Brady ‘never felt better’: They are the words that make defensive coordinators cringe and fantasy owners rejoice. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he has “never had more confidence” throwing the football. That’s a big statement for a man who is a sure thing for the Hall of Fame once his career is done. It’s also potentially a vote of confidence for a guy who is going into 2013 with some of his best weapons either hurting or possibly missing. There’s no reason to believe he won’t be among fantasy’s top QBs yet again, but it’s hard to be quite as high on him if he doesn’t have his full complement of pass-catchers.

Vick gets running tips: After 12 seasons in the National Football League, you’d think a player will have learned just about everything there is to know about the game. So it’s a surprise when Michael Vick says new Eagles coach Chip Kelly taught him the proper way to hold a football. Huh? That statement is probably more of an indictment of Vick’s previous coaches than the player himself. But it provides hope that the veteran QB can curb some of the fumbling problems that have plagued him during his career. Last season, Vick fumbled 11 times — fourth-most in the league — and lost five of them. Hopefully Kelly’s instruction brings that number down.

Goodson future in limbo?: Three and Out generally stays away from the police blotter, but after Mike Goodson’s arrest on multiple gun and drug charges last week, it becomes noteworthy for fantasy owners. While Chris Ivory was likely to win the starting running back job for the Jets, Goodson was likely to see some time in third-down situations and possibly around the goal line. Now Goodson’s future with the team could be in jeopardy. The Jets haven’t suggested anything publicly about what they plan to do with the running back, but one would have to imagine that his footing is a lot less sure than it was a week ago.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

It probably feels like this offseason has been nothing but one continuous trip to the operating room for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski – a feeling encapsulated nicely by NFL Network’s Rich Eisen.

If Gronk has any more procedures, his nose with light up red and buzz every time the surgeon touches the sides.

—
Rich Eisen (@richeisen) May 17, 2013

While doctors have yet to try and extract Gronk’s funny bone or remove butterflies from his stomach, there have been some nagging issues that are starting to look like red flags as training camp approaches.

First, there’s the ongoing issue with Gronkowski’s forearm. As expected, the fun-loving pass-catcher will undergo a fourth surgery to repair the injury suffered late last season. At that time, doctors will have a better idea whether the infection that has hindered his recovery is all clear. But then comes word that Gronk might need to go under the knife to alleviate “chronic” back pain.

Through it all, the Patriots expect their top tight end to be back in action by the time training camp begins. If that is indeed the case, it would be good news for one of the top players at his position. However, the accumulation of injuries is making it harder to justify Gronk as the first tight end off the board (don’t forget the ankle surgery that took place after the 2012 playoffs). Right now, that distinction would go to Jimmy Graham, though Gronkowski shouldn’t be any worse than the third tight end selected in most drafts.

However, it begs the question of what this means for Tom Brady. There are few quarterbacks who can retain their value as things crumble around them. Brady happens to be one of them. But even Tom Terrific can only sustain so many losses to his receiving corps before fantasy owners need to rethink his value.

At best Brady will start the season with a pair of recovering tight ends – Aaron Hernandez has had his own medical issues this offseason — and a new wide receiver in Danny Amendola that has missed more games than he’s played over the past two seasons. It’s easy to argue in the past that Brady has found success with a less-than-stellar cast of receivers, but can a Donald Jones-Julian Edelman-Aaron Dobson triumvirate match the past production of the Deion Branch-David Givens-Troy Brown three-headed monster? 

That’s not to suggest Brady will be a fantasy bust this season. You don’t put up the career numbers he has by strictly being a product of the receivers around you. But it’s fair to think that the Pats field leader could slip  in the quarterback rankings this year, maybe falling behind longtime rival Peyton Manning, among others.

There are still a couple of months before things get dire with Gronkowski and his injury situation, so it’s likely that these won’t be the final words written about his value. But you best believe fantasy owners are taking a keen interest in how well things go in the days and weeks to come.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Bush says Lions similar to Saints: When Reggie Bush signed with the Detroit Lions, the assumption was that he would be used similarly to how he was with the New Orleans Saints. Bush confirmed that suspicion when he told “NFL AM” that the Lions offense bears a striking resemblance to New Orleans’. While Bush’s rushing numbers with the Saints were never spectacular, he was productive as a receiver out of the backfield, averaging 846 scrimmage yards during his five seasons there. Now that he’s a little more seasoned — and in an offense with slightly fewer options — he has the potential to surpass those numbers. He’ll be a strong No. 2 fantasy back with huge upside in PPR leagues.

