Your Least Favorite Player to Draft in Round 1

[Footballguys.com](=) Volume 22, #102 -- Tuesday Night, July 28th, 2020 Your Least Favorite Player to Draft in Round 1 You're subscribed as {EMAIL} - click [HERE]( to unsubscribe. [View in Web Browser](=) Thanks To Our Sponsor, [Footballguys Draft Dominator]() Howdy {NAME}, Sorry about that last email, folks. Sheesh. We're finally getting some Training Camp activity going so it's no time for old news. Here's the real Update for Wednesday morning. J Sponsored by [Footballguys Draft Dominator]() The Key To Crushing Your Draft Is… PRACTICE. Sorry. We’d love to be able to give you a "hack" or "secret" that'll help you draft a great team with no work. Life doesn't work that way and neither does Fantasy Football. If you want to draft well, you need to practice drafting. And there’s no better tool for mock drafting than the [Footballguys Draft Dominator](). Matthew Berry from ESPN says, "When I'm asked to recommend a paid fantasy football app, I only have one answer: Draft Dominator from Footballguys. It's the best.". [Get It Here.]() SITE NEWS A. [Your Favorite Player to Draft in Round 1](=) The Footballguys staff lists the player they most like drafting in the first round. B. [Your Least Favorite Player to Draft in Round 1](=) The Footballguys staff lists the player they least like drafting in the first round. C. [Top 300 List Updated For PPR]() David Dodds with the Top 300 Players. This one is for PPR scoring. D. [Top 300 List Updated For Non-PPR]() David Dodds with the Top 300 Players. This one is for Non-PPR scoring. E. [Draft List Updated For PPR]() David Dodds takes the Top 300 list and factors it against Average Draft Position to get a list more like we'd actually draft from. This one is for PPR scoring. F. [Draft List Updated For Non-PPR]() David Dodds takes the Top 300 list and factors it against Average Draft Position to get a list more like we'd actually draft from. This one is for non-PPR scoring. G. [Finding Deep Sleepers: The NFC West](=) We asked the Footballguys staff where they're looking for sleepers in the NFC West. H. [Is Brandin Cooks A Recipe for Fantasy Success?]( Jason Wood with a detailed look at Brandin Cooks fantasy prospects for 2020. I. [Strategy for Large-Bench Leagues]() Jeff Pasquino with how to plan for a league with a large bench. J. [FFPC Best Ball Draft List]( David Dodds takes his rankings merged with ADP data of the last 61 FFPC best ball drafts to yield this draft list. K. [FFPC Best Ball Average Draft Position Data](=) Average Draft Position data from the last 61 FFPC best ball drafts since July 17th. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [GB - WR Devin Funchess foregoes season](#1) 2. [PIT - RB James Conner expected to play](#2) 3. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook reports](#3) 4. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel goes on NFI list](#4) 5. [CIN - Joe Burrow agrees to rookie contract](#5) 6. [PHI - WR Marquise Goodwin to opt out of 2020](#6) 7. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery placed on PUP](#7) 8. [LAC - GM expects DE Joey Bosa to report](#8) 9. [NE - Dont'a Hightower to sit out season](#9) 10. [DEN - QB John Elway lowers expectations for rookie class](#10) 11. [NE - S Patrick Chung adds to growing list of Pats opting out](#11) 12. [DEN - Kyle Peko to sit out](#12) 13. [BAL - Andre Smith opting out](#13) 14. [DAL - Stephen Guidry opting out](#14) 15. [CIN - Tee Higgins gets deal done](#15) 16. [BAL - RB Gus Edwards signs tender](#16) 17. [CHI - DT Eddie Goldman won't play](#17) 18. [DEN - Zimari Manning sent packing](#18) 19. [NE - RB Brandon Bolden won't play](#19) 20. [HOU - DT Eddie Vanderdoes opts out](#20) 21. [NE - Will Hastings back in the mix](#21) 22. [SEA - Six rookies sign with Seattle](#22) 23. [NE - Marcus Cannon opts to sit out season](#23) 24. [TB - Seven rookies finalize with Tampa Bay](#24) 25. [DEN - Denver officially signs seven rookies](#25) 26. [PIT - RB Wendell Smallwood joins Pittsburgh](#26) 27. [TEN - Isaiah Wilson on Reserve/COVID-19 List](#27) 28. [BUF - DT Star Lotulelei opts out of 2020 season](#28) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [GB - WR Devin Funchess foregoes season]( Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Green Bay Packers WR [Devin Funchess](=) opted out of the 2020 season Tuesday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Just another reason the Packers should have added a wide receiver early for QB Aaron Rodgers in the 2020 NFL draft. Ah, but we digress this is a tough move for the Packers as Funchess was expected to provide veteran depth and work in 3-WR sets this season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PIT - RB James Conner expected to play]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Pittsburgh Steelers RB [James Conner](=) is expected to play in 2020, according to a source, despite being a cancer survivor. New England Patriots OT Marcus Cannon chose to opt out as a fellow cancer survivor, spurring questions about Conner's intentions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Conner is four years cancer-free and in phenomenal shape, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As a cancer survivor, Conner would be considered 'high risk' and could get that increased stipend of $350,000 compared to others who are considered 'voluntary' and get $150,000 as a stipend. Conner is the top back in the Steelers room and his three-down skill set make him a mid-range RB2 for Fantasy GMs. He has a current ADP of RB16 (3.04) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook reports]() Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin Updating previous reports, Minnesota Vikings RB [Dalvin Cook](=) showed up at the team facility Tuesday, July 28, for his first COVID-19 test, according to sources. Cook reporting effectively ends any idea of a holdout. