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Browns | Big role for Cedric Tillman? Fri Jun 13, 10:08 PM
Cleveland Browns WR Cedric Tillman is a 'locked-in starter' when healthy, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic.
Link to storyNew England Patriots WR Mack Hollins (undisclosed) was present for offseason workouts but did not participate in drills.
Link to storyMack Hollins player page
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin is the team's No. 2 receiver at this point, according to wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni.
Footballguys view: The Steelers passing game is not a good place to look for hidden gems, although if there's going to be one, it's likely Austin. He has the speed to take short targets delivered on time and accurately from Aaron Rodgers to the house, and he can benefit on his deep routes from safety attention on DK Metcalf. He's worth a late round pick in best ball leagues. |
Denver Broncos WR Troy Franklin added five pounds to his frame this offseason and played faster with a much greater awareness within each play' this spring, according to head coach Sean Payton.
Link to storyNew England Patriots WR DeMario Douglas 'looked at home' working out of the slot this spring and was Drake Maye's favorite receiver in the final two practices of the late spring, according to Evan Lazar of the team's website.
Footballguys view: Douglas has been the favorite target of Drake Maye in OTAs, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels made fantasy stars out of slot receivers in New England in the past. Stefon Diggs is currently the highest drafted Patriots receiver coming off of an ACL tear, and Douglas is available in the late rounds. That could change as the summer goes on. |
DeMario Douglas player page
New Orleans Saints WR Chris Olave has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL but said he is not worried about his injury history.
Footballguys view: He might not be, but fantasy players are letting the #1 target for the Saints fall to the fifth round (or later) of drafts in part because of his injury history. Lack of trust in Spencer Rattler or second round pick Tyler Shough to make Olave a consistent fantasy presence could also be dragging down Olave's ADP. |
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (undisclosed) is scheduled to undergo an MRI after being carted off the field during practice Wednesday, June 11, according to head coach Dan Quinn.
Footballguys view: We're still waiting for the results here. The team traded for Deebo Samuel to be the #2 receiver, but also gave Brown almost $2.5 million guaranteed on his one-year deal to return and be the #3 receiver. Any time he misses will give 2024 third round pick Luke McCaffrey and 2025 fourth round pick Jaylin Lane a chance to shine. Both have had good offseasons to date and should have momentum going into training camp. Veterans KJ Osborn and Michael Gallup are also vying for roster spots at wide receiver. |
Noah Brown player page
New York Jets WR Malachi Corley has a long way to go to before making an impact for the team, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. 'We have a ways to go to really try to figure out exactly where we're going to place him because he's been in-and-out,' Glenn said. 'That's just what it is.'
Link to storyCarolina Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. (hamstring) worked on a side field with a trainer during practice Thursday, June 12.
Link to storyCleveland Browns WR Cedric Tillman (undisclosed) and WR Michael Woods II (undisclosed) participated in practice Thursday, June 12, after working on the side during the first two practices of the mandatory minicamp.
Link to storyCarolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan (leg) did not participate in practice Thursday, June 12.
Link to storyLos Angeles Chargers WRs Mike Williams (undisclosed) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (undisclosed) should be cleared for full practice by the start of training camp, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Link to storyMike Williams player page
Denver Broncos WR Pat Bryant was 'very, very impressive' during mandatory minicamp, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports.
Footballguys view: Bryant was a surprise third-round pick to some, but his skill has flashed early at Broncos camp. The rookie from Illinois can run routes precisely, and he couples that with hands, body control and concentration. While Bryant does not win with speed, his savvy makes him as pro ready as a rookie receiver can be. We'll see Bryant compete for a spot in the pecking order behind Courtland Sutton with guys like Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims. |
Denver Broncos WR Devaughn Vele (undisclosed) did not participate in mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury but will be a full-go for training camp, according to head coach Sean Payton.
