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ESPN Chargers reporter Eric Williams does not project first-round WR Mike Williams as a starter.
The reporter lists Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, and Travis Benjamin as the Chargers’ starters with the rookie competing with Benjamin. – Eric D. Williams – ESPN
With all the hype surrounding new Los Angeles Chargers rookie receiver Mike Williams, it’s interesting to see projections like this bringing us all back to reality. The Chargers have a handful of skilled receivers like Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin. Also throw in tight ends Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry so the number of passing weapons QB Philip Rivers has is plentiful. Everyone loves to get their panties in a bunch over sexy new rookies, so it’s nice to see some people aren’t blinded by the flashy new lights. Williams (Mike) should eventually supplant Benjamin as the WR3, but it’s tough to see him putting up elite numbers in such a crowded offense.
“It doesn’t mean (Leonard) Fournette is automatically going to be installed as the Jaguars’ No. 1 running back, though. He has to earn the right to be the team’s workhorse Marrone said Saturday.”
“Obviously when we made the pick we were thinking about [how] he can be someone like that,” Marrone said after the second day of the team’s three-day rookie minicamp. “Obviously he’s shown that ability, but at the same sense, when you have the team, the one thing about a team is you have to earn that. So he’s going to have to go and show that he has to do that.” – Michael DiRocco – ESPN
Okay Doug, suuuuuuure I’ll play along. You don’t pick a draft prospect being compared to Bo Jackson #4 overall and sit him on the bench going into his first season. Last year Ezekiel Elliott paved the way for rookie running backs that are ready to step into a lead role and dominate the touches. Now that’s not to expect Fournette to put up Zeke like numbers in year one, but he’s instantly a better option than both TJ Yeldon and Chris Ivory for Jacksonville’s run game. Don’t look too much into this, and know that Fournette will be a starting RB in Week 1.
“Beyond competing for playing time behind Miller, Foreman has to get into optimal condition. Texans coach Bill O’Brien noted that Foreman and other rookies have some work to do to get into ideal football shape. Foreman worked on the side during practice Saturday, riding a stationary exercise bike.” – Aaron Wilson – Houston Chronicle
Houston Texans rookie running back D’Onta Foreman is apparently not up to par in the eyes of head coach Bill O’Brien when it comes to physical conditioning. Foreman was a star RB at Texas before being selected in the third round by Houston. Foreman listed as the #18 ranked rookie in our previous Rookie Rankings piece written by CJay. He serves as a handcuff to Lamar Miller who could become a reliable option in the event of an injury to Miller. Hopefully Foreman can get himself into acceptable shape so that he can be a late round streamer to stash on your bench.
First weigh-in in Seattle done: 253 ✔️ @Lil_Eazy_Ana_42 https://t.co/qMGi1CUJKj
— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) May 15, 2017
Speaking of out of shape running backs, Eddie Lacy officially weighed in with his new team (Seattle Seahawks) and checked in just under 255 pounds. That’s a large man. In Lacy’s contract though, is a $55k bonus if he comes in under 255 lbs (which he did). Lacy will be looking to crack a deep RB stable of Thomas Rawls and CJ Prosise. If only his chance of doing that was as large as he is, fantasy owners would feel a whole lot better.
Quick Slants
- Chiefs first round pick Patrick Mahomes was robbed at gunpoint Friday night. Luckily, he walked away unharmed.
- New Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane says that Tyrod Taylor will be in an “open competition” at QB this camp
- Jaguars coach Doug Marrone has noted that QB Blake Bortles’ throwing motion has “improved.” After last year’s efforts, I sure would have hoped it didn’t get any worse.
- Rams rookie TE Gerald Everett is projected to land a starting position. That’s nice and all, except the fact that it’s for the Rams.