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There were thoughts that Cook would miss time as he holds out for a new deal. However, those were quickly pushed by the wayside as camp drew near. Now, Cook has reported and still wants a new deal. We expect the Vikings to oblige in the near future. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel goes on NFI list](=) Source: 49ers.com San Francisco 49ers WR [Deebo Samuel](=) (foot) was placed on the Non-Football Injury list Tuesday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] On Tuesday, 49ers GM John Lynch said it was "fair to say" Samuel "might" miss time in the regular season. Reports have speculated that Samuel could be out the first 3-4 weeks of 2020. This gives rookie first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk plenty of opportunity to shine as the best healthy WR on the roster. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [CIN - Joe Burrow agrees to rookie contract](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow agreed to terms Tuesday, July 28, on a four-year, $36 million rookie contract. The deal is fully guaranteed, and he'll receive $23.9 million in signing bonus money. Cincinnati has a team option for a fifth year, per NFL rules. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bengals hope they finally found a true franchise quarterback in Burrow. His skill set is outstanding, as Burrow plays with high intelligence and uncanny pass placement. He's smart, accurate and more athletic than some would think. They've got a solid group of weapons around him in the passing game and RB Joe Mixon is there to soften up defenses. Fantasy GMs will likely be streaming Burrow this year as a matchup-based quarterback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [PHI - WR Marquise Goodwin to opt out of 2020](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Philadelphia Eagles WR [Marquise Goodwin](=) will opt out of the 2020 NFL season, a source said Tuesday, July 28, after informing the team of his plans. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Goodwin was there to give speed to the Eagles offense. Now, the team will have to turn elsewhere. They did add rookie WR Jalen Reagor in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft and he should become a primary target for QB Carson Wentz. Veteran DeSean Jackson is still there too to take the top off the defense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery placed on PUP]() Source: NFL Network - Andrew Siciliano Philadelphia Eagles WR [Alshon Jeffery](=) (foot) was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list Tuesday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This move gives the Eagles the option of putting Jeffery on the PUP list at the beginning of the regular season. Jeffery was simply too expensive to cut but we need to see if he can look like his old self when healthy. We'll know more about his playing status as the month of August rolls through. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [LAC - GM expects DE Joey Bosa to report]( Source: Los Angeles Times - Jeff Miller Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa is expected to report to the team and avoid a holdout, in the opinion of Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. 'Nobody's called me about anything,' Telesco said Monday, July 27, when asked if Bosa is expected to hold out. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bosa is entering the fifth and final season of his contract, but Telesco said there's nothing to share "contract-wise" at this point. Telesco continued to emphasize that he hasn't heard anything from Bosa's camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NE - Dont'a Hightower to sit out season]() Source: NFL Network - Michael Giardi New England Patriots LB Dont'a Hightower opted out of the 2020 season. Hightower became a first-time father on July 16. His mother also has Type 2 diabetes. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hightower is unlikely to get the 'high risk' stipend as his opt-out is considered voluntary. The Patriots will miss the veteran linebacker who excels on the field, especially in run defense. Replacing Hightower will be no easy task. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [DEN - QB John Elway lowers expectations for rookie class]( Source: NFL Network - James Palmer Denver Broncos general manager John Elway said Tuesday, July 28, he's upset about preseason games being canceled this year and has tempered his expectations for younger players. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's sad considering who Denver added in the 2020 NFL draft. In the first two rounds, the Broncos selected WRs Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler. Both could have big roles in the passing game as soon as this season. Later, the team added TE Albert Okwuegbunam -- a former college teammate of QB Drew Lock. We'll see if these rookies can help more than Elway thinks, but the class will be behind due to the pandemic taking away minicamp and OTAs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NE - S Patrick Chung adds to growing list of Pats opting out]() Source: ESPN.com - Mike Reiss New England Patriots SS Patrick Chung will opt out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19 concerns. