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OFF-SEASON REPORT #15
Originally published online, June 30, 2015
Copyright © 1995-2015
Guru Fantasy Reports, Inc. All Rights Reserved

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Off-Season Report #15: 2015's Position Battles - 6/30

ONLINE NOW:

2015 Breakout Receivers - 6/26
2015 Rookie Report - 6/26
Keeper/Dynasty League Rankings - 6/26
2015 IDP Top-100 - 6/24
Auction Strategies, Guidelines, & Tips - 6/22
Everything About Auctions - 6/22
2015 Off-Season Stock Watch - 6/20
2015 Season Projections - 6/19
Off-Season Wrap Podcast - 6/19
2015 Player Profiles - 6/18
2015 Auction Plan - 6/18
2015 Auction Guidelines - 6/18
2015's Values and Players to Target - 6/12
Depth Charts - 6/8
2015 Draft Plan - 6/5
2015 IDP Rookie Report - 6/4
Adrian Peterson, Age 30 - 6/4
Offensive ID: Bill Lazor/Dolphins - 5/28
TD Rates: 2015 WR Production - 5/27
Offensive ID: Lombardi/Caldwell/Lions - 5/26
Fantasy PKs and the XPT rule - 5/20
2015 Coaching Changes - 5/14
Post-Draft Podcast - 5/7
2015 Remaining Free Agents Tracker - 4/28
2015 Rookie Player Profiles - 4/24
Franchise Focus Podcasts: All 32 Teams - 4/24
NFC IDP Post-Free Agency Roundup - 4/20
Wide Receiver Height and Consistency - 4/20
Offensive ID: Kyle Shanahan/Falcons - 4/16
AFC IDP Post-Free Agency Roundup - 4/13
Offensive Identities in 2014 - 4/13
Visualizing Identity - 4/10
Coaching Identity: A Rough Visual Guide - 4/9
Pre-Draft Rookie Report Podcast - 4/8
2014's Distance Scoring Analysis - 4/6
2014's 300/100-Yard Bonus Analysis - 4/2
Wide Receiver TD Spikes - 3/31
Pre-Draft Rookie Report - 3/27
Post-Free Agency Podcast - 3/26
PPR RB Dynasty Value - 3/26
Running QBs and Their Targets - 3/20
Back to Regression - 3/12
Players to Trade/Trade For: Keepers - 3/4
2014 Catch Rate & YPT Analysis: RBs - 3/2
2014 Catch Rate & YPT Analysis: WRs - 3/2
2014 Catch Rate & YPT Analysis: TEs - 3/2
2015 Combine Recap - 2/23
2015 Combine Preview - 2/17
SOS Adjusted WR PPR Scores 2014 - 2/16
SOS Adjusted RB PPR Scores 2014 - 2/4
2014's Lessons Learned - 2/2
2014 Review/2015 Previews - 2/2

UP NEXT:

Off-Season Report #16: 2015's PPR Gold - This week
Off-Season Report #17: 2015's RB Handcuffs - Next week

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2015 Position Battles

Published, 6/30/15

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and informative overview of this summer’s position battles complete with insight on where they stand through the OTAs, you’ve come to the right place.

This is just our initial look at this year’s top competitions for skill position roles. Once training camp kicks into high gear, we will update this article daily

For now, here are how the team-by-team battles are looking heading into camp:

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

The Battle: Darren McFadden vs. Joseph Randle vs. Lance Dunbar vs. Ryan Williams for team’s starting and backup (#1 and #2) RB jobs

The Skinny: Randle leads this battle going into training camp by a “healthy” margin. He was the most productive, established backup to DeMarco Murray behind their elite run-blocking line last season, and has backed up his words with good power and burst early in the off-season. McFadden already has had his injury issues follow him from the Raiders, as a hamstring has contributed to relegating him to mostly second-string duty so far. It’s getting clearer that although the team wants to commit to more of a committee, it’s not playing out that way. Randle is looking good as the #1, and it will take McFadden standing on his head to be more than a #2 to start the season. The Cowboys have hinted they plan to follow through on getting Dunbar involved as a change-of-pace receiving back, but it’s hard to believe them after he hardly touched the ball last season when they made the exact same claim. Dunbar will first need to deal with a healthier Williams trying to take the team’s third and probable final roster spot at the position away from him in camp. Keep in mind that Lache Seastrunk is here, as well.

New York Giants

The Battle: Rueben Randle vs. Victor Cruz for team’s starting (#2) WR job

The Skinny: Near the end of minicamp, Tom Coughlin surprised many by saying Cruz, coming off a torn patella, was on track to avoid beginning training camp on the physical unable to perform (PUP) list. Cruz and the team are confident that he will be all systems go from his long rehab around the time preseason games kick into gear in early August. The fact Eli Manning and others have heaped high praise on Randle was probably a good motivator for Cruz to make sure to come back as soon as he could. Every knows Odell Beckham Jr. is Manning’s easy new #1, but it’s developing more that OC Ben McAdoo will go base with three-wide with Randle on the outside and Cruz working the slot. As for who will get the more second looks behind Beckham, Cruz still has the edge because he’s been more reliable and has the better, still more established, chemistry with Manning. The team wants to give Randle every chance to shine, but he’s squandered chances before, and the Giants would almost certainly be okay if he becomes a high-end #3.

The Battle: Rashad Jennings vs. Shane Vereen vs. Andre Williams for team’s starting and backup (#1 and #2) RB jobs

The Skinny: Vereen, coming over from the Patriots, has shown the Giants he can be a little more than a receiving back relegated to a lot of third-down duty in their offense. His versatility as a runner and pass-catcher has earned him a shot at an even split of touches with Jennings, who’s now 30 and was slowed down by an ankle injury in what once looked like a promising first season with New York. Jennings certainly has the edge to start off atop the depth chart again, but it’s still a stretch to make it more than a 50-50 split with Vereen. Vereen should continue his momentum in training camp, and can push for an even bigger role if Jennings gets nicked up then. The odd man out here (unless Jennings gets hurt) looks like plodding Williams, who offers little pop outside of goal-line situations. It’s hard to see him staying on the field much other than as a one-note power back. He will be the #3, however, as the team let go of now retired Chris Ogbonnaya in May.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Battle: Sam Bradford vs. Mark Sanchez for team’s starting QB job

The Skinny: The Eagles traded Nick Foles for Bradford with the full intent of Bradford being Chip Kelly’s starter, but there’s been a snag in those plans, keeping the door ajar for Sanchez. Coming off multiple surgeries to address the latest ACL injury he suffered with the Rams, Bradford is still hopeful he’ll be able to participate in 11-on-11 practices early in training camp. But while Bradford has been hobbled and limited, Sanchez has taken advantage of the extra reps to show that he’s improved in Year Two of operating Kelly’s offense. Kelly has declared the competition open for camp because he needs to be comfortable with Bradford’s ability to catch up and run it full tilt, something Sanchez has had no trouble doing. Bradford is still on track to be the #1, but it will take only his falling a little further behind schedule to allow Sanchez to elevate into Week One starter status.

The Battle: Ryan Mathews vs. Darren Sproles for team’s #2 RB job

The Skinny: Just as DeMarco Murray was signed to take over for departed LeSean McCoy as the lead workhorse, Mathews was signed to be Murray’s direct backup in Chip Kelly’s preferred power running game. Sproles, now 32, saw his touches dwindle down the stretch in 2014, and the Eagles are looking at him even more in a specialized role, a strict change-of-pace receiver to go along with his return duties. Sproles’ age and body type add up to not wanting to use him in traditional ways, and with Mathews in the mix, Kelly doesn’t have to do that. Mathews stands out as the clear #2 and handcuff to Murray, and that won’t change in camp unless those familiar injury issues resurface. And even with Murray healthy, Mathews should have a fairly substantial role.

