Guest of the League
Dimes Best Ball SFlex 91
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Vikings 4th-round pick Khyree Jackson dies in crash

Sat Jul 6 1:07pm ET
Field Level Media

Cornerback Khyree Jackson, a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in April's draft, was killed early Saturday in a three-car crash that left three people dead in Maryland.

He was 24.

According to Maryland State Police, Jackson was the front-seat passenger in a Dodge Charger that was struck by an Infiniti Q50 shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday in Prince George's County.

The Infiniti was attempting to change lanes and traveling at a high rate of speed when the car hit the Charger and then struck a Chevrolet Impala. The impact sent the Charger off the right side of the road, where it came to rest after hitting "multiple tree stumps," per the report.

The two other occupants of the Charger -- driver Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24 -- also were killed. Hazel and Jackson were pronounced dead at the scene, and Lytton was declared deceased at a hospital.

The driver of the Impala was uninjured, and the driver of the Infiniti, identified by police as Cori Clingman, and her two passengers were not hurt, according to authorities.

Police said alcohol could have contributed to the crash and charges were pending.

The death of Jackson, who reportedly was contending for a starting cornerback slot, left the organization stunned.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree's passing," Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wolf said in a statement. "Kyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people's lives. We are thinking about Khyree's family and friends and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss."

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement that he was "absolutely crushed" after hearing the news.

"Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team," O'Connell said. "His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words."

Jackson won two state titles at Dr. Henry Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Md., before enrolling at Fort Smith Community College in 2019. He joined Alabama in 2021 and after two seasons and 21 games, he transferred to Oregon and was a first-team all-Pac-12 selection 2023. He started 12 regular-season games and led the Ducks with three interceptions and had 34 tackles (five for loss) and two sacks.

"RIP Khyree," Oregon coach Dan Lanning posted to social media. "Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person."

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

This Week in the TFC (7-2)

Player Notes
Ja'Lynn Polk Jul 12 1:13pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

Dynasty | Patriots rookie Ja'Lynn Polk has reportedly had a fantastic off-season thus far. Dynasty Analysis: Everyone looks good playing in shorts during the Spring but this report is notable because of the realistic fact the Patriots have one of the worst skill position groups in the NFL. Polk was overshadowed at Washington by fellow rookie Rome Odunze but it's clear he has the eyes of the New England coaching staff and looks like a solid bargain in the second round of late rookie drafts.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sam LaPorta Jul 12 1:13pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Dynasty | Lions rookie Sam LaPorta is drawing rave reviews from rival executives. Dynasty Analysis: After an 86/889/10 rookie season, LaPorta is being touted as the overall TE1 in dynasty leagues by many. It's hard to blame anyone for that line of thinking as the 23-year old looked like a dominant weapon for much of last season. While there's a chance of a step back with anyone this young, LaPorta looks like a premier dynasty asset and nearly untouchable via trade. If you hit on LaPorta in last year's rookie draft, congratulations.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Deshaun Watson Jul 12 1:13pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Dynasty | Deshaun Watson's re-emergence is being doubted by many in the media. Dynasty Analysis: The latest report casting a shadow of doubt on Watson comes from former NFL wide receiver James Jones. The report indicates Jones (as so many others have recently) believes Watson's best days are behind him. It's hard to argue as Watson has simply not looked like an elite-level player ever since joining Cleveland on what now looks like a ridiculous contract that's paying him $230 million in guaranteed money. This will be a make or break year for Watson, who is reportedly healthy and ready to go. At this point, he's an upside QB2 but not someone to build around in a dynasty league.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Van Jefferson Jul 12 12:30pm CT
Van Jefferson

After signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency this offseason, he is in pole position to start the 2024 season as the No. 2 wideout behind George Pickens. Jefferson showed flashes of being able to handle that role in 2021 with 50 catches and 802 yards with the Los Angeles Rams, but he hasn't done much since then, which is concerning. The 27-year-old also didn't really stand out at all during offseason workouts, so he'll need to show more in training camp and the preseason to stick as the No. 2 as he competes mainly with Calvin Austin III and third-round rookie Roman Wilson. In 17 games (nine starts) with the Rams and Atlanta Falcons in 2023, Jefferson had just 20 receptions on 43 targets for 209 yards and no touchdowns. Even if he does win the WR2 job to open the year, Jefferson can probably be left to the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Jul 12 12:20pm CT
Justin Fields

