NFC North Training Camp Update

NFL training camp is in full swing, and we are here to recap what has been happening with the NFC North training camp. This division will be an intriguing one with new skill position players all over the place, especially with the departure of Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. Let’s waste no time and jump right in!

Chicago Bears

A surprising name has earned rave reviews out of Chicago Bears‘ training camp. That name is Chase Claypool, who has been the bane of many jokes considering the Bears basically traded a first for him. The connection between him and Justin Fields is strong as he dominates in all sorts of drills at training camp. He is also, earning high remarks from offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

Claypool is one of the players I would trade a 3rd for to see what he can be, but I would trade him away for any 2nd round pick.

Some clarity at the running back position would help managers. However, it looks like we have yet to have any. Khalil Herbert is still the presumed starter, but Roschon Johnson and D’onta Foreman have both had impressive days. So, it is still anyone’s guess as to how it will play out. I believe the season will start with Herbert taking the lead, with Foreman spelling him, and Johnson getting more work as the season progresses. Herbert is currently a quality late pick at running back. Although, I can already see everyone rushing to pick up Johnson around week 8 or 9 already.

Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions training camp has been all about the rookies and second-year receiver Jameson Williams. Starting with the good here, Jahmyr Gibbs and, more so, Sam LaPorta have been the talk of Lions camp. Starting with LaPorta, he will likely start at tight end for the Lions. He is already running with the first-team offense and looks to take on a significant role early.

We know the stigma with the position. Although at TE18 on Underdog, I am more than comfortable with the rookie if I punt the position. If you have him on your dynasty squad, you will likely be happy sooner rather than later.

It looks like Gibbs and David Montgomery will be co-starters in the backfield. The fact that head coach Dan Campbell compared it to the old Saints team should excite everyone that has Gibbs on their dynasty team or is currently drafting him at his round-three ADP. Gibbs will be a focal point of this offense in the receiving game, especially with Jameson Williams missing time.

Speaking of Williams, he is having a rough camp, according to reports. He is struggling with drops and also dealing with an injury. He is missing crucial practice reps because he was injured last year and is facing a gambling suspension this year. Williams has a long way to go, but his speed can surely get him there. Dan Campbell believes that himself when talking about Williams’s struggles. Right now, Williams is a fade for me in redraft and someone to trade away in dynasty due to weighing risk and reward.

Green Bay Packers

Unsurprisingly, Jordan Love is the main focus of the Green Bay Packers‘ training camp. There have been reports of highs and lows which is natural considering we have seen limited in-game action from Love. And to boot, he has mighty shoes to fill, replacing Aaron Rodgers. Most recently, he had struggled at family night, only completing one of five passes, but reportedly torched the two-minute drill.

It looks like Packers fans may have to get ready to ride the roller coaster—something they have rarely had to do after decades of Farve and Rodgers.

Love is a dynasty sell with his ADP, an excellent punt option in bestball, and will likely remain on waivers in redraft.

Sam LaPorta won’t be the only rookie to start at tight end in the division. Fellow second-round pick Luke Musgrave looks primed to join him. In what I have seen in clips, his athleticism alone will likely have him start week one. He was leaving Darnell Savage in the dust at family day and made several other impressive plays. Right now, his outlook aligns with Laporta in terms of dynasty, he is a hold, and in bestball, he is a fantastic punt option with upside.

Minnesota Vikings

Rookie Jordan Addison has been showing out at camp thus far with several highlight plays.

Addison is drawing praise from Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson early in his career, with Jefferson elated to mentor the rookie receiver. It is shaping up for Addison to be a steal in redraft and possibly dynasty formats with how much the Minnesota Vikings could throw the football this season.

The big question is what is going on with T.J. Hockenson. After an unknown reason kept him out of practice, all signs point to his contract or a potential injury. If it is his contract, it makes sense, as Hockenson is in the last year of his contract. They should get something worked out before the regular season starts. They got something done with their star pass rusher Danielle Hunter, so the precedent is there. It is something to keep an eye on, though, as we get closer to week one.

Also, Alexander Mattison is fine after suffering a minor injury as he is back at practice. So, he and the Vikings will try to adjust to life as the new starter without Dalvin Cook.

NFC North Training Camp Conclusion

This division will be an exciting one with new expectations and a whole lot of offense with new talents, such as rookies like Jamhyr Gibbs, Jordan Addison, and Luke Musgrave joining the fold. As well as established talents like D.J. Moore and David Montgomery, looking to make their impact felt on their new teams. One thing is for certain; there will be a significant number of fantasy points scored in this division this season.