RADIO
Juwan Johnson Continues to Flash Big-Play Ability
The New Orleans Saints practiced in full pads for two hours on Tuesday in 90-degree heat, but at nearly 30 years old, tight end Juwan Johnson was not slowed down by the dog days of summer. Team reporter Todd Graffagnini credits Johnson with one of the plays of training camp, a 4th-and-one touchdown catch in the back corner of the end zone while being blanketed by Kool-Aid McKinstry during a two-minute drill. Graffagnini points to the play as yet another example of Johnson's big-play ability that has shown up throughout camp. In his first season in Kellen Moore's system, Johnson was one of only seven tight ends to see 100 targets, and in year two, with quarterback Tyler Shough in his first full season as a starter, there are expectations that the offense could operate at an even higher tempo, resulting in more opportunities for all the team's pass catchers. Following a TE10 finish a season ago, Johnson is being drafted as the TE17 in 2026, and with all signs out of training camp pointing to a featured role in an ascending offense, he could prove to be one of the best values in the closing rounds of drafts.
Source: Todd Graffagnini
Source: Todd Graffagnini
Sam LaPorta Reminding the Lions What They Missed
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta missed the final eight games of 2025 with a herniated disc in his back, but once again healthy and unencumbered, he's made his presence felt throughout training camp, with senior team writer Tim Twentyman noting that he's reminded the team just how much he was missed to end the year. A day after quarterback Jared Goff called him a "stud" while speaking with the media, the two connected on back-to-back plays during a competitive portion of Tuesday's practice, following a big gain down the seam with a nine-yard touchdown. LaPorta was the TE1 as a rookie in 2023, and after a quieter second season, he was pacing as the TE7 through his first nine games of 2025. With a major role projected in Drew Petzing's tight end-friendly offense, he is RotoBaller's TE6 for 2026.
Source: Tim Twentyman
Source: Tim Twentyman
Travis Kelce Still Refining His Craft
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are in their ninth training camp together as starters, and according to senior team reporter Matt McMullen, the duo was in full force on Tuesday. A Pro Bowler in each of the past 11 seasons, the soon-to-be-37-year-old Kelce is still refining his craft, and with him and Mahomes working meticulously through the finer points of the offense, the two connected on a handful of completions during team drills. Relying ever more on details than athleticism, Kelce still projects to be a major piece of the Chiefs' passing offense in 2026, and at RotoBaller's TE12, he's become a late-round option with one of the position's safest floors and a realistic chance to see triple-digit targets for the 12th consecutive season.
Source: Matt McMullen
Source: Matt McMullen
Jameson Williams "Continues to Get Better"
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was one of the hottest pass-catchers to end the 2025 season, topping 70 receiving yards in seven of his last nine games, and his continued development has not gone unnoticed by quarterback Jared Goff. In a recent media session, Goff told reporters, "He just continues to get better. And the stuff that he's doing now that's nuanced, that you can't really teach... That little stuff has been so cool to see him start to adopt that and understand coverage and understand space. And that's the next level for him, and he's done a great job of it." Williams has been praised throughout the summer for a standout training camp, and as a player who has shown steady progression since coming into the league as a first-round pick in 2022, he could prove to be one of the more mispriced players in 2026 drafts, currently coming off the board as the WR21 after his WR10 finish a season ago.
Source: Tim Twentyman
Source: Tim Twentyman
Romeo Doubs Getting "Better and Better"
New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs recently missed a pair of practices for personal reasons, but since returning, he's made a number of standout plays, including a deep over-the-shoulder catch in Tuesday's joint practice with the Colts. Team reporter Evan Lazar credits the big-ticket free agent acquisition with making steady progress after what he viewed as a slower start to camp, as his budding chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye is becoming apparent. While veteran Stefon Diggs operated out of the 'Z' spot last season with clean separation, Doubs plays the position differently, relying on physicality to win at the catch point, and with Maye already proving to be one of the league's most accurate throwers, Lazar recognizes that the new twosome is learning to play together, with their connection on Tuesday proving difficult to stop even with near perfect coverage. Doubs is RotoBaller's WR54 and should provide a safe floor in 2026 as an important chain-mover in what could be a high-level Patriots offense.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Cameron Dicker an Elite Option at Kicker in 2026
Los Angeles Chargers place kicker Cameron Dicker enters the 2026 season as an elite option at the position. Dicker converted 38 of 41 field goal attempts in 2025 and added 34 extra points. He finished as the fourth-best kicker in fantasy last season and could build on that as the offense is set to improve under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Chargers ranked 20th in 2025, down from 11th in 2024, when Dicker ranked third among kickers. With their offensive line revamped and healthy, and quarterback Justin Herbert eyeing a big season, the offense should move up and down the field, which is good news for "Dicker the Kicker." There's no doubt he is among the elite at the position and should be off the board with the best of the kickers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Almost Unstoppable at Seahawks Camp
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was almost unstoppable at training camp last week as the team prepares for the Super Bowl defense in 2026. Smith-Njigba caught multiple touchdown passes from Sam Darnold and received praise from head coach Mike Macdonald, who said, "It was great to see him come alive. Some of those in high-leverage situations, too. There's defensive attention on where he's at all times, too, so for him to be able to make those plays, it's great for the Seahawks, great for him." The reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year is looking to repeat his 2025 performance, when he had 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. With a new play caller, things could look schematically different in Seattle, but fantasy managers should expect another big year from Smith-Njigba.
