|
Howdy Reader,
Welcome in.
Father’s Day is just around the corner — and while some dads will be firing up the grill, others are firing up the trade machine to stash one more running back. Because when Sean Payton brings in two backs with upside, we pay attention.
J.K. Dobbins is the veteran with burst and baggage. R.J. Harvey is the rookie Payton targeted to bring juice to the offense. Clayton Gray breaks down the Broncos backfield shakeup - and why ADP is shifting fast.
Also today: Gary Davenport dishes on which RB strategies (Robust? Hero? Zero?) could win your draft and keep you out of the dreaded RB Dead Zone.
And you know the offseason’s full of buzz, but Cecil Lammey separates the signal from the noise to bring us today’s News and Notes.
Let’s tune in,
J
|
|
|
What's New At Footballguys
|
📣 Voice Of The Footballguy 🎤
📊 POLL RESULTS: In our last issue of the Daily Update, we asked you Footballguys:
Which rookie RB takes control of his backfield first?
And the Footballguy says: I trust TreVeyon Henderson more than the Patriots do.
TODAY: Clayton Gray’s deep dive into how player values are shifting in high-stakes NFFC drafts reveals one clear trend — quarterbacks are climbing.
Among the biggest movers this week: Lamar Jackson surged 6 spots, Jayden Daniels climbed 4, and Bo Nix jumped 8. But which of these rising QBs most deserves the boost?
So today, we ask you Footballguys:
🗳️ POLL: Which rising QB most deserves their recent NFFC ADP surge?
When you vote in the Poll below, you'll see the current standings, and we'll post the final results in the next edition of the Daily Update.
|
|
| 🗳️ POLL: Who’s the better pick in Denver’s backfield? |
|
|
|
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders took a series of snaps with the second-team offense during 11-on-11 drills this week and continued a strong spring. He threw a short touchdown in red-zone drills. On the play, he manipulated multiple linebackers by moving his eyes to his left before returning to his right and finding an open window to drive a pass to TE Brenden Bates in the end zone.
Our view: We're trying to not get too excited about minicamp work, but it's exciting to think of what Sanders can do at the pro level. Sanders was a fifth-round pick, but it's not outlandish to think he's the best quarterback on the Browns roster. He's got a lot to prove, and Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel are there to compete for the starting job. It's a bit of a mess (understatement of the year), but Sanders is shining with his opportunities. Stay tuned.
Back to Top
|
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.'
Our 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.
Back to Top
|
How the JK Dobbins Signing Is Moving ADP
By Clayton Gray - Exclusive to Footballguys
The following feature is a free preview of our content. If you like it, click here to sign up for access to our Footballguys Premium Subscriptions, and you'll get all of our content. We're so sure you'll love it that we have an industry-leading 30-day MoneyBack Guarantee, so there's zero risk.
ADP (average draft position) movement takes place all offseason long. Practice reports, both positive and negative, can impact a player's ADP.
Sometimes, news can lead to a cascading effect. In this case, the signing of a solid, veteran running back, J.K. Dobbins, with the Broncos directly impacted his ADP and that of R.J. Harvey's.
Both players' ADP moved in expected directions. Harvey dropped from the end of Round 4 to the middle of the fifth. Dobbins rose one and a half rounds from the top of the 16th.
Is this movement over? Doubtful. The news from the signing is only a couple of days old. The current 108-pick gap will surely narrow.
In the meantime, there is still time to get good value on Dobbins before his ADP solidifies. Also, keep an eye out for Harvey to drop too low. He might also become a value pick soon.
We'll continue updating our composite ADP throughout the summer and up to the NFL kickoff.
Here's the rest of the top 250 ADP from Drafters.
Key
- Rank - The player's current ADP.
- PreDraft - The player's ADP from a week ago.
- Dif - The change in ADP since last week.
- PosRnk - The positional rank for each player.
CONTINUED...
|
Footballguys 2025 Rookie Draft Guide
The NFL Draft is in the books, and our Rookie Draft Guide is ready. Version 3.0 includes new team fits, depth chart projections, refined scouting intel, and — for the first time — the Post-Draft Bloom 100. It’s your complete blueprint for dominating dynasty rookie drafts.
You’re on the clock. Make the right call.
|
|
3. SF: Christian McCaffrey holding up well
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, knee) participated in every phase of voluntary OTAs and the mandatory minicamp, and he even took reps during team drills, which was rare among the team's established stars, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner.