The Battle: Jordan Matthews vs. Nelson Agholor vs. Riley Cooper vs. Josh Huff for team’s starting (#1 and #2) and #3 WR jobs

The Skinny: There’s been a lot of speculation about where Matthews and Agholor will line up as second-year and rookie receivers, respectively, because although both have the skill sets to create mismatches in the slot, each has proved he is versatile enough to line up anywhere and deliver. Bottom line, they are the favorites to be the Eagles’ most active and targeted wideouts because their games mesh well to be productive working out of frequent two-TE sets with Brent Celek and Zach Ertz. Huff has got his off-season chances outside, but his shaky hands may keep him from being more than a #4 when the Eagles spread the field. Cooper is still hanging around and lining up outside too, but that’s about it. In some form, Matthews and Agholor are bound to be #1-#2 (even if Matthews sees most of his time out of the slot), with whoever’s designated as the #3 being low on the passing pecking order behind them.

Washington Redskins

The Battle: Niles Paul vs. Jordan Reed for team’s #1 TE job

The Skinny: Paul, fresh off getting a three-year deal in March to remain with the team, has rewarded the Redskins by looking more the part of a complete tight end. Bigger and stronger, he’s worked at being a better blocker so he can stay on the field more as a receiver and a key target forRobert Griffin III. Paul, once Reed’s insurance, is perhaps the favorite here, with Reed a total wild card. Reed continues to have trouble just staying on the field to compete, as he had knee surgery in May. Even if Reed can avoid sitting out much in training camp, Paul should have a chance to win this job and have a chance to build on his 39 catches for 507 yards from last season.

The Battle: Matt Jones vs. Silas Redd vs. Chris Thompson for team’s #2 RB job

The Skinny: Alfred Morris says he feels fresher to keep producing as the workhorse, but the Redskins will keep his workload a little lightened again to help keep him feeling that way. Jones, the rookie third-round pick, has done more than impress as the talented third-down receiving back they thought he would be — he is the heavy favorite to be Morris’ new top backup, as his size (6’2”, 231) isn’t an issue in that capacity. Thompson and Redd were supposed to battle for third-down duty behind Morris before Jones was drafted, but now there is probably room for only one of them on the roster. Thompson has flashed speed, but Redd has more substance as a traditional rushing backup. It’s hard to see either catching up to Jones as the #2, and the loser in the #3 battle is bound to be cut.

The Battle: Colt McCoy vs. Kirk Cousins for team’s #2 QB job

The Skinny: So far, so good with Robert Griffin III in Year Two with Jay Gruden going into training camp. But as everyone witnessed last season, that feeling can change in a hurry into the season, for injury or other reasons. That makes this familiar battle behind him a little interesting again. Before camp, it’s been a straight second-string split for McCoy and Cousins, but based on how Gruden ended up favoring McCoy over Cousins last season, that’s how the depth chart should be considered at the moment. Cousins will need to do something out of this world in practice and preseason game performances to reverse that thinking. If McCoy wins, there would be good chance of his starting a game or few given RGIII’s durability issues.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

The Battle: Marquess Wilson vs. Eddie Royal for team’s #3 WR job

The Skinny: The drafting of rookie first-round pick Kevin White to start opposite Alshon Jeffery as Brandon Marshall’s replacement put Wilson back where he was last summer, trying to establish himself as a third wideout in a pass-friendly offense. In 2014, that hope was derailed by a broken collarbone in August. This year, the new offense under John Fox and Adam Gase is the major obstacle. So was the signing of the savvy Royal, who’s settling back into impressing in the slot role he had in San Diego. Wilson is fighting not to be buried behind Royal as the #4, and the only way to do that is to convince the coaches his size and slightly more experience merit some work at #2 while White continues to get broken into the NFL in camp and preseason games. It’s difficult, however, to see Wilson being a real threat to cutting much into White’s playing time outside. Wilson remains an intriguing talent, but he has a challenge to find more than a limited reserve role in a new regime.

