Matt Schneidman of The Athletic expects the snap shares of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon to stay “in the same vicinity” this season. Jones saw ~52% of the snaps in 2021; Dillon handled ~43%. Jones’ ability in the passing game gives him the leg up, but Dillon has made it a point of emphasis this offseason. “Coming in, I was always the big back who’s only good for third-and-short, so I really want to be and I think of myself as an APB, an all-purpose back, no matter what the situation,” Dillon said. “And I feel like last year was a good start, a good foothold if you will, but there’s still a couple opportunities I wish I had caught the ball and been in better placement or ran a route better. So I’m happy with the improvement, but obviously still working on it.” In FFPC drafting, Jones is currently coming off the board around RB10, with Dillion averaging out as the RB26.
ESPN’s Turron Davenport believes there’s a 75% chance that QB Malik Willis remains on the bench all season. Ryan Tannehill has started every game since taking over for Marcus Mariota in Week 6 of 2019. And despite some positive words on Willis this offseason, he’s still considered a project. Davenport actually guesses that the rookie’s first start won’t come until late in the 2023 season -- and that's only if Tennessee's been eliminated from the postseason. Of course, a lot can change between now and then. But for 2022, unless you’re playing in a deep superflex format, Willis should go undrafted in fantasy.
Raiders RB Josh Jacobs sat out OTA practices the past 2 weeks with an undisclosed injury, according to Marcus Mosher of Raiders Wire. "Because it’s still voluntary OTAs, it’s probably not worth getting too concerned about," Mosher writes. "But if Jacobs doesn’t practice in some capacity during next week’s mandatory minicamp, then it might be time to worry." We'll keep an eye on the situation.
Multiple reports have rookie WR Romeo Doubs impressing in OTA sessions. That's not surprising given the way GM Brian Gutekunst talked about the 4th-round selection in early May. “He’s got length, he’s really fast, he’s a big-time playmaker and he’s done it for multiple years at Nevada,” Gutekunst told the team website. “He’s probably one of the more polished players coming out of college just because of his experience. We’re excited to see what he can do.” That "polish" will tend to show in these early, padless workouts that are missing a number of veterans. Doubs will be worth tracking, though, as the renovated Green Bay WR corps leaves wide-open opportunity. It doesn't hurt Doubs' path that fellow Packers rookie Christian Watson has dropped some passes already. (But no, we're not overrating that issue for Watson right now.)
New Packers OC Adam Stenavich commented on rookie WR Christian Watson. Stenavich is a former O-lineman who most recently coached Green Bay’s O-line. “His combination of size and speed is great,” Stenavich said. “He's a big guy, he can move, he's going to be a problem once he figures things out.” Watson’s physical traits are obvious. But as Stenavich noted, it’ll be the mental part that’s key for the WR's development.
Titans QB Malik Willis "passed his first test" in rookie minicamp, Jim Wyatt of the team's official website writes. "I left the two-day camp impressed by Willis, from how he carries himself to his arm," Wyatt added. "For the second day in a row Willis was on the practice field way early. Before and during practices, I like the way he slaps hands with his teammates, encouraging them. He looks like a leader. And, he threw the ball well over the past two days despite throwing an interception on Saturday." Willis won't be a threat to take over as the starter this season unless QB Ryan Tannehill and the Titans really struggle. But Willis could be under center in 2023 and remains a nice dynasty stash.
The Seahawks added Rutgers WR Bo Melton in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Melton boosted his draft stock at the Combine, blazing a 4.34-second 40 time with a 38-inch vertical at 5’11 and 189 pounds. He earned a 92nd percentile Relative Athletic Score. That speed and explosion shows up on tape, but Melton’s play strength is a concern. He also failed to reach 640 receiving yards in any of his 5 college seasons. Melton looks like a long shot to emerge as a fantasy asset.
The Packers nabbed Nevada WR Romeo Doubs in Round 4. The 4-year college starter improved his production every season, culminating with an 80-1,109-11 line this past year. Doubs is a long, slender 6’2, 204-pounder with good speed. He averaged 14.8 yards per catch at Nevada and caught 12 balls 20+ yards downfield in 2021 – 25th most in the country. Doubs has reliable hands (4.8% drop rate last year) but has a tendency to play small, winning just 28 of 68 contested-catch opportunities over the past 4 seasons, per Pro Football Focus. Doubs joins fellow rookie WR Christian Watson in Green Bay, alongside Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers.
