RADIO
Sam LaPorta "Trending" Toward Return in July
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was a partial participant on the first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and head coach Dan Campbell said he could be cleared for the start of training camp in late July, according to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. "We like where he's going," Campbell said. "He's trending the right way." A herniated disc in his back limited the 25-year-old to just nine games in 2025, and he underwent surgery in November. LaPorta didn't take part in full-speed team drills in earlier offseason workouts this spring, but he's getting close to being a full-go for training camp this summer. The former second-round pick (34th overall) in 2023 out of the University of Iowa burst onto the scene in his rookie campaign and led all tight ends with 86 catches on 120 targets for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. He took a slight step back in Year 2 with a 60-726-7 line in 16 starts before catching just 40 passes for 489 yards and three scores last year. The offensive situation in Detroit hasn't changed much since LaPorta's strong rookie season, and with his price coming down after his injury in 2025, LaPorta is a potential TE1 value play in fantasy drafts as an obvious bounce-back candidate if he stays healthy. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 9 fantasy TE for 2026.
Source: The Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Source: The Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Does Brendan Sorsby Have Starting QB Upside in the NFL?
ESPN's Field Yates believes that former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who is applying for the NFL's supplemental draft, has starting QB upside at the next level. It's unclear what level of interest Sorsby will receive from NFL teams after admitting to placing bets on a variety of sports. The NCAA denied Sorsby's request for reinstatement in May, but a Texas judge granted him a temporary injunction in early June, making him eligible for the 2026 college season. But after a Big 12 lawsuit against Texas Tech and backlash around his eligibility, Sorsby has decided to leave for the NFL. NFL analyst Ben Solak thinks the Arizona Cardinals are the most obvious team that would be interested in Sorsby, as their current QBs are veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, and rookie third-rounder Carson Beck. Solak thinks Sorsby would "easily clear" Beck as the potential franchise signal-caller in the desert. The New York Jets are another team that could be interested, with veteran Geno Smith set to be the starter in 2026. Sorsby is clearly a better developmental prospect than fourth-rounder Cade Klubnik.
Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates
Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates
Michael Penix Jr. Expects to be Cleared for 11-on-11 Work at Training Camp
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee), who remains limited to seven-on-seven work at mandatory minicamp this week as he continues to rehab from a surgically repaired ACL, said that "the expectation" is for him to be ready for 11-on-11 team drills during training camp this summer, also he added that he'll need clearance from his doctor for that to happen, according to Will McFadden of the team's official website. McFadden writes that in anything movement-related, Penix has "looked sharp and shown no signs of discomfort." But the Falcons are taking a cautious approach with the former first-rounder. "Each and every day I'm trying to get better," Penix said after practice. "Doing whatever I can to help this team win football games, that's the ultimate goal." It sounds like Atlanta's true QB competition between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa won't come until Penix can do everything in training camp. The 26-year-old Penix is a major durability concern with a lengthy history of torn ACLs, and without a guaranteed starting job, his fantasy stock has fallen considerably heading into 2026 in both dynasty and redraft formats.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Drake London Dealing With Minor Injury at Minicamp
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that wide receiver Drake London (undisclosed) is dealing with a small injury that the team is being cautious with, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. London could have practiced, but the team is "being careful." The Falcons must protect their investment after giving London a four-year, $141 million contract extension at the beginning of June. The 24-year-old former eighth overall pick in 2022 out of the University of Southern California should be fine for the start of training camp at the end of July, and he's the unquestioned WR1 for either quarterback Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. (knee) going into his fifth year in the NFL. London caught 68 of his 112 targets for 919 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 starts in 2025 despite missing five games due to injury. He's a clear WR1 target in fantasy football drafts, and although better play at the QB position could unlock even more from London, managers cannot bank on that from either Tagaovailoa or Penix.
Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
Is Kaleb Johnson a Top Buy-Low Target for Dynasty Rebuilders?