The Battle: Jeremy Langford vs. Jacquizz Rodgers vs. Ka’Deem Carey for team’s #2 RB job

The Skinny: The position of Matt Forte’s top backup is up for grabs in training camp. Langford, the rookie fourth-round pick, looks most like the complete part because of his pro-style running pedigree and ability to contribute in the passing game. Rodgers, the former Falcon, has shown so far he’s been nothing special as a change-of-pace or small power back, but he has experience on his side. Carey is the carryover from last year’s Marc Trestman offense, but he saw little time spelling Forte last season. Talent-wise, Langford should be the choice, but there’s a good chance John Foxis a little more comfortable trusting Rodgers as the initial #2 coming out of camp. Given he wasn’t hand-acquired by the new front office, Carey will have a hard time keeping his roster spot as a #4 who doesn’t offer too much in the return game.

Detroit Lions

The Battle: Ameer Abdullah vs. Theo Riddick for team’s #2 RB job

The Skinny: If he’s healthy in camp, Joique Bell is the clear early-down and power #1, so (for now) this is the battle for Reggie Bush’s old gig of part steady backup, part dynamic receiving back. Abdullah is an excellent pass-catcher, but the Lions used a second-round pick on him because he did every aspect of the job well at Nebraska. Riddick got talked up and had his moments last season, but now that attention has gone to Abdullah. Abdullah was first in line to see first-team reps behind Bell in OTAs in minicamp, and got even more so when a banged-up Bell had to sit out (knee). While Abdullah works to lock down #2, the Lions should keep trying to redevelop Riddick as slot receiver to work more with Calvin Johnson andGolden Tate. It was a position Riddick once played at Notre Dame. This job is important, because Bell is getting older and has been generally unproductive as a runner the last two years. The #2 after training camp here could be the #1 before long, and that’s likely Abdullah.

Green Bay Packers

The Battle: Richard Rodgers vs. Andrew Quarless for team’s #1 TE job

The Skinny: Rodgers (6’4”, 257) and Quarless (6’4”, 254) go into training in a dead heat, both getting equal praise from Aaron Rodgers and the offensive coaches for their limited pass-catching ability. Richard Rodgers is younger and more athletic, but given their similar size and hands, plus with the Packers going more often three wide with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams, this is headed to a straight snap split with more committee-like sporadic receiving production from Rodgers and Quarless.

Minnesota Vikings

The Battle: Mike Wallace vs. Charles Johnson vs. Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Jarius Wright for team’s starting (#1 and #2) and back-up (#3) WR jobs

The Skinny: Wallace has pretty much locked down the “Z” receiver role to start at one of the outside positions. The Vikings traded with the Dolphins to get him because his speed and ability to stretch the field fits that role in Norv Turner’s vertical passing offense to a tee. While he will be Teddy Bridgewater’s new top deep threat, a bulked-up Johnson, a budding, more complete receiver, is in the lead to serve as the “X”. In reality based on Turner’s history, that puts Johnson at #1 and Wallace at #2. However, someone close to the team tells us that Wallace will likely be the “No.1” target, although we don’t envision Wallace being a major target guy and that the looks between those two should be close. Turner also has talked up the speedy Patterson again, but so far he hasn’t been able to rise above the second team, still having the same issues of not being polished enough as a route runner to handle consistent slot duties. The underrated Wright has the lead to be that #3. Patterson will need a great camp to prove he deserves to jump him.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

The Battle: Devonta Freeman vs. Tevin Coleman vs. Antone Smith for team’s starting RB job

The Skinny: Freeman was the #1 back in OTAs, and held that status in minicamp, gaining plenty of praise from Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan. The second-year man from Florida State has the lead over the rookie Coleman because he’s shown quicker feet, has been better in pass protection and drawn well overall from having a little more pro experience. The team is doing its best to motivate Coleman to accelerate his learning process in training camp, knowing the third-rounder has more all-around explosive ability than Freeman. While Coleman is sitting at #2 going into camp, watch for this to become a more even battle soon. At worst, Coleman may need to settle for a halfway split of touches at first before overtaking Freeman as the more impressive back not too long into the season. Whenever Smith fully recovers from the broken leg he suffered last November, he will step on the field as a specialized change-of-pace back and a clear #3.

