- Michael Bush – RB, Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Tribune confirms that there is “no chance” Michael Bush will be traded this offseason.
- Chris Johnson – RB, Tennessee Titans
According to the National Football Post’s Mike Lombardi, the Titans “are not going to change their position” on Chris Johnson’s contract situation.
- Derrick Ward – RB, Tampa Bay
The St. Petersburg Times speculates that Derrick Ward could see more carries per game this season.
- Earl Bennett – WR, Chicago Bears
Updating a previous item, Earl Bennett (arthroscopic knee surgery) hasn’t been cleared for a full return to team drills.
- Brian Westbrook – RB, N/A
Free agent Brian Westbrook is expected to make a decision on his new team this week, according to Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat.
- Ronnie Brown – RB, Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown (Lisfranc fracture) admitted that he’s still not 100 percent and sometimes still has soreness in his foot.
- Wes Welker – WR, New England
Wes Welker (knee, shoulder) reiterated Saturday that he doesn’t have a timetable to resume practicing football.
- Jamaal Charles – RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Charles (shoulder surgery) promises to be at full speed by the start of Chiefs training camp.
- Santonio Holmes - WR, New York Jets
The Jets are working on having suspended WR Santonio Holmes learn all three receiver positions after he played almost strictly the “X” spot — or split end — as a Pittsburgh Steeler.
Washington – Devin Thomas, WR – New Redskins QB Donovan McNabb will be looking for a big play receiver to step up much like DeSean Jackson did last season and Thomas could be his guy. I believe this 3rd year receiver will benefit not only from McNabb being on the team, but also from Coach Shanahan’s new offense.
Big Blue Wrecking Crew– Ahmad Bradshaw, RB – Bradshaw benefited last season from the departure of Derrick Ward and this season I believe the team will attempt to re-establish the run game. Bradshaw will become a decent fantasy player as a 1-2 punch for the Giants along with teammate Brandon Jacobs.
Philadelphia – Kevin Kolb, QB – Kolb takes over a pass happy offense that should allow him to excel as the starting quarterback. Although Kolb only started in two games last season he was able to average 359 pass yards and 2 touchdowns in those games.
Dallas – Felix Jones, RB – The explosive Felix Jones has apparently already been named the starting running back for the Cowboys taking over for Marion Barber. It doesn’t hurt that another Jones, Jerry Jones, expressed his desire for Felix to start. Expect Barber and Tashard Choice to still be in the mix, but for Jones to now get the majority of the carries.
Chicago – Devin Hester, WR - The word out of Chicago is that new offensive coordinator Mike Martz has been very impressed with Hester thus far in OTAs. Hester was originally slated to play mostly slot and to once again become a return man, but Martz now envisions Hester as an all around receiver. He could be the next Steve Smith (CAR).
Green Bay – Jermichael Finley ,
TE– Finley had a decent 2009 campaign, but will be looked at more in 2010 to relieve quarterback Aaron Rodgers of pressure. Look for Finley to propel himself into the realm of top 10 tight end fantasy options
Minnesota –Visanthe Shiancoe, TE – Shiancoe had an impressive 2009 season and if Favre returns for the 2010 season it could only benefit Shiancoe even more. Expect Shiancoe to be a sleeper for fantasy teams at the TE position.
Detroit – Javed Best, RB – Best comes into a situation where the starting position is in his grasp. Last year’s starter, Kevin Smith, is recovering from surgery and did not play up to expectations when healthy. Look for Best to get every opportunity to win the job.
Tampa Bay – Arnelious Benn, WR – There aren’t many options at the receiver position for the Bucs. With Antonio Bryant now on the Bengals roster Benn should be propelled into a starting role and will hopefully develop a good relationship with quarterback Josh Freeman.
New Orleans – Pierre Thomas, RB – As I wrote in a previous article Thomas should benefit most from the departure for Mike Bell. With a new long term deal in the works for Thomas he should be motivated to prove himself as a top running back in the league.
Carolina – Brandon LaFell, WR – LaFell is yet another rookie that will be asked to step into a possible starting spot and take the pressure off some of the veterans. LaFell is in a great situation where he can learn from veteran Steve Smith who has been one of the league’s best receivers over the past few years.
Atlanta – Jason Snelling, RB – While filling in at running back for the Falcons last season Snelling was able to prove himself worthy of some additional carries in 2010. The return of Michael Turner this season and the presence of Jerious Norwood doesn’t help Snelling’s chances for increased opportunities, but expect him to get on the field so that Turner no longer has to worry about the curse of 370.
San Francisco – Michael Crabtree, WR – Crabtree missed the first five games of the season last year due to a holdout, yet he still managed to haul in 48 catches for 625 yards and 2 touchdowns. With a full offseason under his belt, look for Crabtree to dramatically improve upon his 2009 statistics and become a fantasy contributor.
Seattle – Justin Forsett, RB – Forsett and his 5.43 yards per carry was viewed by many to be the new starting running back for the Seahawks after Pete Carroll was introduced as coach. However, the team added LenDale White and Leon Washington through trades on draft day. Forsett however is the back with the most upside and will hopefully propel his way to the top of the depth chart during training camp.
Arizona – Steve Breaston, WR – Breaston has always filled in admirably whenever one of his fellow wide receivers was unable to play. Now with Boldin officially out of town look for Breaston to get the starting nod opposite Fitzgerald in the Cardinals offense.
St Louis – Donnie Avery, WR – The Rams will be looking to open up the passing game this season in order to open up more holes for star running back Steven Jackson. Look for third year man Avery to benefit the most from this and also from the drafting of franchise quarterback Sam Bradford.
If Tampa Bay has anything it's some fine cheerleaders.