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson was unable to carve out a meaningful role in his team's offense as a rookie. Johnson spent the season stuck behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell on the Steelers' running back depth chart and finished the year with just 28 carries across 10 games played. While Gainwell departed Pittsburgh in free agency, the team replaced him with former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle. As a result, Johnson once again appears likely to be limited to RB3 duties for the Steelers in 2026. However, he'll get a chance to work with a new coaching staff in his second NFL season, which could be the clean slate that Johnson needs to revitalize his pro career. The 22-year-old recorded over 1,500 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns across 12 games in his final collegiate season at Iowa, so he has some untapped rushing potential. For dynasty managers in the midst of a rebuild, Johnson could be worth targeting as a buy-low trade candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Engram Facing Uphill Battle for Targets in Denver Entering 2026
Across 16 games in 2025, Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram recorded 50 catches for 461 yards and one touchdown on 76 targets. It was a disappointing output for the veteran tight end, who had averaged just under eight targets per game over the previous two seasons as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Denver did not add any significant competition for Engram to its tight end room over the offseason, his target volume could be in line to fall even further in 2026. The Broncos acquired star wideout Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, whom they will add to an already strong wide receiver corps that also includes Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr. Given that Engram is entering his age-32 season and has several players ahead of him in the pecking order for targets in Denver, a significant bounce-back in his fantasy production looks unlikely. Dynasty managers should be looking to sell Engram for whatever they can get ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is TreVeyon Henderson Currently Undervalued in Redraft Formats?
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson flashed explosive upside as a rookie in 2025, finishing the year with 1,132 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on 215 touches across 17 games (four starts). Henderson averaged over five yards per carry and also excelled as a kick returner, demonstrating his big-play ability in the open field. However, Henderson was unable to fully seize the Patriots' RB1 role away from veteran Rhamondre Stevenson, whom the team trusted more as a downhill runner between the tackles. Stevenson remains under contract with New England through 2028, which brings some degree of uncertainty to Henderson's workload upside with the Patriots. Still, Henderson is clearly the higher-upside back between the two and could have a superstar ceiling if he can make modest improvements as a pass-protector and short-yardage rusher. Henderson is currently valued as a low-end RB2 in redraft formats, which could be a steal for fantasy managers in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
How Highly Should Dynasty Contenders Value Bijan Robinson?
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson put together an excellent season in 2025, recording a league-leading 2,298 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns on 366 touches across 17 games. The 24-year-old reached new heights as a receiver out of the backfield last season, hauling in 79 catches for 820 yards and four scores on 103 targets. Entering 2026, Robinson once again profiles as the focal point of the Falcons' offense. He may even see more chances as a goal-line rusher following the offseason departure of former Atlanta running back Tyler Allgeier, who logged eight rushing touchdowns in 2025. The Falcons' overall offensive ecosystem has major question marks thanks to the underwhelming quarterback quo of Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa. Still, Robinson has shown he can put up monster fantasy production without strong quarterback play in every season of his career to this point. As Robinson enters his age-24 season, dynasty contenders should value him as highly as any player in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Woody Marks a Top Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Rebuilders
Across 16 games (eight starts) as a rookie in 2025, Houston Texans running back Woody Marks recorded 911 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 220 touches. The 25-year-old began the year behind former Houston veteran back Nick Chubb, but Marks emerged as the team's RB1 over the second half of the season. Entering 2026, Marks looks to have fallen back into RB2 duties following the Texans' offseason trade acquisition of former Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery. However, Marks could still play a key role in the Houston offense as a pass-catcher. Marks recorded 208 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in 2025, while Montgomery averaged just over two targets per game across his final three seasons with the Lions. Montgomery is also entering his age-29 season in 2026, so Marks could still profile as the running back of the future in Houston. In dynasty formats, managers could have a prime buy-low window on Marks following the Texans' addition of Montgomery.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drew Allar a Worthy Dynasty Stash Candidate Given Long-Term Starter Upside
Entering his rookie season, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar is buried on his team's depth chart behind veteran signal-callers Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. However, Allar could be well-positioned for the long term in Pittsburgh, as Rodgers has said he plans to retire following the 2026 season and Rudolph profiles as a career backup. Allar had his senior season at Penn State in 2025 cut short by an ankle injury, but he threw for 3,327 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 302 yards and six scores across 16 games as a junior in 2024. The injury and concerns about his throwing mechanics caused Allar to fall to the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but he won't be pressed into immediate service with the Steelers and will be given time to develop. In deeper dynasty formats, Allar profiles as a worthy stash candidate for his potential starting upside in Pittsburgh in 2027 and beyond.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Zhaun Stribling Well-Positioned for an Early Impact?