The Battle: Jacob Tamme vs. Tony Moeaki vs. Levine Toilolo for team’s starting TE job

The Skinny: The Falcons signed Tamme, the former Bronco, to try to give them a legitimate receiving threat at the position, something upon whichKyle Shanahan’s offenses have leaned in the past. It didn’t take long for the savvy pass-catcher to shoot past Moeaki and Toilolo in that competition, as he got comfortable quickly in their passing game and was commended for worthy first-team performances in OTAs and minicamp. Moeaki has some receiving talent, but he has had trouble staying healthy for a number of a reasons at all his previous NFL stops. He will need to have a clear bill all throughout camp and dominate in preseason games to have any shot to displace Tamme – but he does have a chance. The Falcons took shots on both veterans because they weren’t crazy about the prospect of the pedestrian Toilolo catching passes for Shanahan, and even worse for him, he hasn’t improved much in the blocking role for which he’s tabbed. Tamme should nail down the #1, and will be a factor in the passing game to complement Roddy White and Julio Jones as a busy intermediate target for Matt Ryan.

Carolina Panthers

The Battle: Devin Funchess vs. Jerricho Cotchery for team’s starting (#2) WR job

The Skinny: Funchess has done well enough so far to make this a no-brainer. The rookie from Michigan lined up everywhere on the first-team offense in OTAs and minicamp, including both opposite Kelvin Benjamin outside and in place of Benjamin when the latter had to miss time while being hamstrung. Funchess goes into camp as the #2 and third receiving option overall behind Benjamin and TE Greg Olsen. Funchess won’t get any competition from Cotchery, 33, who has slowed down more and will have difficulty even gaining on the speedy deep threats competing for #3, Ted Ginn and Philly Brown. While Funchess is trending toward being a big factor in Carolina’s passing game, Cotchery is developing into only a specialist in the slot.

The Battle: Fozzy Whittaker vs. Jordan Todman vs. Cameron Artis-Payne for team’s back-up (#2) RB job

The Skinny: The Panthers finally felt comfortable enough with Jonathan Stewart as their workhorse to let DeAngelo Williams go, but they haven’t completely forgotten about Stewart’s lengthy injury history prior to his outstanding rebound 2014 season. They will try to keep Stewart fresher and healthy as their feature back by not overworking him. But they also know it’s critical to have a primary backup who could handle an expanded role if Stewart were to go on the shelf again. Heading into camp, it looks like a committee of Whittaker and Artis-Payne would be in line to replace Stewart. But as Artis-Payne develops and the team feels more comfortable with his handling all the duties, including pass protection, his running style makes him better suited to emerge as the clear #2. Todman is being earmarked more for the return game and would be a long shot to see backfield touches if he makes the team as a #4.

New Orleans Saints

The Battle: C.J. Spiller vs. Khiry Robinson for team’s #2 RB job

The Skinny: Mark Ingram will remain the early-down feature back and handle most of the power rushing duties as the #1. That doesn’t mean Spiller, the former Bill, won’t see a lot of action. Part Pierre Thomas but more Reggie Bush for Sean Payton’s offense, Spiller is expected to get a lot of work as a speedy receiving back whom the Saints often try to get to the edge and into the open field. Given how his touches and yardage can add up from that role, Spiller is more like a situational co-#1 with Ingram. That shouldn’t leave too much of a role for Robinson as a #3, other than as direct backup in the running game if Ingram were to go on the shelf.

