As the NFL regular season approaches, this article will cover IDP-relevant news and topics from training camps and preseason games. We'll examine injuries, contract situations, camp battles, rookie buzz, and other pertinent IDP topics.
The plan is to have this article ready for your viewing every Thursday until the start of the season. Thanks for tuning in; let's get to it!
IDP News: CB/WR Travis Hunter, Jacksonville
A check-in on the talent that is Travis Hunter.
Entering last season, there wasn't a more debated and anticipated IDP rookie than Travis Hunter since, well, probably ever. Unfortunately, a knee injury cut his season short after just seven games. However, Hunter is back, and it's time to take a look at what's been going on with his play, role, and the buzz to start training camp.
Heading into camp, Hunter was expected to see more time on defense than offense. According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN via an article by NBC Sports, in team work Hunter saw 10 snaps on offense and 7 on defense, and during 11-on-11 sessions, Hunter saw 34 snaps on defense and another 22 on offense, through the first week. Hunter is already making head-turning plays at camp. Of course, Hunter has said he never wants to come off the field. However, it's important to follow the news Jacksonville provides on their plan to utilize their two-way weapon. Hunter is a special talent who will have a chip on his shoulder this season. If the IDP dynasty manager in your league has at all soured on Hunter after a disappointing rookie campaign, now's the time to hit their trade inbox.
IDP News: LB Arvell Reese, NY Giants
Arvell Reese is making waves at Giants training camp.
Rookie Arvell Reese is turning heads at training camp and showing why the Giants were elated to land him with the fifth overall pick. Reese is reportedly making plays at every level, against the run, in coverage, and, to no surprise, rushing the passer. Reese is a gifted athlete who split time off the edge and in the box in his final season at Ohio State. While he still needs some fine-tuning in his off-ball responsibilities, the fact that he's being lauded for making plays in coverage is a positive sign. We'll have to keep an eye on how New York deploys their talented rookie defender throughout training camp. A more off-ball-centered role, with some pass-rush snaps mixed in, would be ideal to stabilize his role and production. For IDP redraft leagues, Reese is currently coming off the board as LB25 via The IDP Show ADP. There's upside at that price point.
IDP News: LB CJ Allen, Indianapolis
Colts rookie CJ Allen is off the PUP and ready to go.
In last week's article, we discussed CJ Allen being placed on the PUP list and how important it is for the rookie to get as much field time as he can. Allen is back and ready to go. While it's not certain just yet, it sounds like Allen is the likely candidate to don the green dot for Lou Anarumo's defense. Being the defensive signal-caller is a lot to put on a rookie's plate. Still, Allen is about as ready as possible coming out of college after leading the Georgia defense. Currently, Allen is being drafted as the LB26 via The IDP Show ADP. His LB3 price tag is rock-solid as he's trending towards a full-time gig in a good situation for IDP production even as a rookie. Fourth-round rookie Bryce Boettcher is another name to monitor as he's made an early impression on the coaching staff and could push veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither at the other linebacker spot.
IDP News: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Miami
Rookie Jacob Rodriguez is looking the part and keeps making plays.
Jacob Rodriguez was one of the most exciting rookies to target when IDP rookie drafts were in full swing. His prowess as a tackler and affinity for making splash plays made his highlight reels exciting to watch. To no surprise, Rodriguez's high-octane play style is catching eyes at Dolphins training camp. Rodriguez is forcing fumbles and being a pest in the passing game, showcasing his intuition to make plays on the football. While Jordyn Brooks was just paid and is locked into one starting spot, Rodriguez is making his case for the other spot as an anticipated camp battle with Tyrel Dodson is taking shape. Rodriguez is going to be tough to keep off of the field, making Dodson a fade in IDP drafts. I'd put my chip on Rodriguez winning this job sooner rather than later.