The San Francisco 49ers' selection of Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the first pick of the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft was viewed by many as one of the bigger reaches of the entire draft, but landing with one of the league's most respected combinations of quarterback and play-caller in Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan, Stribling is well-positioned to make an early impact. With Shanahan operating heavily out of 12 and 21-personnel sets, his wideouts in two-receiver formations have naturally seen an uptick in efficiency. While one of those spots is all but guaranteed to go to free agent acquisition Mike Evans, Stribling needs to beat out only Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk for something close to an every-down role. Stribling's size and tenacity as a blocker make him an obvious candidate to inherit Jauan Jennings' vacated role, and he could prove to be one of the better values in an underwhelming 2026 draft class. As RotoBaller's dynasty WR57, he is a low-cost target in rookie drafts or startups who could pay immediate dividends, particularly if All-Pro tight end George Kittle requires an extended ramp-up period to begin the year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Mayer a Roster-Worthy Handcuff Who Could Still See an Expanded Role
A second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders' Michael Mayer showed promising flashes as a rookie, finishing the year as the team's most productive tight end. Any hopes of a true fantasy breakout were dashed, however, when the Raiders spent the 13th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft on generational prospect Brock Bowers, who has since proven worthy of the often overused label through his first two seasons in the league. In years past, there might have been very little fantasy value in a team's second tight end, but with the league trending toward more multi-tight end usage, and new head coach Klint Kubiak partly responsible for helping to lead that charge, Mayer remains an important dynasty hold. Potentially capable of providing the occasional standalone bye week or injury fill-in, Mayer's highest value remains as a handcuff to Bowers, now in a Kubiak system that saw AJ Barner finish as the TE9 or better six different times in 2025. With only one year remaining on his rookie contract, Mayer could hit free agency in 2027 at the age of 25, and with several paths in play to finding a more substantial role, RotoBaller's dynasty TE43 remains a worthy end-of-bench stash in all but the shallowest of leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Antonio Williams Has a Chance to Learn From One of the Best
When the Washington Commanders selected wide receiver Antonio Williams in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, he landed on one of the thinner depth charts in the league with a chance to learn from one of the greatest to ever play his position. The Commanders hired four-time All-Pro receiver Wes Welker as a personnel analyst in 2025 and have made him an offensive assistant for the 2026 season. With Williams expected to operate primarily out of the slot, as he did in college, Welker's guidance could become invaluable after collecting more than 900 receptions in a 12-year career as arguably the most respected slot receiver in the league. New offensive coordinator David Blough is expected to run a variant of the Ben Johnson offense he was a part of as the Lions' backup quarterback, and even if that means a move toward more heavy personnel packages with fewer receivers on the field, the Commanders lack every-down mainstays outside of veteran Terry McLaurin. At 5'11" and 190 pounds, Williams is a willing blocker, and while his more natural position remains at the slot, he'll need to beat out only Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and Treylon Burks to earn an early role in two-receiver sets.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dontayvion Wicks a "Key Piece" to the Eagles Offense?
The Philadelphia Eagles sent fifth and seventh-round picks to the Packers back in April to acquire fourth-year wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. At the time, the deal to send two-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown to the Patriots, which has since become official, was viewed in some league circles as a foregone conclusion, and NFL reporter Albert Breer believes that Wicks will be a major piece of the puzzle in replacing Brown's productivity. In a revamped Eagles receiver room, Wicks stands out for the size he offers over DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, and Marquise Brown, and he has the most experience playing on the boundary, where Brown saw close to 90% of his snaps in 2025. With Lemon unable to take part in minicamp practices due to an injured hamstring, many reports had Wicks labeled as a standout and an early candidate to earn reps alongside Smith in two-receiver sets. Coming from a similarly crowded receiver room in Green Bay, Wicks has been unable to match the 581 yards of his 2023 rookie season, but with a clean slate in a new-look Philadelphia offense, Breer believes he has the ability to earn a major role, and he could become a late-round draft steal as RotoBaller's WR80.
Source: Albert Breer
Source: Albert Breer
Bo Nix on Track for a Training Camp Return
After fracturing his ankle in a divisional round playoff win over the Bills, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix attended his first full practice of the offseason during Tuesday's mandatory minicamp session, and he later told reporters that he is on track for a training camp return. Nix fractured the ankle in a game-winning overtime drive and had surgery two days later. Experiencing pain from bone spurs, he underwent a clean-up procedure in April, and Tuesday's practice marked the most on-field work he has done since the injury, throwing in individual drills while remaining sidelined for team activities. Nix expressed a belief that he could have participated in full if given the green light, and head coach Sean Payton said, "he'll clearly be ready in time for training camp." Through his first two seasons in the league, Nix has added 3.9 fantasy points per game with his legs, and at RotoBaller's QB15, he has become a value in the later rounds of 2026 drafts, assuming no dip in rushing production.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