Footballguys view: Vele has been standing out at OTAs, but he missed all of mandatory minicamp. Courtland Sutton is the lead receiver, but the Broncos need to find a no.2 receiver opposite of him. Vele will compete with guys like Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims to establish a depth chart at the position. |
New York Giants WR Malik Nabers is 'progressing' in his recovery from the toe injury that lingered throughout last season, according to head coach Brian Daboll.
Footballguys view: Good news for Giants fans and Fantasy GMs here. Nabers has dealt with this toe injury since college, and it bothered him at times last year. Now, even though bothered by this toe problem, Nabers had a line of 109-1204-7 as a rookie. Nabers is projected to get over 100 catches this year, and that makes him a top-5 fantasy receiver this season. |
Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. received snaps with the first-team offense during practice Tuesday, June 10.
Footballguys view: Keep an eye on Thornton in dynasty formats. The fourth-round pick out of Tennessee (Oregon transfer) has a fine size/speed combination. If the depth chart were released today, the rookie would likely be no.4 behind Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and fellow rookie Jack Bech. At this time, Thornton is a field-stretcher with a limited route tree. |
Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden III (undisclosed) has missed time this offseason because of an injury but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, according to head coach Ben Johnson.
Footballguys view: Burden is an exciting rookie prospect with some Deebo Samuel to his game. The second-round pick from Missouri can take short passes and turn them into long gains. He will try to find a spot in the pecking order with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Add in Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland at the tight end position, and you can see how targets are going to be spread around. |
Houston Texans WR Jayden Higgins has been impressive in minicamp and is 'pushing for a starting role,' according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime, who adds that the rookie 'could clinch that spot by the second week of training camp.'
Footballguys view: Nico Collins is the WR1 for the Texans, and veteran Christian Kirk is there to be the no.2 receiver for now. Set to hit free agency in 2026, Kirk is not a long-term option for the Texans. That means Higgins, with his impressive size/speed combination, could get more involved as the season goes on. |
Tennessee Titans WR Colton Dowell (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 11.
Link to storyCarolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan (leg) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 11, because he was kicked in the leg during practice Tuesday, June 10. Head coach Dave Canales said McMillan may return to practice Thursday, June 12.
Footballguys view: This is a great opportunity to remind you it's June. We're still in the lighter stage of workouts for the offseason. Carolina's decision to sit McMillan is neither surprising nor alarming. This is true of the vast majority of players being held out of workouts this time of year. The Panthers finish out their mandatory minicamp with a final practice on Thursday. It would be great if McMillan participates. Also, fantasy investors shouldn't lose any sleep if he doesn't. We'll follow up as needed. |
San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (calf) is not participate in the mandatory minicamp but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Footballguys view: With the timetable for Brandon Aiyuk's return from last year's torn ACL still uncertain, a cautious approach with Jennings makes sense. Coming off his most productive campaign as a pro, Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are expected to be the team's top receivers heading into Week 1. In case you missed it, Jennings set career highs in targets (113), receptions (77), receiving yards (975), and touchdowns (6) in 2024. He heads into the summer with a WR37 Average Draft Position and a Round 7 price. |
Jauan Jennings player page
San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) is not participating in the mandatory minicamp this week, but head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that Pearsall should be ready for the start of training camp.
Footballguys view: With Brandon Aiyuk likely sidelined at the start of the 2025 season after last year's torn ACL, Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are projected as the Week 1 starting wide receivers. That being the case, a cautious approach with Pearsall's hamstring seems wise. Pearsall finished his rookie campaign with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns. He ended the season on a high note, hauling in 14 catches for 210 yards and two touchdowns over the final two games. That late surge shouldn't be lost on fantasy investors, who'll find Pearsall available as WR41 in Round 8. |
Buffalo Bills WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 11.
Footballguys view: Shenault spent the 2024 season with Seattle, and one of his best moments of the season featured a 97-yard return for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers. Shenault is a capable receiver and rusher as well. He has 1,587 receiving yards, 253 rushing yards, and seven total touchdowns in five seasons. But expecting him to earn a fantasy-relevant role in Buffalo seems like a reach. |
Free-agent WR Willie Snead (Dolphins) is participating in the Los Angeles Chargers mandatory minicamp this week on a tryout basis.