Vick looks ‘noticeably bigger’: Now that Michael Vick plays in an offense that could ask him to run a lot more, everyone was immediately concerned about whether the injury-prone quarterback would be able to stay on the field for 16 games. So it comes as some relief to hear reports that the veteran looks “noticeably bigger” coming into OTAs. While it’s no guarantee that he’ll be able to withstand the rigors of a full NFL season, it’s definitely a step in the right direction. It’s also one of the things that continues to make Vick a big bargain in the later rounds of drafts. As long as you’re not counting on him to be your No. 1 option, he can provide a lot of upside on your roster.

Gordon working on route running: Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon was a nice fantasy surprise last season, finishing in the top 40 at his position. He did it mostly as a home-run threat — his shortest TD catch was 20 yards — but overall was just a raw talent. This offseason, head coach Rob Chudzinski says the second-year wideout is working on his route-running skills. If Gordon can refine that raw ability and make himself into a more complete receiver, it bodes well for his continued development. He’ll start the season as a No. 3 fantasy option, but definitely possesses upside as a sleeper in many leagues.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Garrard retirement boosts Sanchez: And then there were two. Actually there are still four quarterbacks on the New York Jets roster, but only two that are expected to compete for the starting job. After David Garrard announced his retirement Wednesday, it became clear that Mark Sanchez is going to start the season on Gang Green’s roster — despite recent pronouncements to the contrary. As for whether he’s taking snaps in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers … that’s not so certain. This roller coaster still has a few more ups-and-downs before we get back to the station.

Weeden starts at No. 1: If you listen to Browns general manager Michael Lombardi talk about his team’s quarterback situation, it would seem that Brandon Weeden is playing for his football life. However, if you watch how Weeden is being handled, the opposite seems true. The second year QB opens OTAs as Cleveland’s No. 1 option, which doesn’t seem surprising considering the other options are the chronically-inconsistent Jason Campbell and the woefully-unproven Thaddeus Lewis (who has just one NFL appearance in two seasons). Management may be trying to convince the world that a QB competition is afoot, but we’re not totally buying it right now.

Robinson takes QB snaps: Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback running back wide receiver hybrid option Denard Robinson took snaps out of the shotgun Wednesday, though head coach Gus Bradley was coy on what that meant for Robinson’s role in the offense. It could be a glimpse into the myriad things the team has planned for the multi-talented athlete. Or it could be a complete smokescreen. Robinson will be one of the toughest players to evaluate from a fantasy perspective since the Jaguars are likely to keep us guessing all summer as to how they will use him.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Forte excited about new role: It’s been a couple of seasons since Matt Forte was a top 10 fantasy running back. But those days could be returning with news that the Chicago Bears back will be more involved in the team’s passing game in 2013. Forte is no stranger to catching the football — he’s averaged 53 receptions per season in his first five campaigns. The difference this year is that he could line up occasionally as a wide receiver. Overall, it’s big news for Forte’s fantasy value. But it should especially be music to the ears of owners playing in PPR leagues.

Gabbert, Henne splitting reps: Jacksonville Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said immediately that there would be a competition between quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne. Apparently that wasn’t just lip service. The two QBs have reportedly taken an equal number of reps so far in OTAs. Neither choice is going to excite fantasy owners, but the winner could have an impact on the fantasy value of the guys around him. For instance, Justin Blackmon was much better with Henne than with Gabbert. This battle is worth keeping an eye on for that reason alone.

Bernard to complement Green-Ellis: The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Gi0vani Bernard ostensibly as a complement to veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The rookie confirmed that suspicion on “NFL AM”, saying he was there to help out. The Law Firm will likely start the season as the starter, but after his inconsistency last season, you have to wonder how long his leash will be — especially if Bernard is able to produce. Green-Ellis still has value as a No. 2 option, but that designation could change as training camp shakes out.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Niners prefer ‘three-headed approach’: Over the past few seasons, few backs have been as consistent as Frank Gore. But that consistency could take a hit if Trent Baalke’s vision is put into practice. The 49ers general manager says the team prefers to take a “three-headed approach” to the running back position. That groan you hear is fantasy owners lamenting yet another running back committee taking over an NFL offense. While it likely means more work for Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James this season, it does more to diminish Gore’s value since he’ll see some of his touches lost.

Jackson back to returning punts: After transitioning out of the punt return game for the past three seasons, it looks like DeSean Jackson will once again take his talents to special teams. The speedy receiver sounds excited about the opportunity, but it begs the question: what does it mean for his role in the offense? All offseason, Jackson has speculated about what he would be asked to do under Chip Kelly — surmising that he’d have a similar role to his cousin, De’Anthony Thomas, as a hybrid WR-RB option. Kelly himself has suggested nothing of the sort, leaving Jackson’s fantasy value something of a mystery. At Oregon, players were more likely to rack up receiving yards out of the backfield as opposed to from a receiver spot. Jackson’s value should still remain fairly strong in leagues that include return yards, but it could take a hit elsewhere.

