Hype train round-up

By: Josh Frey-Sam

Mini-camp and OTAs are done, and they brought a lot of news for us to sift through and get excited about heading into the summer months and, eventually, training camp.

It can be hard to keep up with and figure out what to ignore and what to buy into when players aren’t practising with pads on. I’ve compiled a list of the things.

I’ve compiled a list of players whose stock I’m buying over the next four weeks.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson, TEN: Despite rookie Carnell Tate’s highlight-reel grabs circulating around social media, reports are that Robinson was Cam Ward’s favourite target. With his skillset and familiarity with OC Brian Daboll, I believe Robinson has a relatively high floor this season.

WR Carnell Tate, TEN: Speaking of Tate, he looks the part. My comp for him throughout the draft process was Tee Higgins, and he looked every bit of that in the clips I’ve seen. Daboll has also hyped him up, saying he’s learned the playbook as quickly as any player he’s been around.

WR Adonai Mitchell, NYJ: The constant thread has been that Mitchell and Geno Smith’s chemistry is already blossoming. Smith has been looking Mitchell’s way often, and with Mitchell’s ability to stretch the field and Smith’s tendency to air it out, this seems like a pairing that could deliver a few explosive weeks.

WR AJ Brown, NE: We knew that New England had a need for an alpha, and when they finally pulled the trigger on the trade, it was clear that they were going to lean on Brown, especially in the red zone. Side note: I’m very interested in a futures bet for Brown to score 10+ touchdowns this season (+350).

WR Drake London, ATL: London is quickly becoming one of my favourite picks at the end of the first round. We all know what he can do, and Tua Tagovailoa has looked good in his time with the Falcons, thus far. London now has a capable quarterback and is going to be a target hog this season.

WR Jayden Higgins, HOU: More and more steam is building around Higgins taking a second-year leap. He was my favourite WR in last year’s class, possessing a similar build and skillset as his running mate Nico Collins. It’s becoming clear that the Texans plan to make Higgins a key part of their offence.

WR Jaylin Noel, HOU: Another second-year Texans receiver who is being talked about making a leap. I actually thought Noel would make a bigger impact in his first season — he has strong route-running ability that transfers well to the NFL — but he never really got off the ground. He could do some damage over the middle of the field this season.

RB Quinshon Judkins, CLE: If it’s even possible, reports are that Judkins looks even more explosive than he did as a rookie. His terrific rookie season ended prematurely when he dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula, but he appears to be part wolverine and has come back even stronger. No concern about returning to full production.

WR Mike Evans, TB: Evans’ health concerns will be the main thing that keeps him going later in drafts, but the early reports couldn’t be better. He’s come in and taken the lead role in the Niners’ WR room and has looked like classic Mike Evans. While a 1,000- yard season might be ambitious, he could be a red zone machine if he stays healthy.

WR Quentin Johnston, LAC: Perhaps no player’s stock has risen more than Johnston this off-season. Mike McDaniel LOVES him, and it’s now becoming a conversation as to whether Ladd McConkey is priced too high. It really could be wheels up for Johnston in this offence.

RB Keaton Mitchell, LAC: Staying with the Chargers, Omarion Hampton’s stock has taken a hit in recent weeks as reports surfaced that Mitchell could play a big part in the offence this season. Mitchell’s speed actually fits what McDaniel seeks in a RB better, and he would be the obvious beneficiary if Hampton went down.

RB Rachaad White/Kaytron Allen, WAS: This is more of a stock hit to Jacory Croskey-Merritt than it is a boost for White and Allen, but reports are suggesting that the Commanders could run with a three-headed committee approach out of the backfield this season. I like Allen a lot as a prospect, and I wonder if we see him garner more carries as the season goes on. White is more of a pass-catcher and an inefficient runner historically, but there is reason to look at him now with more opportunities potentially in his future.

WR Brian Thomas Jr., JAX: BTJ is now healthy after a couple of injuries hindered him significantly last season. The word has been that he and Trevor Lawrence are re-finding their chemistry from two seasons ago. The key is that BTJ is healthy. His injuries first appeared around this time last season, which really restricted him in training camp and clearly spilled over into the regular season. I’m growing very bullish on BTJ.

RB Marshawn Lloyd, GB/ RB Jonathan Brooks, CAR: Two RBs who have had terrible injury luck that has prevented their NFL careers from really getting off the ground. Both have exceptional speed and figure to play big roles in their respective offences.

WR Luther Burden, CHI: There was a clip of HC Ben Johnson telling the media, “I’m buying Luther Burden stock right now.” I mean, I don’t think anything more needs to be said. He’s going to have a huge season.

QB Kyler Murray, MIN: He’s pretty much already locked up the Vikings QB “battle.” It’s his job to lose heading into training camp, and with his rushing ability and supporting cast, Kyler is looking like one of the better QB values in drafts.

WR Denzel Boston/KC Concepcion, CLE: Both rookie WRs are making their presences felt in different ways. Concepcion’s route running and speed have been noticeable, while Boston’s length and underrated route running are standing out. Can they actually have fantasy impacts with Deshaun Watson throwing them the ball?

RB Tank Bigsby, PHI:

WR Malik Washington, MIA: Malik Willis’ most targeted WR in mini camp by a mile, Washington is in an underwhelming WR room and could be in store for a lot of manufactured touches. I love him as a late-round pick right now.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh