keenan Allen, his upside would be dampened.

Woody Marks is competing with Dave Montgomery for carries in the Lions backfield. Some reports suggest he could make the split closer, though Montgomery is expected to be the primary back.

Competing with Chris Browzel for the wide receiver three job in Carolina; part of a depth chart battle to monitor in bigger leagues and rookie drafts but not expected to be overly fantasy relevant in redraft. Xavier Legette is competing with Chris Browzel for the wide receiver three job in Carolina; this battle is worth monitoring in bigger leagues and rookie drafts, though it's not expected to be overly fantasy relevant at this stage.

Branch is a potential late-round value play in deeper leagues (14-team, three WR, three flex) if he locks in as the Falcons' wide receiver three; the wide receiver two/three battle is a key training camp storyline that could lead to very nice late-round value. Ian Hartitz has been drafting him at the very end of drafts in best-ball formats.

Zay Flowers is locked in as the clear number one wide receiver for the Ravens, with Rashad Bateman expected to fill the number two role.