The Battle: Nick Toon vs. Seantavious Jones vs. Brandon Coleman for team’s #3 WR job

The Skinny: Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks remain Drew Brees’ primary option at wideout, and this role, although more limited in production in contrast to previous years, will be a lesser version of what Kenny Stills gave them. Although Jones and Coleman both created some buzz early in the off-season while getting in some first-team work, they’re still both second-year players with little experience in the offense. That has put Toon in the lead going to camp, and it would probably take him falling flat to lose the job. Jones and Coleman are tight in the race for the upside #4, while Josh Morgan, Joe Morgan and Jalen Saunders will battle for one roster spot as the #5.

The Battle: Josh Hill vs. Ben Watson for team’s #1 TE job

The Skinny: Although there was some speculation the Saints would lean on the 34-year-old Watson more than just a savvy, ace in-line blocker, Hill is the one still filling the primary pass-catcher at the position (keep in mind, though, that the Saints built packages for Graham, which appears unlikely with Hill). Although the team didn’t acquire a viable alternative yet, that doesn’t mean it believes Hill can be anything close to what Graham was. Even though the team wants to be run-oriented, it’s hard to see Hill losing snaps to Watson, who offers little as a receiver anymore. It’s harder to see Hill boost his production by a significant margin in this remixed offense – especially if they wind up signing a street veteran like Jermaine Gresham, who they have looked at.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Battle: Jameis Winston vs. Mike Glennon for team’s starting QB job

The Skinny: Winston is right on track to be exactly what the Bucs want him to be as a #1 overall pick and franchise passer, showing impressive command of the offense early in the off-season. It shouldn’t take too much more good work in training camp to be named the easy #1 right from Week One. Meanwhile, Glennon has spent more time on the trading block than being a real threat to Winston. Given there’s been no eager takers, it’s a good bet he just sticks around as a distant #2.

The Battle: Doug Martin vs. Charles Sims vs. Bobby Rainey for team’s starting RB job

The Skinny: Sims got the early raves from the Bucs’ coaching staff, but he’s faded to the background going into training camp as Martin has kept coming on stronger in an attempt to reclaim his starting job for good. Martin ran with the first team in OTAs and minicamp, looking healthy, leaner and meaner. Sims can’t be ruled out to rise again given he’s a pet project of the team, but it’s becoming more evident he’s better suited to be limited to third-down relief duty. There’s a bigger drop-off to #3 with Rainey, who will be in a fight just to keep his roster spot.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

The Battle: Andre Ellington vs. David Johnson for team’s starting RB job

The Skinny: Ellington and Johnson, the rookie from Northern Iowa, are similar quick backs who excel in the passing game, which prompted many to think this would be more of an open competition. Instead, Ellington has shown no lingering effects of his nagging foot injury from last season, and he leaned on his experience and familiarity with Bruce Arians’ offense to separate a bit from Johnson heading into training camp. Given their similarities, Johnson is looking like he will need to settle for being a direct backup at first with some rushing duties worked into the mix while Ellington handles a bit of a lightened load. What will be interesting to monitor with Johnson is a potential goal line role early in the season over the diminutive Ellington.

The Battle: Troy Niklas vs. Darren Fells for team’s starting TE job

The Skinny: Receiving tight end hasn’t been a source of much production for this offense, and becomes a bigger challenge now that John Carlsonretired and Niklas needed to have more surgery after re-injuring his ankle in minicamp. Before that happened, the Cardinals were high on Niklas to have a big second season — as a blocker. He still may be just fine for training camp, and either way, there’s not much of a door open for the limited 29-year-old Fells. Niklas will be the #1, but while he has plenty of talent, he’s not that intriguing in this passing game.

