Training camp is finally here!
The RSJ staff is tracking fantasy football news and highlights from 2023 NFL training camps and working to serve as your lead blockers to fantasy greatness.
Here are some notable standout news from training camps around the league on July 26.
Calvin Ridley: High-powered offense with Trevor Lawrence “going to be fun”
The hype train was already heavy on Calvin Ridley after being traded to the Jaguars despite being suspended last season.
“Ridley simply moves differently than any other wide receiver on the field,” wrote Jags beat reporter John Shipley. “The pacing and tempo in his routes, the quickness of his feet, and his ability change up his approach to routes even when he isn’t getting the ball all stand out.”
Ridley’s butter-soft hands and quick, silky-smooth routes make him a dangerous weapon for Trevor Lawrence, who rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the Urban Meyer experience for a strong sophomore season.
After breaking out to end the 2019 season, Ridley took a big step forward in 2020, finishing as the PPR WR5.
Last season, Lawrence attempted 615 pass attempts, the second lowest in Doug Pederson’s tenure as a play-caller since 2018. In 2018 and 2019, with Carson Wentz at the helm, Pederson attempted an average of 640 pass attempts per season. This suggests the Jaguars will place a greater emphasis on passing the ball going forward.
The offense is expected to take a big step forward across the board this season. In the last five years, the league’s average touchdown rate for quarterbacks is 4.56%. Factor in Ridley’s career 7.7% TD rate and Pederson’s typically high-volume aerial attacks puts Ridley in line for double-digit touchdown opportunities.
Darren Waller: Uncoverable matchup red-zone presence and matchup nightmare
“Darren Waller is “going to be a problem” for defenses, Andrew Thomas said. He’s right. The guy is near unguardable in the red zone and put on a show in the first practice. Xavier McKinney pointed out how his size, speed, and athleticism make him such a challenge. Basically, humans shouldn’t be that large and that fast. “Special,” he called him. He has to stay healthy (major x-factor), but if he does this offense should have a go-to guy,” according to Giants beat reporter Connor Hughes.
Waller was… abysmal in 2022. Expectations were sky-high and Waller failed to even make it out of Earth’s orbit with the Raiders. Despite appearing in nine games in 2023, Waller saw only 28 receptions across 43 targets.
Being featured in the red zone and deployed as a matchup nightmare might be the best-case scenario for Waller. The Giants’ offense isn’t exactly known for its high-octane passing, ranking 25th in pass attempts per game league-wide in 2022.
Injuries to the wide-receiver position and an utter lack of dynamic tight-end play led to running back Saquon Barkley leading the team in targets… creating the need for Waller.
With multiple 1,100+ receiving yard seasons under his belt, Waller projects to be a vital cog in the Giants’ offense that should present him with more red-zone opportunities than in 2022.
Anthony Richardson: Impressing in training camp early, Konami Code quarterback with limitless upside
Despite opening training camp with the second-string offense and learning from Minshew, it’s widely expected that Richardson will be promoted sooner rather than later.
Richardson was sharp and decisive during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, totaling three total touchdowns and avoiding costly turnovers.
“I thought he did a nice job,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “I think what he did in the spring learning the system and then carrying it over into today, I thought he made some good plays.”
Colts star wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., was also quick to heap his praises on Richardson.
“He’s always working and just has a great work ethic,” Pittman said. “And I just can’t see him not being successful (with) the work he puts in.”
Richardson’s arm strength and arm talent can only be matched by the rushing upside he brings. A true Konami-code quarterback, Richardson drips in limitless fantasy upside.
OTHER FANTASY NOTES:
Trey Lance “killing it” day one of training camp:
According to John Chapman, Trey Lance was killing it today during training camp. Deebo Samuel and George Kittle were interviewed after camp to talk about the improvements in Lance’s game from last year.
Rashaad Penny getting first reps with running backs:
Eliot Shorr-Parks reported Rashaad Penny got the first carry among running backs for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Given Penny’s illustrious history of both terrific on-field production and long list of injuries, this could be a resounding vote of confidence in Penny as the team’s lead back, especially with the offseason addition of D’Andre Swift. Worth noting Penny also received reps with the second and third-team offenses, according to Parks.
Sam LaPorta “earned the right to be in that first-team huddle”:
Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has really made a lasting impression on the Lions early on, especially offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
LaPorta’s play-making and physicality have not gone unnoticed and the tight end position has some juice to offer in the Lions dangerous aerial attack. Last season, before being traded to the Vikings, TJ Hockenson saw 43 targets and was pacing for 63 receptions for 959 yards and seven touchdowns on 104 targets.
Now it’s a real stretch to expect LaPorta to come in and completely replicate Hockenson’s impact on the team, in fact it’s likely downright ludicrous to expect it. Regardless, the path to LaPorta having fantasy relevance is clear.