Our view: Good news for the 49ers here. Everyone knows McCaffrey is a stud who can be the best back in the league when healthy. It's that staying healthy part that is unknown. McCaffrey says he feels 'great' after being dogged by injuries in 2024.
Back to Top
|
4. CIN: Shemar Stewart leaves camp
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Cincinnati Bengals first-round pick EDGE Shemar Stewart has left mandatory minicamp due to a contract dispute.
Our view: Things are getting messy in Cincinnati, with both Stewart and Trey Hendrickson in contract limbo. Stewart had been attending team activities without a signed deal while the Bengals pushed for specific clauses.
Back to Top
|
5. DEN: Pat Bryant looking the part
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Denver Broncos WR Pat Bryant was 'very, very impressive' during mandatory minicamp, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports.
Our 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.
Back to Top
|
6. CHI: Colston Loveland's status for camp uncertain
Source: BearsWire - Alyssa Barbieri
Chicago Bears TE Colston Loveland (shoulder) is still recovering from a shoulder injury, and head coach Ben Johnson would not say if Loveland will be a full participant when training camp begins.
Our view: Loveland was arguably the best tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. He can fly down the field and is a threat in the middle of the defense. When healthy, Loveland can be Johnson's version of Sam LaPorta...and that should get the attention of every Fantasy GM out there. Loveland is a TE2 with upside this season splitting time with Cole Kmet.
Back to Top
|
7. NYG: Malik Nabers seeing some progress with toe injury
Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan
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.
Our 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.
Back to Top
|
8. ARI: Trey Benson prepping for big Year 2
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo Mackie
Arizona Cardinals RB Trey Benson told the team's website that he added seven pounds of muscle since last season. He also noted that his explosiveness metrics have improved noticeably.
Our view: Benson is a powerful player who wins at the point of contact and keeps his feet moving to pick up more yards. The Cardinals have James Conner as their lead back, but HC Jonathan Gannon said if Benson takes the jump from year 1 to year 2 "I think we have two starting backs."
Back to Top
|
9. LAC: Oronde Gadsden II making an early impression
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Los Angeles Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II has been impressive during minicamp, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim, who writes that the rookie 'projects to be a key piece' in LA's offensive attack. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman remarked that he thinks Gadsden will 'ascend quickly.'
Our view: Gadsen is a tight end with freakish athletic ability. A fifth-round pick out of Syracuse, Gadsen is tough to cover at the linebacker level. Right now, Gadsen is the no.3 tight end for the Chargers behind Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. We appreciate Gadsen in dynasty formats, but his path to production this year has some roadblocks.
Back to Top
|
10. LVR: Dont'e Thornton works with starters
Source: RaidersWire - Levi Damien
Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. received snaps with the first-team offense during practice Tuesday, June 10.
Our 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.
Back to Top
|
11. PIT: Darnell Washington catching eye of QB
Source: ESPN - Brooke Pryor
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Darnell Washington was compared to Marcedes Lewis by QB Aaron Rodgers.
Our view: Washington is a big body like Lewis, and he can take up a lot of space because of it. Entering his third pro season, Washington is set to work as the no.2 tight end for the Steelers behind Pat Freiermuth.
Back to Top
|
12. LAC: Omarion Hampton praised by OC
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Los Angeles Chargers RB Omarion Hampton was called the 'total package' by offensive coordinator Greg Roman. 'You don't see a lot of guys find a hole like he's doing right now,' Roman said.
Our view: Hampton is a player who can play on all three downs. He's a powerful runner with a smooth stride, and Hampton can wear down a defense as the game goes on. In addition to what he can do as a runner, Hampton is a good receiver out of the backfield. We'll see how it unfolds this year with Hampton splitting time with Najee Harris.
Back to Top
|
13. DEN: Devaughn Vele expects to be cleared for camp
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
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.
Our view: Vele had 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.
Back to Top
|
14. CHI: Luther Burden on track for camp
Source: BearsWire - Alyssa Barbieri
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.
Our 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.
Back to Top
|
That’s it for tonight, folks.
Thanks for reading and for trusting us to help cut through the noise. Whether you’re filtering camp hype or fine-tuning your early draft plans, we’re glad to be with you.
We'll see you tomorrow with the Update.
Peace, Love and Fantasy Football,
J
|
|
|
|
Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom, Bob Harris, and Cecil Lammey
Advertise with us and get your brand in front of 700,000+ football fans
You’re subscribed as Reader - Manage Preferences - Unsubscribe here
Copyright @ 2026 Sportsguys, LLC. 118 N Peters Road, Suite 208. Knoxville, TN 37922
|
|
|
|
|