MJD’s rehab progressing: Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew has remained on schedule in his rehab from last season’s foot surgery. During the team’s OTAs, MJD has been running on his own and says he’s pretty close to being back. Ultimately, the veteran plans to be back to a full-scale regimen by late July. 2012 was a lost season for Jones-Drew, but with nearly a full year to get ready there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about a bounce-back in 2013.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Smith leading Jets QB race?: When the New York Jets selected Geno Smith in this year’s draft, everyone suspected Mark Sanchez would have to compete with his new understudy. But it appears his run on Broadway could be ending sooner than many expected. According to the New York Post, Jets brass is “smitten” with the rookie quarterback after his work at this weekend’s minicamp, leaving some to believe that the job could be Smith’s to lose. One weekend does not a QB competition make, and there’s certainly plenty of time for Sanchez (or David Garrard, for that matter) to rally and win the job. Whoever wins the job will have limited fantasy value because of the lack of depth at WR. But it’s better than being a backup.

Rice wants to catch more passes: It might not be a surprise to learn that in the past five seasons, no running back has caught more passes than Ray Rice. What might be a surprise is that Rice says he wants to be an even bigger part of the Baltimore Ravens passing game. Over the past four seasons, the Rutgers product has averaged 70 receptions per year and twice has led the team in catches. Perhaps this is a desire to pick up some of the slack after the departure of Anquan Boldin. Or maybe it’s a way to add some separation between himself and Bernard Pierce on the depth chart. Right now, it seems hard to believe Baltimore can make Rice a bigger part of the pass attack than he already is, but fantasy owners should appreciate his desire.

Wilson aims for starting gig: The Oakland Raiders quarterback competition has centered on the battle between Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor, but there could be a new name emerging in the race – Tyler Wilson. The recently-drafted signal-caller was impressive over the weekend at the team’s minicamp and his new coaches certainly took notice. Wilson likely has a long way to go in order to earn the starting nod, but his opening salvo in this fight should be a signal that this one could get heated.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

No issues for Lacy: One of the reasons Eddie Lacy slipped in the 2013 NFL Draft was due to reported issues with a toe injury. But, according to the team doctor at the University of Alabama, there’s nothing for anyone to worry about. The Packers aren’t necessarily taking the doctor’s word for it, since the team drafted Johnathan Franklin two rounds later. That duo is expected to battle in camp for carries — then we’ll get a better sense of how good Lacy’s toe actually is.

Ingram says he’s healthy: Another former Alabama running back — Mark Ingram — says he feels better than at any time since he left Tuscaloosa. The timing couldn’t be any better, at least if you believe Pierre Thomas‘ proclamation that the New Orleans Saints plan to run the ball more in 2013. Both Ingram and Thomas (along with Darren Sproles, to a lesser extent) will be in a pitched battle to earn the bulk of the carries this season. If Ingram truly is healthy, he would seem to have the inside track to the No. 1 job.

Vick leading for Eagles job?: Yesterday, it was Santonio Holmes pledging support for Mark Sanchez. Today, it’s Jeremy Maclin handicapping his team’s quarterback race. According to the Eagles receiver, Michael Vick appears to be in the lead, although Nick Foles has been “sprinkled in” for occasional reps with the first team. Really, it’s not the least bit surprising — on any count. Vick is in the catbird seat when it comes to running Chip Kelly’s offense. But with the veteran QB’s injury history being a constant concern, it seems like a good idea to have a backup option that’s comfortable working with the starters.

– Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Holmes says ‘it’s Sanchez’ for Jets: You can all rest easy, the Jets quarterback situation is solved. Okay, not really. But for what it’s worth, wide receiver Santonio Holmes has made his feelings known, casting his lot toward Mark Sanchez. It’s notable considering Holmes has been critical of Sanchez in the past. It also suggests what many of us already believed — that the incumbent has the inside track to the starting gig. That doesn’t mean Geno Smith and David Garrard won’t have a legitimate chance to compete for the job. It just means Sanchez will have a head start when training camp begins.

Saints to focus on ground game: There’s no denying that the New Orleans Saints are one of the most pass-happy teams in the NFL. That’s to be expected when you boast a quarterback like Drew Brees and a deep stable of receivers. But according to running back Pierre Thomas, coach Sean Payton has talked about a need to return to a more robust rushing game. That’s good news for Thomas, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles, but not necessarily for fantasy owners. Similar to trying to figure out which Saints receiver is going to be a favored target on any given week, it could become an exercise in guessing which running back will see the bulk of the carries in a particular game. At least no one will have to worry about Chris Ivory taking any touches now that he’s in New York.

