Now that all 32 NFL teams have hit the field for training camp, we're hearing about developments that might help us in our search for viable fantasy options.
We know the biggest draft advantages come from identifying players whose role or general circumstances have already improved but whose Average Draft Position (ADP) still reflects last year's perception rather than this year's reality.
That's why many of us go into drafts with players we consider "our guys," those with appealing blends of talent, opportunity, upside, and price.
This week, we've been looking at "my guys."
"My guys" won't necessarily be "your guys."
But having "our guys" is important. Having a list of players you know appeal to you can create breathing room in tough drafts.
So we've been making that list all week, starting Monday with Running Backs Who Have My Attention. Tuesday, we hit Wide Receivers with Routes to Success. Yesterday, we covered the Onesie Wonders at QB and TE.
Today, we're going to check in with rookies who are generating buzz.
The Drumbeats Are There
We have to be careful. There will be glowing reports. Most will result in nothing.
But it's always wise to pay attention when drumbeats get louder.
While the high-profile newcomers are naturally of interest to us, some rookies might not -- but should -- be on your radar.
Let's run through some first-year players of interest -- starting at the top.
More Love Coming Your Way
In Arizona, Tyler Allgeier is listed as the starting running back on the team's first unofficial depth chart.
That's no surprise as the Cardinals signed Allgeier to a two-year, $12.25 million deal this offseason.
As Footballguys Sigmund Bloom reminded readers, Allgeier was a thorn in the side of fantasy managers with Bijan Robinson during Robinson's rookie year after the Falcons took him in the top ten.
Allgeier is set to do that again to Jeremiyah Love, although Love is going a full round or more after Robinson -- who had a late first-round ADP -- did in fantasy drafts when he was a rookie.
Given the circumstances, Bloom argues that if Love is going to hit this year, it's going to have to be with his passing game and big-play contributions, because Allgeier isn't going away, and short-yardage running is one of his strengths.
That's a fair assessment, but Arizona Republic staffer Bob McManaman told me this week that, "eventually, you're going to see Love get the bulk of the carries."
The question is: will it be enough work to justify Love's RB13 ADP? The early drumbeat casts doubt on that.
Price is Still Looking Right
Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price is reportedly making the most of the opportunity before him and has impressed in the early days of training camp, in the opinion of Seattle Times staffer Bob Condotta.
According to Condotta, what has stood out the most is Price's pass-catching and apparent knack for understanding pass protection. Those were two things he wasn't asked to do at Notre Dame.
Those were cited as concerns by many analysts when the Seahawks selected him 32nd overall, so Condotta's reporting is worth noting.
Head coach Mike Macdonald suggested that Price has a chance to become an immediate starter with Ken Walker III gone and Zach Charbonnet still sidelined while recovering from an ACL injury suffered in January.
While recent reports have been optimistic, it's unclear when Charbonnet, who didn't have surgery until late February, will be ready to play or how the work will be split once last year's co-starter returns.
Beyond that, ESPN.com's Brady Henderson reports that George Holani is looking like one of the top two options at running back alongside Price, with free-agent addition Emanuel Wilson possibly mixing in as a "powerful complement."
Former Seahawks linebacker and current local radio analyst Dave Wyman told me last month that he loves the decisions Price makes as a runner.
"His mind works really fast," Wyman added.
Price is currently being drafted as RB26, while Holani is an afterthought at RB66.
If Price emerges as the primary back, he'll be a value. If the drumbeat about Holani's role persists, his price is a serious discount.
Tale of the Tate
In Tennessee, Titans first-round pick Carnell Tate impressed teammates with his polish as a rookie. "For a rookie to come in, doing some of the things that he's doing is really, really exciting," CB Alontae Taylor said after OTAs in June. "Come Sundays, he's going to be very exciting to watch."
Tate impressed from the start with his swift route running and consistent catching ability. He was a standout in OTAs -- where he reached the end zone three times in practices open to the media.
He should be a great fit with second-year QB Cam Ward, who is an aggressive downfield passer. Bloom believes dynasty players should be willing to trade up for Tate, who he expects to level off as a top-10 to top-15 fantasy receiver as long as Ward's upward trajectory coming out of last season continues.
As for the short term?
Longtime Titans beat writer Terry McCormick told me last month that if what we saw from Tate in OTAs carries over now that we're in pads, he'll emerge as the team's No. 1 receiver in short order.
That drumbeat has been persistent since April's NFL Draft.
Nonetheless, McCormick suggested that this year, "Tate might lead the team in receiving yards, but Wan'Dale Robinson is still likely to lead the team in receptions."
Tate is the first rookie coming off the board -- as WR30 in Round 6 -- in current drafts.