Link to storyWillie Snead IV player page
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (undisclosed) was carted off the field during practice Wednesday, June 11, after suffering an undisclosed injury.
Footballguys view: Brown joined the Commanders last year and re-signed with the team this offseason. He had 35 catches for 453 yards, including a game-winning Hail Mary against the Bears, before suffering a season-ending kidney injury. As Profootballtalk.com notes, the Commanders were already without Terry McLaurin because he opted not to report to minicamp while pushing for a new contract. They'll hope to iron that out by training camp, and they'll be hoping that Brown is well enough to be back on the field at that point as well. |
Noah Brown player page
New York Jets WR Malachi Corley (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, June 11.
Footballguys view: It's been the same for Corley, a former third-round pick who's coming off a disappointing rookie year since OTAs began. As previously noted, a new front office and coaching staff that has no loyalty to him also has no idea how he fits their needs. The more Corley has to sit out with injuries, the harder it will be for them to figure out his role. |
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen is not participating in practice Wednesday, June 11, but appears to be receiving the day off.
Footballguys view: In 11 seasons as a pro, Thielen has 685 receptions for 8,311 yards and 64 touchdowns, numbers that are among the top 15 in the league among active players. Some missed work in June isn't going to have a significant impact on his season, assuming there's nothing serious here. If he's available and in the lineup this season, Thielen's chances of outperforming his WR65 ADP and 15th-round price are good. |
Adam Thielen player page
Buffalo Bills WR KJ Hamler (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Tuesday, June 10. Head coach Sean McDermott indicated that Hamler should be ready for training camp.
Link to storyWashington Commanders WR Michael Gallup (hamstring) is not participating in the mandatory minicamp this week because of a strained hamstring, according to a source.
Link to storyMichael Gallup player page
Tennessee Titans WR Treylon Burks (knee) is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury and hopefully will be cleared to fully practice once training camp begins, according to head coach Brian Callahan.
Link to storyJacksonville Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) left practice early Wednesday, June 11, after landing hard on his shoulder. Head coach Liam Coen said it was precautionary, and Thomas could have gone back in.
Footballguys view: Thomas Jr. took a hard fall during team drills after a collision with Tyson Campbell. Though he went off the field with trainers and went inside the team facility, he was back on the field with his helmet later in the session -- though he did not go back in. Thomas is set to be a primary weapon for Jacksonville's offense in 2025. He caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns as a rookie last year. He's WR7 on the Footballguys 2025 Projections. |
Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (wrist) was spotted catching passes during individual drills for the first time on Tuesday, June 10, since undergoing wrist surgery in the offseason.
Footballguys view: Hill is still expected to be ready for the start of training camp even though he underwent that recent procedure to have pins installed in an earlier surgery removed from the wrist. Hill is coming off a disappointing season, but Hill currently sits at WR14 on the Footballguys projections. That's slightly higher than his WR17 average draft position. He can be had in the third round with the 35th pick overall. |
Tyreek Hill player page
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday, June 10.
Footballguys view: Although his timeline is unclear, Aiyuk was spotted lightly jogging and coaching up teammates during Tuesday's practice, a positive sign in his recovery. "He's making his way back," Shanahan said. "He's still in the middle of it. So, he's working through that. He's been around, been rehabbing for the most part, but he's been out to some practices, and it was good to have him out today." Still, with Aiyuk likely sidelined at the start of the 2025 season, Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are projected as the Week 1 starting wide receivers. |
Brandon Aiyuk player page
Chicago Bears WR Luther Burden III (undisclosed) is expected to fully recover from the undisclosed injury he suffered during rookie minicamp by the start of training camp in late July, according to head coach Ben Johnson.
Footballguys view: As CBSSports.com notes, Burden sustained an undisclosed soft-tissue injury during rookie minicamp and has been sidelined since. It looks like the rookie second-round pick won't get in any work at mandatory minicamp, notable reps to miss given that Burden already sat out voluntary OTAs. Once healthy at training camp, Burden will work to make up for lost time and secure the No. 3 receiver role behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. |
Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson has participated in voluntary workouts this offseason because he is working on building chemistry with QB J.J. McCarthy.