San Francisco 49ers

The Battle: Kendall Hunter vs. Mike Davis for team’s back-up (#3) RB job

The Skinny: Carlos Hyde has maintained the momentum to replace Frank Gore as the #1 and will easily get the most carries on this team. Newcomer Reggie Bush is carving out a significant role right behind Hyde as the primary receiving back. That still leaves a void for an early-down backup for Hyde, however. Davis, the rookie from South Carolina, is better suited for that role. Hunter, while well recovered from knee surgery and looking spry again, has size and a skill set that more mirrors Bush. As the Niners are well defining their RB roles, Davis is headed to be the true handcuff for Hyde, and likewise Hunter for Bush.

Seattle Seahawks

The Battle: Doug Baldwin vs. Jermaine Kearse vs. Paul Richardson vs. Tyler Lockett for team’s starting (#1 and #2) and back-up (#3) WR jobs

The Skinny: Now that Jimmy Graham has arrived to be the Seahawks’ top target for Russell Wilson, their complementary roles at wideout haven’t gone too much into flux. Baldwin has the edge to remain the most active slot receiver, as the team can still get contributions from Lockett in the return game while the rookie gets more polished with his routes. Kearse will hang on to his primary deep threat position as well because Richardson is coming off ACL surgery and may not be ready to play in Week One, let alone be available for training camp. As the season progresses, Seattle should take longer looks at the youngsters, however. Super Bowl hero Chris Matthews and second-year man Kevin Norwood are here too.

The Battle: Robert Turbin vs. Christine Michael for team’s back-up (#2) RB job

The Skinny: Marshawn Lynch keeps defying age (29) and mileage to keep producing as the workhorse. Until he slows down, he’s the dominant #1 in this rushing offense, making the #2 nothing more than a straight-up handcuff. Turbin, even while recovering from hip surgery and having the potential to miss preseason action, has the same kind of stranglehold on the top back-up job. Michael wowed the coaches at some points last off-season to make them think he could be Lynch’s successor in Beast Mode. That thinking isn’t as strong a year later, especially since Michael missed time in their final minicamp with a hamstring issue (potentially opening a door for little-known UDFA Thomas Rawls). But Turbin’s got to get healthy or the talented Michael will have another shot to impress in training camp (because we know Lynch won’t do much in August).

St. Louis Rams

The Battle: Todd Gurley vs. Tre Mason for team’s starting RB job

The Skinny: Mason was surprised when the Rams selected Gurley in the first round of the draft, but also was helped when they traded Zac Stacyduring the draft. That’s because Gurley hasn’t been able to practice yet, still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered in his final season at Georgia. With Stacy out of the picture, Mason is all alone as the feature back option while Gurley remains on the shelf, and the way Jeff Fisher has talked, there’s an indefinite timetable for his return. While the Rams were pleased with Gurley’s progress, it’s more likely now that Gurley will miss the start of the regular season than be truly able to go anytime during training camp and the preseason. Mason is a fair bet to be the early #1, but as soon as Gurley’s healthy he’s bound to take over that status.

The Battle: Brian Quick vs. Kenny Britt vs. Stedman Bailey vs. Tavon Austin for team’s starting and top back-up (#1, #2 and #3) WR Jobs

The Skinny: Quick has the slim lead to be the #1, and that’s despite the fact he’s still recovering from major shoulder surgery. He’s done enough in this offense that if he can go only late in camp, that the Rams would be comfortable giving him that status come Week One. If Quick isn’t that fast in his recovery, which is very possible. Britt is on standby to slide up from #2. He’s strengthened his starting position outside by showing some good chemistry with new starting QB Nick Foles, especially on deep balls. Bailey has shown he’s a high-upside good-hands #3 out of the slot, giving him a long shot at jumping both Britt and Quick in terms of targets. The team is still figuring how to best use Austin in the open field, which could leave him fighting to be anything more than a special-package #4 if they’re inclined to play Bailey more in 2015.

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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

FantasyGuru.com: Off-Season Report #15 (2015's Position Battles)

2015 Position Battles

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