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With the NFL regular season steadily approaching, this article aims to touch on IDP-relevant news and topics during training camps and preseason games. We'll look at injuries, contract situations, camp battles, rookie buzz, and other pertinent IDP topics. The plan is to have this article ready for your viewing every Thursday until the season kicks off. Thanks for tuning in; let's get to it!
IDP News: EDGE Haason Reddick
Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick is holding out.
Reddick did not report to the Jets training camp as he is holding out for a new contract. The Jets acquired Reddick this offseason via trade with Philadelphia, sending a 2026 third-round pick that could become a second-rounder if certain criteria are achieved. It's a messy start to things in New York for Reddick, as he has been away from activities all offseason. This is a situation to monitor until things are worked out. At edge rusher, the Jets have a budding star in Jermaine Johnson and promising second-year man Will McDonald IV, who could see extended reps while Reddick is away.
IDP News: EDGE Shaquil Barrett
Edge rusher Shaquil Barrett calls it a career.
With Jaelen Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (ACL) recovering from significant injuries suffered last season, Miami brought in Barrett to help shoulder the load at edge rusher. After a solid nine-year career, including a league-best 19.5 sacks in 2019, Barrett has decided to step away and retire from football. Look for Miami to bring in another veteran edge rusher to pair with exciting first-round rookie Chop Robinson as Phillips and Chubb make their way back from injury. Congratulations to Barrett on an excellent career.
IDP News: LB Ivan Pace Jr.
Ivan Pace Jr. is set to wear the coveted green dot for the Vikings' defense.
Pace had an excellent rookie season as an undrafted free agent, playing all 17 games (11 starts) and compiling 102 tackles (73 solos). However, with the signing of Blake Cashman during free agency, there were questions on who would don the green dot as Brian Flores' signal caller. Pace recently stated in an interview with Kay Adams that he believes he will be gifted the responsibility of running the unit for Flores. This is brilliant news for Pace's snap volume and IDP outlook for the upcoming season.
IDP News: LB Jack Campbell
Is it Jack Campbell time in Detroit?
On the surface, Jack Campbell's rookie season looks pretty solid. He compiled 95 tackles (52 solos), five tackles for loss, and two sacks over 17 games (12 starts). Not too shabby for a rookie. However, his role/snaps fluctuated throughout the season, leaving IDP gamers wanting more from such a highly touted rookie linebacker. Well, according to Colton Pouncy from The Athletic, Campbell's role looks like it's about to grow. Pouncy recently acknowledged Campbell getting the green dot, stating, “This will be his first full season as a green-dot Mike linebacker, and if he can take a leap forward, this defense will follow.”
Encouraging words, no doubt. Campbell only exceeded a 70% snap share three times during the 2023 regular season. If he does take over the green dot duties from teammate Alex Anzalone, it will lead to a more ideal and stable snap volume and an increase in IDP production. Campbell's situation will be one to follow throughout training camp, but things are starting in the right direction.
IDP News: LB Edgerrin Cooper
Packers rookie linebacker Edgerrin Cooper mixing in with the first-team nickel package
Outside of Quay Walker, who dons the green dot, the Green Bay linebacker camp battle will be an important one to follow. To kick off training camp on day one, the first unit comprised Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Eric Wilson in the base 4-3 look. However, hyped rookie Edgerrin Cooper started with the ones in the team's nickel package.
This will continue to be a situation to monitor but Cooper getting the first run in sub-packages is at least a positive sign in his progression. Cooper should quickly surpass Wilson in base looks, as they were likely just giving the veteran his due early on. But Cooper's competition with McDuffie, who has also run with the ones in nickel, for sub-package snaps will be one to watch as we try to figure out if another linebacker is getting full-time work next to Walker for IDP purposes.
IDP News: LB Matt Milano
Matt Milano is full go to start the Bills training camp.
Milano avoided being put on the PUP list and was a full participant to kick off Buffalo's training camp. Milano suffered a brutal season-ending leg injury in Week 5 last season, so seeing him hit the ground running to start camp is a good sign. A healthy Milano could be a nice value later in IDP drafts as he and teammate Terrel Bernard will be snap eaters when both are fit. Let's continue to monitor Milano's status but this is a very encouraging start to camp.
IDP News: Eagles LBs
The Philadelphia linebacker dance.
The Eagles kicked off the first day of camp with Devin White and Zack Baun as the starting linebackers for the defense. Nakobe Dean was also said to be mixing in with the first unit as well. Right now, White seems to be the front-runner to function as the signal caller. Baun struggled to find the field during his time in New Orleans, but he looks to be worth a preemptive add where you have the roster space. As for Dean, let's just hope he can stay healthy so we can see how this competition shakes out. This likely won't be the last time we talk about this group.
IDP News: DL Kenny Clark
Kenny Clark signed a three-year, $64 million contract extension.
Clark has been a cornerstone for the Green Bay defense over the past eight seasons and is coming off a career-best seven-and-a-half sacks in 2023. From a dynasty IDP lens, the contract extension gives comfort and clarity on Clark wearing the Green and Gold for the foreseeable future. Clark is one of the many Packer defensive linemen who have voiced their excitement for new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's more aggressive attacking style scheme up front. Clark is gearing up to be a nice DT2 target in true-position dynasty and redraft leagues.
IDP News: S Eddie Jackson
Baltimore bolsters its secondary by signing safety Eddie Jackson to a one-year deal.
Jackson had to wait a bit to find a new team but found a new home after signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore. The Ravens have options with how they utilize their flexible secondary personnel, with rumblings of seeing some possible dime package looks. The deployments at safety and cornerback will be a situation to watch, as well as how it could affect linebacker Trenton Simpson's outlook with how much they turn to the six-defensive back look–we know Roquan Smith isn't leaving the field. I still like Simpson a lot but will certainly be keeping an eye on things.
IDP News: S Javon Bullard
Packers rookie safety Javon Bullard running with the first unit.
Second-round pick Javon Bullard got the first shot with the ones at safety next to Xavier McKinney when Packer camp kicked off. Fourth-round pick Evan Williams was seen with the ones on day two, with Bullard back next to McKinney the following day. During minicamp and OTAs, Anthony Johnson held the spot next to McKinney. Bullard getting consistent run with the ones through the beginning of camp is encouraging for his IDP redraft outlook. His IDP dynasty outlook remains solid as a young, feisty, versatile defender, who can play safety and handle slot duties.
Thanks for taking the time to read my article. Feel free to reach me on Twitter @KBellf54 with any questions or feedback.