The Titans stopped Liberty QB Malik Willis’ slide, taking him with the 86th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Willis began his college career at Auburn before transferring to Liberty and starting the past 2 years. Willis threw for 47 TDs vs. just 18 INTs over that span, but it’s the rushing that drives his fantasy outlook. Willis racked up 1,822 rushing yards over his 2 starting campaigns and profiles similar to Jalen Hurts. Willis will sit behind QB Ryan Tannehill this year, but Tannehill turns 34 in July and has a $36.6 million cap hit in 2023. Willis has a good chance to be Tennessee’s 2023 starter.
The Packers traded up to select North Dakota State WR Christian Watson with the 34th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Watson is a truly freaky athlete. The 6’4, 208-pounder registered a 4.36-second 40-time and a 38.5-inch vertical at the Combine to earn a 100th percentile Relative Athletic Score. That obviously gives Watson a lofty fantasy ceiling. But the floor is low. Watson is more athlete than WR right now. He easily won with his size and speed against FCS defenses. But he’s a raw and inexperienced route runner, isn’t as dominant in contested situations as you’d expect and dropped 13% of his catchable targets over the past 3 seasons. Watson is also an older rookie, turning 23 in May. He has plenty of opportunity to earn playing time amid a Green Bay WR corps of Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, Randall Cobb and Amari Rodgers. We’ll see if Watson is ready.
The Raiders declined the 5th-year option on RB Josh Jacobs. Such a move would have cost the team $8 million in 2023. Jacobs, 24, heads into his 4th season fresh off an RB11 finish.
The Packers chose DT Devonte Wyatt with the 28th pick in the NFL Draft. Wyatt should enhance the Green Bay run defense and help create space for other Green Bay front-7 defenders. He doesn't carry much IDP upside, though.
The Packers spent the 1st of their 2 first-round NFL Draft picks on Georgia LB Quay Walker. The 1st LB off the board, Walker arrives just shy of his 22nd birthday and posted a 95th-percentile speed score at the Combine. His numbers were limited in a loaded Bulldogs defense, and Walker might be hard-pressed for full-time duty as a rookie. Green Bay re-signed De'Vondre Campbell for big money in free agency, including $15 million in guaranteed money, after he served as their only full-time off-ball LB last season. Walker looks intriguing long term for IDP use, though.
When asked about RB Josh Jacobs on Tuesday, new Raiders HC Josh McDaniels praised the 24-year-old and called him a back who "can play on all 3 downs." That's obviously worth noting because it indicates that McDaniels likes Jacobs' passing-game ability. Jacobs has seen his targets and receptions increase each of the past 2 seasons. It remains to be seen, of course, what else the Raiders do with their backfield ahead of the 2022 campaign. But it can't hurt for the new coach to like the incumbent lead RB. McDaniels did also say he has already spoken with Jacobs about ball-security issues. Let's hope the 4th-year back works to decrease his fumbles as he begins life under a Bill Belichick disciple. Under McDaniels, fumbles could impact Jacobs' playing time.
Packers RB A.J. Dillon fractured a rib in Saturday night's Divisional Round game vs. the 49ers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Dillon has the offseason to heal up after Green Bay lost that one on a last-second FG. He and RB Aaron Jones will be back with the Packers in 2022, making it a tricky situation to handicap for fantasy purposes.
Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (ribs) is active for tonight’s game vs. the Chargers. He got in 3 limited practices this week and should be ready for his usual workload in this must-win game.
Broncos K Brandon McManus has been activated from the COVID list. He'll be available for Saturday's finale vs. the Chiefs.
Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday night’s game vs. the Chargers. He got in 3 limited practices this week. We’d be surprised if Jacobs missed this must-win game but will keep you updated on his status.
Broncos K Brandon McManus landed on the COVID list on Monday. He has a chance to be cleared in time for Saturday's finale vs. the Chiefs, but you should be lining up another option if you were hoping to use McManus in Week 18 fantasy lineups.
The Packers on Wednesday activated CB Jaire Alexander. He had been on IR since suffering a Week 4 shoulder injury. It's not yet clear whether Alexander will be ready to play Sunday night against the Vikings. This week marked the deadline for either returning Alexander to the active roster or ending his season. At this point, we wouldn't bet on Alexander returning to a full-time role this week. Rasul Douglas has filled in well for a good-performing defense. We'll watch for clues as to the Week 17 plan, though.
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