Austin strengthening hamstrings: Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin is taking time this offseason to get his hamstrings a little stronger. That’s been an Achilles’ heel (pun intended) for the wideout over the past few seasons, causing him to either be slowed or miss games altogether. Austin is a productive receiver … when he’s on the field. Hopefully this is going to keep him there where he can provide value for fantasy owners in 2013.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Foster hopes to “bounce back”: It’s hard to imagine needing improvement after finishing with more than 1,400 yards and a league-best 17 touchdowns. Then again, most of us aren’t Arian Foster. The Houston Texans running back recently told the FOX Sports Southwest that he didn’t feel like he was at his best in 2012 and has spent his entire offseason in an intense training program in an effort to “bounce back”. First, Adrian Peterson sets the bar at 2,500 yards, now this. The battle to be the No. 1 fantasy draft pick is truly on.

Robinson to get work: The Jacksonville Jaguars might have waited until the fifth round to draft Denard Robinson, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to sit around waiting for a chance to play. General manager David Caldwell says the rookie could see 10-15 touches per game, working behind Maurice Jones-Drew – including returning kicks. It’s a pretty solid workload for a guy who will be learning a new position. If that is indeed the case, Robinson will be the obvious choice as a handcuff for MJD. What his value will be for 2013 is still debatable.

Gronk facing another surgery: For the fourth time, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will reportedly go under the knife to repair his broken forearm. As has been the case for most of the offseason, Gronk’s issue continues to be the infection that has hampered the recovery. The fear is that the tight end could need a fifth surgery that would jeopardize his availability for the start of training camp. Until further notice, it’s time to start sliding Gronkowski down the draft board.

Baltimore wants WR help: Of the many losses the Baltimore Ravens suffered in the offseason, Anquan Boldin’s might resonate the loudest. It places plenty of pressure on Torrey Smith to fill the veteran’s big shoes, which might not be something he’s ready to do alone. At least that’s the impression you get when you hear assistant general manager Eric DeCosta say “the hunt goes on” for help at the receiver position. Right now, it’s hard to imagine the Ravens will find someone to be a dedicated No. 2 receiver. If you’re seeking value at the position in Baltimore, it’s likely to begin and end with Smith.

Giants expect to sign Cruz: Another week has passed in the budding standoff between Victor Cruz and the New York Giants. The difference between the two sides is somewhere in the neighborhood of $3 million, though co-owner John Mara expects both parties to come to an agreement. Sure, it would be nice for Cruz to be around for OTAs, but we’re not going to get too concerned as long as a deal can get done in time for the wideout to be available for training camp.

Browns optimistic about Cameron: The Cleveland Browns are attempting an offensive makeover, shifting most of the focus to running back Trent Richardson, with Brandon Weeden and the passing game becoming a secondary option. Part of that option could include tight end Jordan Cameron. Now that Ben Watson has headed south to New Orleans, Cameron will have his shot to take over the gig. He’ll have a good support system around him. Both head coach Rob Chudzinski and offensive coordinator Norv Turner have mentored some of the league’s most productive tight ends. It doesn’t mean Cameron will immediately blossom into a huge fantasy factor. But it does make him a player to keep an eye on late in drafts.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Gronk participating in mini-camp: It’s been a tough offseason for Rob Gronkowski. The New England Patriots tight end has undergone multiple surgeries and endured an infection on his broken forearm. While there is a chance he could go under the knife for a fourth time, there are reports that Gronk “looks good” while participating in the team’s mini-camp. That’s good news since another operation could make it likely that the tight end is on the shelf for the start of the season. Considering Aaron Hernandez’s struggles to get healthy in time for the start of the season, it could leave the Pats (and fantasy owners) without two big weapons. And it’s already conspired to affect Gronk’s fantasy draft status.

Law Firm to get lots of work: When the Cincinnati Bengals drafted Giovani Bernard, it raised some questions about the future of BenJarvus Green-Ellis. But it appears that the veteran may not have as much to worry about as initially feared and is expected to see the bulk of the carries. Instead, the player most likely to take a hit in playing time would be a different Bernard – Bernard Scott. Look for the rookie to be the suitable handcuff to Green-Ellis while Scott could find himself out of Cincinnati sooner than later.

