Packers | TE Jared Cook not ready by training camp?

Green Bay Packers TE Jared Cook is currently recovering from foot surgery he had in June, and according to PackersNews.com writer Pete Dougherty this could be the team’s biggest concern heading into camp. There is no word about Cook’s status for the start of training camp, but there is some speculation that he may not be ready by late July.

Footballguys View: There’s a bit of mystery surrounding this situation, and fantasy owners need to proceed with caution. Earlier this month, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said “Jared Cook, we have no long-term concern with his situation. It will be good to have him back.” That may just be coach-speak, so make sure to monitor his status in training camp before getting too excited for Cook as a sleeper at TE. He’s always had tremendous natural potential but has never truly played up to that potential in the pros.

Titans | QB Marcus Mariota struggling with vertical routes

Second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota has (by his own admission) been struggling with vertical throws according to The Tennessean’s Joe Rexrode. During the team’s recent minicamp, Mariota was overthrowing his targets at times when going deep.

Footballguys View: Everyone should be excited by Mariota’s potential, but smart fans and fantasy owners will realize that he’s a work in progress. Any sort of major strides to his game may be a year or two away. According to this report, Mariota likes to gamble a bit too much throwing over the middle and his pass-placement on back-shoulder throws needs improvement. We love Mariota’s upside, but right now can only recommend him as a mid-range QB2. Mariota has a current ADP of QB16 (10.12) in 12-team PPR leagues.

Colts | WR Donte Moncrief should be a ‘full go’ by training camp

Indianapolis Colts WR Donte Moncrief is expected to be a ‘full go’ by the start of training camp according to Colts.com writer Kevin Bowen.

Footballguys View: Only a couple of days ago we learned that Moncrief was back to running routes as he continues to recover from toe surgery. With QB Andrew Luck back and healthy, we’re super excited about the Colts’ passing game. Barring injury, Moncrief could have better numbers this season. We could see him eclipse 100 targets again and have 70 or more catches. His current ADP is WR35 (7.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.

BAL | Rookie RB Kenneth Dixon impresses with quickness

Baltimore Ravens rookie running back Kenneth Dixon, a fourth-round pick this year, may have the quickest feet on the team according to BaltimoreRavens.com writer John Eisenberg.

Footballguys View: Dixon’s quickness is a thing to behold, although he’s so quick that sometimes he’ll trip himself up when making multiple moves in the open field. He’s a rookie RB we like a lot in dynasty leagues. Dixon is going to compete for a spot behind starter Justin Forsett in 2016. He’s competing with players like Javorius Allen, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Trent Richardson, and Terrance West for a spot. We feel Dixon could be the primary backup behind Forsett as soon as this year, and he’s got starter’s upside for the future.

Bills | TE Blake Annen making his presence felt

TE Blake Annen first joined the Bills on the practice squad late last season. Now the athletic tight end is pushing for a definitive role in Buffalo’s offense according to BuffaloBills.com writer Andrew Kuczkowski.

Footballguys View: A former high school track star (and former college teammate of Chiefs TE Travis Kelce), Annen has speed that separates him from the group of TEs behind starter Charles Clay. Known as a coachable player with a strong work ethic, Annen is someone on our fantasy radar–but only in super deep dynasty leagues. He’s competing with guys like Jim Dray, Nick O’Leary and Chris Gragg for a spot on the 53-man roster.

Panthers | Bene Benwikere should be ready

Carolina Panthers CB Bene Benwikere (ankle) should be ready for the start of training camp and will not be limited, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

Footballguys View: The Panthers need all the help they can get in the secondary after parting ways with former franchise-tagged CB Josh Norman. Benwikere suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the Panthers’ Week 14 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He missed the team’s run to the Super Bowl, but now it looks like he’ll be near full strength when training camp gets here at the end of July.

Saints | Dannell Ellerbe will be ready for camp

New Orleans Saints LB Dannell Ellerbe (undisclosed) missed some practices this offseason because of undisclosed injuries but expects to be ready for the start of training camp.

Footballguys View: Over the last two seasons, Ellerbe has only played in seven games. During 2015 (his first year with the Saints), Ellerbe was limited by hip and toe injuries. He was forced to take a paycut earlier this offseason, but he could make an impact for the Saints this year if healthy.

Colts | Frank Gore wants 1,000 yards

Indianapolis Colts RB Frank Gore is eyeing the 1,000-yard mark in 2016 at 33 years old. Gore is more determined this year after just missing 1,000 rushing yards last season at 967 yards. ‘I just have to start taking care of my body, eating healthy, start training to get myself ready and to try to go get it,’ Gore said.

Footballguys View: The Colts improved their offensive line this offseason for two reasons. First (and most importantly), the team needed to protect QB Andrew Luck much better in 2016. Second, the team wants to run the ball more effectively. They haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2007, but Gore has a chance to eclipse that mark if he stays healthy. Gore was only 33 yards short of 1,000 in 2015, but a better offensive line (and a healthy Luck) could help him improve the 3.7 yards-per-carry average he had last season.

Broncos | Cody Latimer playing faster

Denver Broncos WR Cody Latimer is starting to play faster, according to head coach Gary Kubiak. Latimer said he’s ready for a big step in 2016. ‘I just have a lot of confidence right now, I’m just ready to play,’ Latimer said. ‘I feel like it’s time to make an impact.’ Latimer added that he has a good grip on what the Broncos are doing offensively and what his role is.

Footballguys View: Even if Latimer starts to play up to his potential, we don’t see much fantasy relevance for him in the run-heavy Kubiak system. The Broncos moved up in the second round of the talent-rich WR class of 2014, but Latimer had bad chemistry with Peyton Manning and has only eight catches in his two-year pro career. He’s competing with Bennie Fowler for the WR3 job behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders.

Panthers | Carolina only choice for Charles Tillman

Free-agent CB Charles Tillman (Panthers) only wants to play for the Carolina Panthers once he’s fully recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Footballguys View: The Panthers were 15-1 in the regular season with Tillman before an ACL tear in Week 17 put him out for the playoffs and Super Bowl. After parting ways with former franchise-tagged player Josh Norman, the Panthers have collected CBs to find talent. They drafted three CBs in the 2016 NFL draft and they may have interest in the 35-year old veteran if they feel a boost is needed.