Footballguys view: As ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert noted, it's easy to understand why Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell lobbied Jefferson to attend the voluntary workouts that he skipped in recent years. Early June is a better time to work through the twists of a quarterback-receiver relationship than July, August, or beyond -- especially when one of them has as many unique traits as Jefferson. Despite playing with five different starting quarterbacks, Jefferson still ranked atop the NFL with an average of 96.6 yards per game. But time on task matters, and it's great to see Jefferson getting in the work with McCarthy. |
Justin Jefferson player page
Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said he plans on have WR Ladd McConkey line up at multiple spots this upcoming season.
Footballguys view: McConkey had a phenomenal rookie campaign. He finished with a team-high 1,149 receiving yards on 82 catches while adding seven touchdowns. The former Georgia product spent most of his time in the slot, but it makes sense to make it harder for defenses to plan for him -- and easier for Roman to create mismatches with him. McConkey is being drafted as WR11 with the 22nd pick overall. |
Jacksonville Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter has been working exclusively at wide receiver during the three voluntary workouts open to the media this offseason, according to ESPN.com's Michael DiRocco.
Footballguys view: That said, Hunter has spent time at the corner in several closed workouts, and coach Liam Coen has been impressed. "The movement skills and some of the man coverages, the feel in zone [coverage], you can definitely see how natural it is for him," Coen said. "When you see him in the 7-on-7 and team settings, he does not look out of place by any means." Hunter's average draft position has risen to WR29. His play-making ability warrants that spot. Still, week-to-week consistency might be an issue, given the dual role. |
New York Jets WR Malachi Corley (undisclosed) missed some of the voluntary workouts because of an undisclosed injury and his status for the mandatory minicamp is uncertain.
Footballguys view: As ESPN.com's Rich Cimini suggested, it's time for Corley, a former third-round pick who's coming off a disappointing rookie year, to make his move. Remember, a new front office and coaching staff have no loyalty to him. They also don't know how he fits. The more Corley has to sit out with injuries, the harder it will be for the new staff to figure out his role. |
New York Jets WR Allen Lazard and WR Josh Reynolds are believed to be the two leading candidates for the No.2 receiver job entering training camp, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Rich Cimini.
Footballguys view: There were rumors earlier this year that Lazard might be sent to the Steelers based on the notion Aaron Rodgers would sign in Pittsburgh. Now that Rodgers is officially a Steeler, we'll see if they show interest in Lazard. The team used a third-round pick last year on Malachi Corley, thinking he'd be a starter, but he's out because of an undisclosed injury after a disappointing rookie year. In the end, it's hard to get excited about any of the Jets' wideouts not named Wilson. |
Josh Reynolds player page
Tennessee Titans WR Treylon Burks (knee) has not been cleared to participate in team drills at this point.
Footballguys view: Burks is still recovering from an injury during the early part of OTAs, but he is doing some work on the side of practices. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, and with Burks' original head coach and general manager no longer in Tennessee, many have theorized that he could be a trade candidate this season. Head coach Brian Callahan seemed to downplay that notion, but it's hard to imagine a scenario in which Burks is fantasy-relevant as a Titan. |
Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers and WR DeAndre Hopkins were not present for the voluntary workout Monday, June 9.
Link to storyDeAndre Hopkins player page
Zay Flowers player page
New England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs (knee) was limited to individual drills during practice Monday, June 9.
Link to storyStefon Diggs player page
New England Patriots WR DeMario Douglas has 'gotten better' and 'picked up everything that we have asked him to do,' according to head coach Mike Vrabel on Monday, June 9.'I love the person. I love his attitude. I love his spirit. He loves to practice. He loves to play this game; he loves football....He's gotten better....He's picked up everything that we've asked him to do,' Vrabel told reporters during his Monday presser.