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Chung is an expectant father and did not want to take any chances. The Patriots have quite a few players opting out so far, including three key players like Chung, OT Marcus Cannon and LB Dont'a Hightower. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [DEN - Kyle Peko to sit out](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Denver Broncos DT Kyle Peko opted out for the 2020 season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Peko was facing an uphill battle to make the Broncos 53-man roster. They'll now perhaps look for another player to compete for a rotational role up front. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [BAL - Andre Smith opting out](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Baltimore Ravens OT Andre Smith has opted out of the 2020 season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The veteran was likely going to be a swing tackle for the Ravens this season. The team will now try to add more depth on the outside since they already have plenty of depth when it comes to interior offensive linemen. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [DAL - Stephen Guidry opting out](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Dallas Cowboys WR Stephen Guidry will sit out of the 2020 season amid the coronavirus pandemic. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Guidry was an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi State who signed on with the Cowboys after the draft this year. He would have been hard pressed to make the final roster, especially with the Cowboys jam-packed and super talented WR room, but Guidry might have been able to make the practice squad in 2020. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS Time is Precious - Get the Footballguys Staff of more than 50 experts guide your draft, waivers, and starting lineup decisions. [Crush your competition with a subscription here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Know the 2020 Rookies - Our friend Matt Waldman dives deep into NFL Draft Prospects with a Fantasy Football lens. [Get the Rookie Scouting Portfolio here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CIN - Tee Higgins gets deal done]() Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals second-round pick WR Tee Higgins signed his four-year rookie contract Tuesday, July 28. Financial terms weren't disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Higgins has incredible natural talent, reminding some in the scouting community of Broncos WR Courtland Sutton. He's got the size, wingspan and 'my ball' mentality to be a threat on deep passes or in the red zone. Higgins will work as a reserve receiver for the Bengals this year behind A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [BAL - RB Gus Edwards signs tender]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Updating a previous report, Baltimore Ravens RB [Gus Edwards](=) signed his exclusive-rights tender Tuesday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Edwards is a talented back but he's buried on the depth chart, especially after the team added Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins in the 2020 NFL draft. We'll see Edwards compete for the no.3 role on the Ravens behind Dobbins and Mark Ingram. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [CHI - DT Eddie Goldman won't play](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Chicago Bears DT Eddie Goldman has decided to opt out of the 2020 season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Reports indicate Goldman has opted out over 'health concerns' so there is a possibility that he will get the 'high risk' stipend of $350,000. Goldman has had an up-and-down career for the Bears and now they'll be missing a player who can play around 500 snaps per year and stuff the run regularly. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [DEN - Zimari Manning sent packing]() Source: NFLCommunications.com Denver Broncos WR Zimari Manning was released with a Non-Football Injury designation Tuesday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Manning was an interesting undrafted free agent the Broncos picked up after the draft this year. That team has a history of finding gems from the UDFA crop but Manning won't get a shot to impress the Broncos in camp due to rosters shrinking in the pandemic. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NE - RB Brandon Bolden won't play]() Source: NFL Network - Michael Giardi New England Patriots RB [Brandon Bolden](=) has opted out for the 2020 season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bolden has been with the Patriots for most of his eight-year career. He is a reserve runner and special teams player. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [HOU - DT Eddie Vanderdoes opts out](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Houston Texans DT Eddie Vanderdoes has opted out of the 2020 season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Vanderdoes did not play in 2018 due to injury but did appear in three games for the Texans in 2019. He was going to be a rotational player for the Texans up front. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NE - Will Hastings back in the mix]() Source: NFLCommunications.com Free-agent WR Will Hastings (Patriots) signed with the New England Patriots Tuesday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hastings is an undersized prospect out of Auburn. He has decent straight-line speed but lacks the suddenness needed to run those 'jerk' routes Patriots receivers are known for. We doubt he makes the 53-man roster. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [SEA - Six rookies sign with Seattle]() Source: NFLCommunications.com Seattle Seahawks first-round pick LB Jordyn Brooks, fourth-round pick RB DeeJay Dallas, third-round pick G Damien Lewis, fifth-round pick DE Alton Robinson, seventh-round pick WR Stephen Sullivan and second-round pick Darrell Taylor all signed four-year rookie contracts Tuesday, July 28. Financial terms weren't disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Dallas has little to no nuance to his game. He's a straight-ahead banger who can grind down an opponent as the game goes on. In a way, his game is similar to that of starter Chris Carson. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [NE - Marcus Cannon opts to sit out season](=) Source: Boston Herald - Karen Guregian New England Patriots OT Marcus Cannon intends to sit out the 2020 season due to concern over playing during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. Cannon - a non-Hodgkins' lymphoma survivor - is expected to be the third Patriot to opt-out of the season, joining FB Danny Vitale and OG Najee Toran. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cannon will likely receive the 'high risk' stipend as a cancer survivor. A 15-game starter for the Patriots in 2019, missing Cannon on the field is going to sting. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [TB - Seven rookies finalize with Tampa Bay]() Source: NFLCommunications.com Updating previous stories, Tampa Bay Buccaneers seventh-round pick RB Raymond Calais, sixth-round pick DT Khalil Davis, fifth-round pick WR Tyler Johnson, seventh-round pick LB Chapelle Russell, third-round pick RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn, second-round pick DB Antoine Winfield Jr. and first-round pick OT Tristan Wirfs signed four-year rookie contracts Tuesday, July 28. Financial terms were undisclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Vaughn could push for the starting job if he can get healthy (currently on the COVID-19 list) and look better than Ronald Jones. Johnson was incredibly productive in college and will be working for the no.3 or no.4 spot on the depth chart behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [DEN - Denver officially signs seven rookies]() Source: NFLCommunications.com Updating previous stories, Denver Broncos third-round pick DT McTelvin Agim, seventh-round pick WR Tyrie Cleveland, second-round pick WR KJ Hamler, first-round pick WR Jerry Jeudy, fourth-round pick TE Albert Okwuegbunam, fifth-round pick LB Justin Strnad and seventh-round pick LB Derrek Tuszka all officially signed four-year rookie contracts Tuesday, July 28. Financial terms weren't disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jeudy has superstar potential in the NFL, reminding some in the scouting community of Odell Beckham Jr. Hamler has speed, speed and more speed that he'll bring to the slot position. Okwuegbunam was a former college teammate of QB Drew Lock and he caught 17 touchdowns from Lock in two seasons at Missouri. The Broncos are a team on the rise and could rise quickly if these rookies perform up to expectations. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [PIT - RB Wendell Smallwood joins Pittsburgh]() Source: Spotrac.com Free-agent RB [Wendell Smallwood](=) (Washington Football Team) signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Tuesday, July 27. Financial terms weren't disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Steelers already have a jam-packed RB corps with James Conner, Benny Snell Jr., Jaylen Samuels, Anthony McFarland Jr., Kerrith Whyte Jr., and Trey Edmunds. Smallwood has a versatile skill set and some playing experience, so we'll see if that helps him win a spot on the 53-man roster near the end of the bench. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [TEN - Isaiah Wilson on Reserve/COVID-19 List](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Tennessee Titans OT Isaiah Wilson was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, July 28, the team announced. Wilson was the 29th overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The COVID-19 list was created for players who either test positive for the virus or have been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person. Wilson was expected to be the team's replacement for RT Jack Conklin who left in free agency. This move will set him further behind. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [BUF - DT Star Lotulelei opts out of 2020 season]() Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo Buffalo Bills DT Star Lotulelei will voluntarily opt out of the 2020 NFL season, according to a source Tuesday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lotulelei is a run-stuffer up front for the Bills defense. They'll move to reserve players like Vernon Butler and Harrison Phillips to see who can fill the void. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). 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