Source: Brady Henderson - ESPN
Source: Brady Henderson - ESPN
Keenan Allen a Late-Round Player to Watch
Former Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen remains without a landing spot as he prepares for the 2026 season. The 34-year-old receiver has yet to say whether he's going to play or hang up the cleats, but options are available if he decides to give it another go in 2026. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, or the Indianapolis Colts are good fits for Allen, as they lack a veteran receiver on the outside. Allen has tallied over 700 yards in the last two seasons, despite being in his 12th and 13th seasons. While he may not be the player he once was, Allen could be a target monster if he finds the right home in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mack Hollins to be Phased Out of Patriots Offense in 2026?
After the acquisitions of wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, New England Patriots wideout Mack Hollins is not expected to have a major role in 2026. Hollins was the unsung hero for the Patriots, helping them reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018. He tallied 550 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 46 receptions, finishing as the WR58 in 2025. Hollins scored 89% of his fantasy points out wide last season, which is likely where Brown (86%), Doubs (83%), and Kayshon Boutte (92%) will operate this season. Although he's generally a non-factor in most fantasy leagues this season, Hollins might also struggle to contribute in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colts Named as Potential Landing Spot for Najee Harris
The Indianapolis Colts were named a landing spot for current free-agent running back Najee Harris, according to Jason Garcia. Harris's 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers was cut short by a ruptured Achilles tendon, marking the first games he had missed in his four-year NFL career. While the Colts just re-signed Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension, they don't yet have a marquee replacement for him. Taylor has averaged more than 22 carries per game over the past two seasons and has missed time due to ankle injuries. With DJ Giddens struggling at camp and only seventh-round pick Seth McGowan behind him, Harris could fill the backup role behind Taylor in Indianapolis.
Source: Jason Garcia- Heavy Sports
Source: Jason Garcia- Heavy Sports
Cole Kmet's Role Could Shrink Further in 2026
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet enters the 2026 season with an uncertain workload. Last season, Kmet recorded 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, marking his worst stat line since his 2020 rookie season. The addition of 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland significantly reduced Kmet's usual workload, dropping his snap share from 88% to 70% in 2025. Loveland's addition hurts Kmet's fantasy outlook, and the addition of third-round rookie Sam Roush could also take Kmet off the field this season. Roush is a willing blocking tight end who, after being drafted, said he "loves getting in the trenches and getting dirty." While Kmet could be a trade candidate during the season, which could help his fantasy value, he may be stuck outside the Top 50 at the position in 2026 if Roush starts the season strong.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Jordan's Injury Could Linger Into the Regular Season
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (hamstring) could continue to deal with his injury into the regular season, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com. Jordan injured his hamstring during practice last Thursday, and while he's going to miss a chunk of training camp at the bare minimum, he could also open the regular season on the sideline. That would be less than ideal for the Saints and their 37-year-old defensive standout, who racked up 47 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles last year. Having Jordan healthy, available, and productive is one of the main keys for the Saints this season as they look to compete for the NFC South title. Vernon Broughton (hip) should earn more reps along the defensive line for the duration of Jordan's absence.
Source: Katherine Terrell
Source: Katherine Terrell
Coby Bryant Will Miss 4-6 Months After Knee Surgery
Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant (knee) underwent surgery and is expected to miss four to six months, head coach Ben Johnson told Courtney Cronin of ESPN. The team initially expected him to miss up to eight weeks, so a revised four-to-six-month timeline is extremely unfortunate for the Bears and their prized defensive back. Bryant left the Seahawks in free agency this past offseason, signing a three-year deal with Chicago worth $40 million. He tallied seven interceptions over the last two seasons and was supposed to fill a major starting role following the departure of safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Instead, Bryant is now at risk of missing the entire regular season, leaving more opportunities for Elijah Hicks (calf), who is currently on the PUP list.
Source: Courtney Cronin
Source: Courtney Cronin
Fernando Mendoza Expected to Get Plenty of Reps in Preseason Opener
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is "expected to get plenty of experience in Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals," according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com. Mendoza, who was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft after winning the NCAA football national championship at Indiana, will have a valuable opportunity to get acclimated to the NFL with meaningful preseason reps. At this time, he's not expected to start Week 1 of the regular season. Still, preseason action will at least give fantasy managers a chance to see Mendoza play alongside Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Jack Bech, and Jalen Nailor. His redraft stock is a bit iffy given the fact that there's no timetable for the Raiders to turn from Kirk Cousins to Mendoza, but the 22-year-old is much more appealing in dynasty leagues where he ranks as the QB17.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Malik Willis Looking Good in Dolphins' New Offense
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis has been impressive during early glimpses of the team's new-look offense, according to Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Specifically, he wrote that Willis "keeps stacking good days ... doesn't repeat mistakes, shows good leadership and strikes the right chords on and off the field." That's an encouraging sign for fantasy managers, especially after plenty of offseason dialogue about the state of the Dolphins with Willis at quarterback and Jeff Hafley as head coach. We're not saying the Dolphins are a playoff lock, nor is Willis a projected Pro Bowler, but there's at least something here for fantasy managers to get excited about. The former Liberty product put his mobility on display last year in Green Bay, and he could crack the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks if he continues to run well while limiting turnovers in Miami. As it stands, he ranks as the QB21 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football draft rankings for 2026.
Source: Chris Perkins
Source: Chris Perkins
