Denver Broncos second-year RB Ronnie Hillman has been working as the primary back with the first-team this offseason. Some see him as only a change of pace back but Hillman believes otherwise. “I’m trying to push to be the starting running back-I want to be come Sept. 5. If what I produce on the field this camp coming up allows me to be then I’ll be happy but that is the goal.” Hillman said.

Our View: Hillman has been getting a majority (around 75%) of the first-team reps this offseason. He’s added 15 pounds of muscle this offseason after falling to below 180 pounds at the end of last year. Hillman has been a standout player at OTAs and many Broncos reporters have commented on him being faster and more explosive this year. We’ll see if he can hold onto the starting job when training camp rolls around. Even if Hillman is the starter this team will still employ a RBBC which should also feature rookie Montee Ball (Wisconsin).
Broncos | Hillman wants to start

Denver Broncos second-round pick RB Montee Ball (Wisconsin) feels comfortable in his playbook so far. “I feel really good, actually. I think I showed a lot of progress, in the OTAs, practices, and the rookie minicamp all put together. I showed a lot of progress and I’m extremely comfortable with the playbook right now.” Ball said.

Our View: Great news for the Broncos here. According to Peyton Manning the team is not going to bring Ball along slowly. He’s currently getting some first-team reps (about 25%) behind second-year back Ronnie Hillman. However, most expect him to win the starting job by the start of the regular season. Even if Ball is the starter new OC Adam Gase has commented that the team will use a RBBC. Ball’s ADP is climbing (RB22) but fantasy owners need to recognize it could get too high if it climbs much further. John Fox’s history with rookie RBs is not kind.
Broncos | Montee Ball comfortable with the playbook

Denver Broncos head coach John Fox is showing faith in the RBs left on the roster after the release of veteran RB Willis McGahee. “I think anytime you pick your team, or begin to pick your team, you’re showing faith in those people. I thought [RB] Ronnie [Hillman] came on very well last year. I’ve been impressed by [RB] Montee Ball-not that he’s there yet by any stretch. And then we’ve got [RB] Knowshon [Moreno], who is also coming off of an injury, who we feel pretty good about.”

Our View: The team would not have released McGahee if they didn’t feel comfortable about the players they have in place. Most expect Ball to win the starting job by the start of the regular season. Hillman could be a featured player in their RBBC as the ‘Lightning’ to Ball’s ‘Thunder.’ Moreno gives the team veteran insurance in case of struggles or injury.
Broncos | John Fox showing faith in RBs

New England Patriots undrafted free agent WR Kenbrell Thompkins has been getting first-team reps during the team’s recent OTAs. Michael Jenkins, Kamar Aiken, and Thompkins have been working as the primary outside receivers.

Our View: Thompkins is an interesting prospect to keep an eye on in super deep dynasty leagues. Our very own Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom liked what they saw from Thompkins during the week of practice for the Texas vs The Nation Game earlier this year. Thompkins has good downfield speed and can adjust to poorly thrown passes. The Patriots have a wide open depth chart at the WR position behind Danny Amendola.
Patriots | UDFA WR Thompkins getting first-team reps

New England Patriots WR Donald Jones looks further down the depth chart than some expected. The free agent addition from the Bills has not been able to get any first-team reps this offseason.

Our View: Jones is currently behind Michael Jenkins, Kamar Aiken, and Kendbrell Thompkins on the depth chart. Many thought the veteran could be a starter as the primary downfield target for the Patriots in 2013. At this time veteran Michael Jenkins seems to be the frontrunner.
Patriots | WR Jones further down the depth chart than expected

San Francisco 49ers rookie TE Vance McDonald (Rice) may have been the biggest standout from their rookie class during the team’s recent OTAs.

49ers | Rookie TE McDonald the top rookie?