NFL Training Camp News, Notes and Analysis for 8/2
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RB Andre Williams, NYG
The Giants love to split running back duties. In all of Coughlin's tenure, they've always attempted to have a two back system.
With Wilson's injury and the only other competitors to split with Jennings being Hillis and Cox, it's very possible that Williams finds a role in the offense soon. On 8/1, Jennings was given a day to rest while Andre Williams got to work with the first team.
RB James White, NE
Another rookie RB, White has been praised for his versatility and has stood out in camp. He runs behind one of the best run blocking lines in the league, (which you can see in my soon-to-be-published AFC East Offensive Line outlook) and would be an easy RB2 if he was to find himself in a starting role with the hot hand. That's not all though, as Vereen's injury history could open up the chance for White to catch passes too.
CB Justin Bethel, ARI
Bethal has been known more for his elite special teams defense than his Cornerback play, but this offseason Arians made it a point to begin having Bethel play the position he was drafted for. According to training camp reports, Bethel seems to have an interception every single day of practice. Bethel might have some nice sleeper value in IDP leagues.
Cowboys Offensive Line
2014 First round pick Zach Martin has come in and looked like a veteran in training camp, not missing a single step. I think that really increases the value of Romo, his Wide Receivers, and Running Backs. Unfortunately, it's well documented how poor the defense for the Cowboy's will be this year (in case you've missed it, Ware is in DEN, Sean Lee is out for the year, and former first round cornerback Morris Claiborne is nursing an injury) so that might cap the value of the Running Backs in Dallas.
WR Stephen Hill, NYJ
Last year Stephen Hill had a great camp, and before suffering a head to head hit in week 4, Hill was actually putting up decent numbers. He caught 13 of 23 targets and had about 220 yards and a touchdown. Hill would play a large portion of the rest of the season with a knee injury. Hill's a freak of nature though, being one of only 3 players in the NFL's history to be 6'4 or taller and run a sub 4.4 40 yard dash, the others being Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson. This year, once again, Hill is having a great camp. He's going undrafted in almost all leagues. If he was to ever put it together, he'd be a monster steal.
TE Brandon Bostick, GB
Bostick has been having a very good camp this year, making a lot of plays. Richard Rodgers has been brought up as a rookie who impressed, but rookie tight ends rarely make an impact and they might not feel the need to rush his development if they have another player who can start. Bostick's on the upswing though, while there haven't been many updates about his main competition Richard Rodgers.
WR Greg Jennings, MIN
Jennings has had a really good camp so far. He's looked smoother, better at catching, and in generally seems to have found his stride. That might have something to do with having a QB who can consistently get him the ball. Jennings is going in the 13th round on average and could put up better value than that.
Stock Down
TE Eric Ebron, DET
Ebron's hands were suspect before the draft, and right now it looks like they're still suspect. The latest news on Ebron has him dropping passes on what seems like every day of camp. Pettigrew, on the other hand has looked way better and might be the tight end to own this season in Detroit.
Additional NFL Training Camp Notes and Analysis
TE Gavin Escobar, DAL
Backup TE Gavin Escobar has been lining up at WR for the Cowboys and has seen a lot of passes thrown his way. He was a hyped rookie and as a sophomore he's still very hyped. Witten has been consistent but isn't the elite tight end he once was, so Escobar could surprise people this year.
QB Teddy Bridgewater, MIN
Bridgewater has had some weak practices recently, getting intercepted and not showing the same shine he had in the first couple of days. It might not mean much, but it's something to monitor. He practiced with the second team most recently, while Cassel was with the first team.