Weeden likely to start: Reports of Brandon Weeden’s demise as the Cleveland Browns starting quarterback may have been greatly exaggerated. New head coach Rob Chudzinski has repeatedly said the second-year QB would face competition; this offseason it comes in the form of veteran Jason Campbell. However, not everyone believes that Chudzinski is serious about potentially giving the offense over to the journeyman. Weeden is a much better fit for the Browns’ reported offensive plans, so it would be a surprise to see Campbell in the starting role. But until the team officially names a starter, we’ll consider this case ongoing.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Jets open QB competition: Let the games begin! The New York Jets will begin the task of sorting their tangled quarterback situation. Mark Sanchez, for one, is excited about it. Gang Green’s incumbent starter says he’s “thrilled” for the chance to compete and says there’s “no doubt” that he’ll be the starter again in 2013. Most observers predict the race for No. 1 will be between Sanchez and newly-drafted Geno Smith. But there’s also veteran David Garrard to contend with. It’s likely going to be some time before this is all settled. Watch this space for more.

Browns won’t name a starting QB: The hiring of Rob Chudzinski in Cleveland might be causing sleepless nights for quarterback Brandon Weeden. The Browns new head coach is reluctant to name the second-year signal-caller as the team’s starter for Week 1. This offseason, the team brought in veteran Jason Campbell to challenge Weeden for the job. This competition won’t have the same fanfare as the one in New York, but it could be just as intriguing to watch.

Flynn is ‘presumed starter’ in Oakland: For the moment, the Raiders have squashed any appearance of a quarterback competition. General manager Reggie McKenzie says Matt Flynn is the team’s “presumed starter”. That doesn’t bode well for their evaluation of Terrelle Pryor. The team also drafted Tyler Wilson, but he’ll have to really wow the coaches to get a sniff of the starting job. With this situation mostly settled, it should pencil Flynn in as a lower-end No. 2 fantasy option — though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him as waiver wire fodder in plenty of leagues.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Lacy could face competition: If the draft is any indication, the Green Bay Packers are serious about shoring up their weak run game after selecting Eddie Lacy and Jonathan Franklin. While it creates a logjam in the backfield with DuJuan Harris, James Starks and Alex Green, the rookie from Alabama expects to see work when the seasons starts. It’s not hard to believe that Lacy will be given every chance to play right away, but he’ll likely have to fight for touches with so many other options on the depth chart. It could be some time before we sort out how this committee plays out.

Hopkins could start for Texans: In need of a receiver to pair with Andre Johnson, the Texans drafted DeAndre Hopkins. The team already has high hopes for the Clemson product, with head coach Gary Kubiak expecting immediate production. That should give Hopkins fantasy value a boost. He’ll come off the board in the later rounds as a No. 4 option in plenty of leagues. But in an offense that has been relatively productive in recent years, there’s potential for Hopkins to be a sleeper.

Bucs confident in Stocker?: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expect to lose tight end Dallas Clark after one season but did nothing in the draft to replace him. According to the Tampa Bay Times, the team could turn to Luke Stocker to be the pass catcher in the middle of the field. Stocker had just 16 catches last season, but he also had only 27 targets. Compare that to Clark’s 75 targets last season. If the third-year man can see attention similar to that, he has the potential to be a quality No. 2 tight end option for many fantasy owners.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG

Peterson wants big numbers: Last season, it was quite a big deal that Adrian Peterson finished the year just nine yards short of the single-season rushing record. This year, he’s looking for more … a whole lot more. A.D. reiterated his goal of rushing for 2,500 yards in an interview with SI.com, repeating something he told NFL Network at the end of last season.  Right now, the biggest question about the Vikings star is whether he’ll be the first pick in most fantasy drafts over Arian Foster. If you believe he can reach his goal, it’s hard not to take him No. 1. Sure, it’s a huge number, but at this point, would anyone doubt Peterson?

Bell aiming for No. 1 job: In need of a boost to their running game, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Michigan State’s Le’Veon Bell and all signs point to him taking the top spot on the depth chart. That’s bad news for Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman, who temporarily seemed in line for the job after the departure of Rashard Mendenhall. Bell’s physical running style seems to fit the Steelers’ personality and he’ll have every opportunity to make his presence felt in training camp. He could find himself as a No. 2 option on plenty of fantasy rosters this season.

Hightower to visit Giants: The battle for the New York Giants No. 1 running back job looks like it will be between Andre Brown and David Wilson. But Big Blue looks like it’s adding depth to the position. The team plans to meet with free agent Tim Hightower who sat out all of 2012 after suffering a knee injury in 2011. Hightower’s most productive season was in 2010 with the Arizona Cardinals and he was running well before tearing an ACL five games into his 2011 campaign with the Redskins. If he lands in Gotham, the journeyman will find himself in a pitched battle for a scant amount of carries.

– Marcas Grant
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG