AFC
Baltimore
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said that - because the team has quarterbacks in their top 31 draft prospects - taking a quarterback in the first round is a possibility
Why It Matters: Mum is the word from the Ravens about Jackson, by design, as it seemed that there was a directive not to address the ongoing contract impasse/trade possibilities around the team’s starting quarterback. If the team does take a quarterback at #22 (or move up for one), it would seem to lower the chances of them finding middle ground with Jackson on a long-term contract and perhaps give the green light to other teams to negotiate a contract with Jackson, knowing that the compensation will be two first-round picks with lesser value because they will come in 2024 and 2025, after Jackson has presumably improved the team. Any fear of the Ravens matching the offer sheet will subside if they add a first-round quarterback. DeCosta wasn’t exactly enthusiastic about the chances of taking a quarterback in the first and worded his response carefully, but the whole organization appears to be walking on eggshells in the media right now. The bottom line is that we aren’t going to see any movement in this situation until during/after the first round, but we should be open to the Ravens taking a quarterback in the first (probably Will Levis (Kentucky) or Hendon Hooker (Tennessee)) to move the situation forward.
Cincinnati
Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn said, “Right now, he’s on the team,” when asked about RB Joe Mixon’s future with the team.
Why It Matters: Between Mixon, Austin Ekeler, and Dalvin Cook, we have three open-ended starting running backs situations to monitor up to, through, and possibly after the draft (maybe even into training camp). Mixon is the most likely to end up on another team, with a release being more likely than a trade. Mixon’s production and efficiency dropped off last year, and the team preferred Samaje Perine in some situations. Blackburn did add, “We are going to count on him until (being on the team) wouldn't be the case. But yeah, he's the guy. ... I think he's still got a lot of production in him”. They lost out on Perine in free agency to the Broncos, but Cincinnati could still add a back in the draft or even keep Mixon for one more year at a 9+ million dollar price tag. One thing is for certain - they won’t go into the season with Chris Evans and Trayveon Williams as the only running backs on the roster, even though they did just re-sign Williams and head coach Zac Taylor said they have high hopes for the 2019 sixth-round pick.
Denver
WR Tim Patrick said he’s cleared to do “everything” in his recovery from an August 2022 ACL tear.
Why It Matters: No matter what the Broncos say, if someone ponies up enough draft capital, they could trade Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton before or during the draft. Patrick’s recovery should only encourage them to be more flexible on their sought compensation, as he was playing ahead of Jeudy before the injury. The Broncos are going to be a run-first offense, so Patrick returning makes it more difficult for any of their receivers to be consistently productive unless one gets traded. We’re also monitoring the condition of K.J. Hamler, who reportedly had surgery on a torn pectoral muscle during March and may or may not be ready for training camp.
Miami
The Dolphins re-signed TE Durham Smythe to a two-year, $7.75 million deal.
Why It Matters: The tight end hasn’t been used often as a receiver in Mike McDaniel’s Miami offense, but if the position gets targets in 2023, they are likely to go to Smythe, who is known more for his blocking than his passing game contributions. He’ll probably just be a desperation play, but with Mike Gesicki gone to New England, we’ll be listening for signs that Smythe is getting more comfortable in year two under their young head coach.
WR Tyreek Hill said he plans to retire after the 2025 season.
Why It Matters: You probably should not be looking too far past a three-year window in dynasty leagues anyway, but if you’re projecting Hill’s future value, this could affect it greatly if we take his words at face value. Hill hasn’t shown any signs of a decline, but he could slow down at least a little bit by the 2025 season when he will be 31. It’s probably smarter to try to buy Hill than acquire him in the wake of this news item with questionable predictive value.
New England
Bill Belichick said RB James Robinson “will give us some depth in the backfield.”
Why It Matters: Robinson’s contract terms ended up being a little overstated in initial reports. He’s only getting $1.25 million guaranteed and is no sure thing to be on the team beyond this season. There have also been reports that the team is considering adding another back in the draft, and this team almost always employs a split backfield. Robinson isn’t draftable right now, and he probably isn’t as big a threat to Rhamondre Stevenson’s value as any rookie or even 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris.
Longtime Patriots beat writer Tom Curran believes Bill Belichick was unhappy with QB Mac Jones' on-field behavior and with the quarterback seeking help outside the organization last season.
Why It Matters: Whether these reports (or Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio's story about Jones being shopped) are true or not is secondary to what it means that we are hearing so much speculation about the Patriots' internal deliberations and state of mind about their quarterback. Devin McCourty even admitted some players preferred rookie Bailey Zappe over Jones last season. There will be a quarterback competition in camp this year, and it’s not a foregone conclusion that Jones will win or even be on the team come Week 1. No matter how it turns out, we shouldn’t look to this offense for fantasy overachievers.
NFC
Minnesota
RB Dalvin Cook is “making excellent progress” in his recovery from shoulder surgery, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Why It Matters: If the Vikings want to trade or release Cook, a clean of bill of health regarding his shoulder could help attract suitors in a trade or at least release the team from having to pay a $2 million injury guarantee if Cook is released. Alexander Mattison got what amounts to core contributor money (two years, $7 million) from the Vikings this offseason. And it is a buyer’s running back market, so the most likely scenario continues to be that Cook is released before training camp.
Tampa Bay
Head coach Todd Bowles said he looks for RB Rachaad White to “get better in all phases and become a three-down back.”
Why It Matters: White’s early Underdog ADP is still only in the eighth round, which is very cheap for a starting running back with only Chase Edmonds and Ke’Shawn Vaughn competing for touches. White should be able to hold them off and live up to Bowles' hopes. Plus, White's price is fair enough in Best Ball leagues to consider him in your draft plans.
