Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a relatively quiet offseason, but the buzz around their new star player, Calvin Ridley, has been anything but silent. John Shipley, Jags beat writer, revealed on a podcast that several players have told him “this dude’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen live in a practice.” Ridley is setting himself up for a significant comeback. Trevor Lawrence, the team’s quarterback, had high praise for Ridley, stating, “On the field, he’s a freak, just the way he runs routes, how explosive he is. He has great hands, seems like he’s picking stuff up. It’s going really well.”
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs began their training camp yesterday, and Isiah Pacheco is making headlines. Pacheco has been actively participating in kickoffs and even took the first handoff of the training camp. Despite some concerns about his hand and labrum injuries, based on recent practices, it seems unlikely that he will miss any regular-season games. In fact, he looks fit enough to practice immediately. Pacheco’s presence on the field has been notable, showcasing his agility, quick cuts, and excellent pass-catching abilities.
On the other hand, WR Rashee Rice had a challenging opening practice, possibly due to the heat. However, Rice mentioned that he and Shane Buechele have been working hard during the break. It wasn’t all bad for Rice as he did have one nice catch during the first practice.
Among the standout performers in the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp is wide receiver Nikko Remigio. Although undrafted, Remigio has been turning heads with his impressive catches and undeniable chemistry with the team’s quarterbacks. During one of the training sessions, he managed to secure five catches during 7-on-7 drills, two of which were touchdowns thrown by Patrick Mahomes and Blaine Gabbert. His performance suggests that he could be a valuable asset to the Chiefs’ practice squad if he doesn’t make the active roster.
Minnesota Vikings
When Alexander Mattison re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings, he was clear about his intentions. He knew he would be returning as the RB1 for the team and has set his sights on being an every-down back for the Vikings. Mattison’s stats from the 2022 season provide a glimpse into his capabilities. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 215 lbs, he carried the ball 74 times, amassing 283 yards with an average of 3.8 yards per carry. He also found the end zone five times, showcasing his ability to be a reliable scorer. Additionally, Mattison proved his versatility by recording 15 receptions for 91 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per reception, and scoring once through the air.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are exploring their options in the running back position. Veteran RB Leonard Fournette recently had a workout with the team. Known for winning a Super Bowl with Tom Brady in Tampa, Fournette’s potential addition to the Patriots could be significant. The team has shown interest in him in the past, and he fits the mold of the veteran RB they might be looking for.
Darrell Henderson has caught the attention of the New England Patriots. The veteran running back, who has showcased his skills in previous seasons, also worked out for the team.
New Orleans Saints
New York Jets
The New York Jets are trading Denzel Mims to the Detroit Lions.
Breece Hall has been placed on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list as the team begins its training camp. While the specifics of his knee condition remain undisclosed, the Jets are optimistic about his recovery. Hall’s previous performances have showcased his potential as a leading running back, and the Jets are likely eager to see him return to the field in top form. His dynamic playstyle and vision on the field could be instrumental in bolstering the Jets’ offensive strategies in the upcoming season.
New York Giants
Saquon Barkley has been vocal about his contract situation with the New York Giants. He expressed his disappointment at not being offered a contract he felt he deserved. Saquon was quoted saying, “My leverage is I could say, “F**k you” to the Giants….You want me to show you my worth? You want me to show you how valuable I am to the team? I won’t show up. I won’t play a down.” However, it’s essential to note that Saquon also mentioned that those who know him are aware that not playing is the last thing he would want to do.
Stock Up:
- Calvin Ridley (Jacksonville Jaguars): The buzz around Ridley is overwhelmingly positive, with both observers and teammates like Trevor Lawrence praising his abilities. He’s gearing up for a significant comeback.
- Isiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs): Despite concerns about injuries, Pacheco’s recent practices and performances suggest he’s in top form and ready for the regular season.
- Nikko Remigio (Kansas City Chiefs): As an undrafted wide receiver, Remigio has been impressing many with his catches and chemistry with the team’s quarterbacks, especially Patrick Mahomes and Blaine Gabbert.
- Alexander Mattison (Minnesota Vikings): Mattison’s stats from the 2022 season and his intention to be the RB1 and an every-down back for the Vikings suggest his stock is rising.
- Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson (New England Patriots): Both running backs are being considered by the Patriots, indicating that the team values their potential contributions.
- Denzel Mims (Detroit Lions): The decision to trade Mims to the Detroit Lions gives Mims a chance to stick with a new team. Although a potential long shot to make the the team, Mims will get a chance to impress in camp and earn a spot.
Stock Down:
- WR Rashee Rice (Kansas City Chiefs): Rice had a challenging opening practice, which might indicate some struggles, although he’s shown commitment by working hard during the break.
- Saquon Barkley (New York Giants): Barkley’s vocal disappointment about his contract situation and the controversial quote might indicate some tension with the team, suggesting a potential decline in his stock.