Training Camp Recap 8/22/2022
Stock up
Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon – Matt LaFleur isn’t naming a starter and intends to use both backs this year which we have heard rumors of them playing together on some plays. Both backs should have productive seasons and if either were to go down, the other would be an easy top 10 running back option.
Matt LaFleur calls Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon running backs “1A and 1A.”
“They’re two of the premier backs in our league, in my opinion. They can do anything.”
Chase Edmonds – Edmonds looks like the starter for the Miami Dolphins and should be their best pass-catching option out of the backfield. Raheem Mostert was on the initial depth chart (we don’t put too much stock in initial depth charts) as the other starting RB but he’s coming off a season-ending knee injury and even though he’s said he is healthy – we still haven’t seen him in any preseason action so far.
“RB1 Chase Edmonds had 5 touches vs. the Raiders”
Ameer Abdullah – Abdullah should slot into the James White role in this new Raiders offense and with the team drafting Zamir White in the draft this year – this could be a very ambiguous running back by committee.
Not surprised about this.
“Ameer Abdullah hasn’t played the last 2 preseason games. He clearly surpassed Kenyan Drake on the #Raiders RB depth chart.”
“The Raiders plan to release veteran RB Kenyan Drake, per source.”
Christian Kirk – Kirk may be overpaid but still underrated. He operated as the clear WR1 in this new Jaguars offense under Doug Pederson.
“Christian Kirk in his #Jaguars debut Saturday:
* In for 32 of Trevor Lawrence’s 39 snaps
* 16 slot snaps
* 8 targets for a 38% share
* 5-54-0 result”
Chase Claypool – George Pickens has been stealing all the headlines, but not too long-ago Claypool was making splash plays as a rookie for the Steelers. With Big Ben gone, there’s more potential for Claypool to capitalize on deep shots and maybe working in the slot more will mean more targets for the third year wide receiver.
“The 6’4/238 Chase Claypool has been in slot for 13-of-16 preseason snaps.
Roles in PIT appear set: Diontae Johnson and George Pickens on outside, Claypool in big slot role.”
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Stock down
Kenny Golladay – Golladay isn’t mentioned in this tweet but Collin Johnson has impressed in camp and most reports have been down on Kenny Golladay. The team drafted Wan’Dale Robinson and also drafted Kadarius Toney last year. There’s a new regime now as well so the writing could be on the wall for Kenny Golladay if he doesn’t have a productive year.
Thought this comment from Brian Daboll definitely stood out.
“Collin Johnson, David Sills, they’ve stepped their game up. I mean they’re right in the mix. Not just to make a team but to play.”
Ronald Jones – poor one out for Ronald Jones who’s been rumored to get cut and with him getting ZERO snaps with the first team offense in the last preseason game, it feels like it’s all but a sure thing he doesn’t make this roster unfortunately.
“Patrick Mahomes has played 36 snaps this preseason. Ronald Jones has been on the field for 0 of them.”
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Rookies
Christian Watson – it’s great to see Christian Watson back and practicing with his new team the Green Bay Packers. He’s got some ground to make up with the other rookie the Packers drafted Romeo Doubs who has been consistently flashed in camp.
“Christian Watson just Moss’d Rico Gafford for a big gain down the right sideline on a nice throw from Jordan Love. Put the backup offense in position for a field goal during end-of-game scenario period when offense trailed by two.”
Romeo Doubs – Rodgers has been hard on his new rookie WR teammate but probably for good reason (we hope) – Doubs has been lighting up camp but with Davante Adams now in Las Vegas, the Packers need someone to step up this year and if the veterans come out of the gates slow then watch out for Doubs as a potential big time sleeper this year.
12 has said many times that expectations need to be “reasonable” for the rookie WRs.
Romeo Doubs, based on how well he’s played during camp, raised those expectations.
“The standard for him is not going to be the standard for a normal rookie we’ve had here in the past.”
Tyrion Davis-Price – a nice run here from TDP who is fighting for the backup running back position behind Elijah Mitchell who’s currently dealing with a hamstring injury right now.
“Tyrion Davis-Price breaks three tackles on this carry.
Good balance through contact and finishes this run off with some authority.”
Jahan Dotson – Dotson flashed early on in camp and has built some nice chemistry with new QB1 Carson Wentz – keep an eye on Jahan Dotson this year as a potential sleeper.
“Carson Wentz has found Jahan Dotson on a pair of passes in 11s. The first was a deep one down the right sideline for 6.”
Isaiah Likely – Likely continues to absolutely DOMINATE whether it be in practice or in live games. The hype on this rookie tight end continues to go up and up. He may be the third pass catcher that the Ravens are looking for to step up behind Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman.
“Isaiah Likely so far this preseason:
12 targets
12 catches
144 yards
1 TD”
“We haven’t seen much of Isaiah Likely’s tackle breaking ability in training camp cause, well, it’s training camp. Another facet of the talented rookie’s game on display tonight.”
Kyren Williams – Williams has been banged up (and Henderson and Akers) so it’s good news that the rookie may be able to suit up for some preseason action before the regular season kicks off.
RB Kyren Williams is expected to participate in joint practices with Bengas and play in preseason finale, Sean McVay said.”
Seattle Seahawks
Ken Walker – Pete Carroll seems to be backtracking a little bit and with so much up in the air for the young back, you would think the team would side with caution and bring their new rookie RB that they selected in the 2nd round of the draft slowly so he doesn’t have any setbacks.
“Pete Carroll is absurdly rosy anytime he talks to the media about SEA player performance or injuries.
So his comments on Kenneth Walker are concerning.”
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Quick hitters
Baker Mayfield – I think this was obvious with what we were hearing from the Panthers from the past few weeks. You can now officially slightly upgrade all the Panthers pass-catchers.
“Panthers officially announced Baker Mayfield as their opening-day starting quarterback vs. the Cleveland Browns.”
James Robinson and Travis Etienne – let’s keep an eye out for when James Robinson does get cleared but how much work he will get and when that will be ramped up remain a mystery. Travis Etienne’s ADP has shot up in recent weeks so we may have to temper expectations for the young back if James Robinson is able to make this a committee backfield and get to anything close to his pre-injury form this year.
“Sounds like Jaguars expect James Robinson (Achilles) to get cleared for Week 1. But doesn’t mean he’ll actually play and a limited workload is expected if he does.”
Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett – Kenny Pickett has impressed lately and it sounds like he may still have a shot to beat out early preseason favorite Mitch Trubisky for the starting spot for week 1 if he keeps this up in their final preseason game.
Mike Tomlin said the work this week and final preseason game would be significant to determining a number of spots — including at left guard.
I asked if that also included the starting quarterback position.
Tomlin: “Yes.”