Footballguys view: The Patriots drafted Douglas in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he quickly proved himself. However, things have not been easy for Douglas, as he's played under three different head coaches in his first three seasons in the NFL. It started with Bill Belichick, where Douglas finished the year with 49 receptions for 561 receiving yards and zero touchdowns. Then, under Jerod Mayo, he recorded 66 receptions for 621 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Now, it's time to see what he can do with Vrabel. Douglas opens as WR81 on the Footballguys Projections. |
DeMario Douglas player page
Buffalo Bills WR Elijah Moore is 'going to be a big-time player for us,' according to teammate Tre'Davious White.'He's gonna be a big-time player for us. Route running is amazing, getting in and out, his breaks (are) amazing,' White told Bills Digest.
Footballguys view: Moore, who signed a one-year deal with Buffalo, caught a career-high 61 passes for 538 yards and one touchdown last season for the Cleveland Browns. Currently being drafted as WR107, Moore is the definition of a free-square play and it will take more than hyperbolic language from teammates to change that. |
Elijah Moore player page
Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba will still spend time in the slot, but he will move to the outside in important situations, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic.
Footballguys view: The addition of Cooper Kupp will allow Smith-Njigba to transition from the role he often played last year to more of a classic X. But as Fansided.com reminded readers, those positions are fungible. In two-tight end sets, which the Seahawks may employ often, either Smith-Njigba or Kupp could set up outside and off the line. When a deep threat like Marquez Valdes-Scantling or Tory Horton comes on the field, either Kupp or Smith-Njigba can shift inside to the slot. Remember, Smith-Njigba finished as WR10 last year. He's being drafted as WR15 this year. |
Jaxon Smith-Njigba player page
Seattle Seahawks WR Cooper Kupp has been lining up 'pretty much everywhere' during OTAs, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, but Dugar believes Kupp will be used mainly on short-to-intermediate routes this season.
Footballguys view: The big issue for Kupp is staying on the field. He's only played in 33 games over the three seasons, but his production has remained excellent. Projected over 17 games, Kupp is still producing at a 100-catch, 1,000-yard rate per year. If he can come close to that in Klint Kubiak's offense this year, Seattle's offense will be dynamic. As Fansided.com notes, along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Hawks will have two savvy, accomplished route runners who can line up anywhere. For fantasy investors, Kupp is being drafted as WR45 this year -- which aligns with his WR42 Footballguys Projection. |
Cooper Kupp player page
Free-agent WR Gabe Davis (Jaguars) is scheduled to visit with the New Orleans Saints.
Footballguys view: Davis, 26, spent last year with the Jaguars but was released in May with a failed physical designation. He tore the meniscus in his left knee last November. In 10 games in 2024, Davis caught 20 passes for 239 yards with two touchdowns. Davis has reportedly recently met with the Giants, 49ers, and Steelers. |
Gabe Davis player page
Buffalo Bills WR Joshua Palmer (undisclosed) was limited to individual drills during practice Tuesday, June 3.
Link to storyJoshua Palmer player page
In addition to the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens WR Rashod Bateman received trade interest from the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots earlier this offseason before he signed a three-year, $36.75 million contract extension with the Ravens.
Footballguys view: All three teams were in the market for a classic "X" receiver who can win against NFL cornerbacks outside of the numbers. The Cowboys traded for George Pickens, the Patriots signed Stefon Diggs, and the Packers took Matthew Golden in the first round. Bateman's contract is about the same as the one the Bills gave Joshua Palmer, so this could be a bargain if Bateman plays the way he did last year and stays healthy. |
Rashod Bateman player page
Tennessee Titans WR Van Jefferson has 'looked good' during OTAs, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com.
Footballguys view: We would normally assume a journeyman like Jefferson has little chance to make an impact, but his main competition to start outside opposite Calvin Ridley is Tyler Lockett and two fourth round picks. Maybe the bottom line here is that Cam Ward isn't going to have the most impressive set of weapons in his rookie year. |
Van Jefferson player page