The Athletic's Mark Kaboly doesn't think that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is going to beat out Russell Wilson or replace him in 2024 unless Wilson implodes, which is difficult to imagine happening. Kaboly also thinks Fields is playing /practicing for 2025 and down the road. He still has to work on his fundamentals, but the talent remains undeniable, especially his legs and his arm strength. The Chicago Bears' future first-round pick can be the Steelers' future franchise signal-caller, even if he doesn't play a down this season. The 25-year-old's rushing ability is top-notch, but his accuracy is going to need to improve at some point if he wants another chance as a starter in the NFL after Wilson's days are done in Pittsburgh. Unless Wilson tanks or gets hurt, Fields won't be on the fantasy radar in single-QB leagues in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Jul 12 12:10pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots rookie second-round wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk really impressed in offseason workouts and has a realistic chance to become the team's No. 1 wideout to open the 2024 campaign if Kendrick Bourne (knee) needs more time to recover from his ACL tear in 2023. Polk was the No. 37 overall pick in April's NFL draft not because of his speed or his size, but because he's reliable. The former Washington Husky blocks well and always knows where to be to help out his quarterback. The 22-year-old slowly started working with the offensive starters in OTAs and was a steady, reliable target in minicamp. Because of Bourne's injury and the lack of overall depth on the Patriots' WR depth chart, Polk has a real opportunity to early lots of early targets in training camp and to start his rookie season. He's probably not going to be drafted in standard 12-team redraft leagues, but Polk is a name to keep an eye on this summer.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Jul 11 8:20pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane put together a pretty fantastic rookie campaign last season. The 22-year-old rushed for 800 yards on 103 attempts and eight rushing scores in 11 games. He didn't play a full season and was only 200 yards shy of an 1,000-yard campaign. Recently, head coach Mike McDaniel said he hopes to incorporate Achane more into their scheme going forward. This backfield is a bit crowded with Raheem Mostert and fourth-round rookie Jaylen Wright. The only way for Achane to probably have increased value would be more involvement in the passing game. At the end of the day, the Dolphins will probably end up using some type of committee approach. Regardless of what happens, Achane should still hold solid value in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Brenden Rice Jul 11 3:30pm CT
Brenden Rice

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenden Rice posted career-highs in receptions (45), receiving yards (791), and receiving touchdowns (12) in 2023 while catching passes from USC's Caleb Williams, but he still fell to L.A. in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. According to Daniel Popper of the Athletic, Rice could be facing an uphill battle to make the opening 53-man roster. "The two rookie draft picks, Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson, did not show me much during the spring," Popper wrote. "They will both likely be fighting for roster spots." This is not uncommon for Day 3 selections, but many held out hope that the son of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice could exceed expectations. Popper projects Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, D.J. Chark, Quentin Johnston, and Derius Davis as locks to make the roster, and the team might only carry five wide receivers in the new-look Greg Roman-led offense.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Philips Jul 11 3:20pm CT
Kyle Philips

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips kicked off his NFL career in 2022 by leading the team in targets (nine) in his debut. However, he has since been either injured or unproductive. Overall, he's hauled in just 23 of his 35 targets for 259 yards in 13 career games. After the additions of wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Tyler Body, and sixth-round rookie Jha'Quan Jackson this offseason, Philips finds himself on the roster bubble, according to John Glennon of the Nashville Post. "Philips will head into training camp battling for a roster spot," Glennon wrote. "The 2022 fifth-round pick has to show the quick-separation ability that initially drew the Titans to him, and he'll have to earn his way into opportunities to return punts once again. Rookie Jha'Quan Jackson, a faster slot receiver with return abilities, will provide stiff competition." Whether Philips makes the roster or not, it would be surprising if he makes a fantasy football impact in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Jul 11 3:20pm CT
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal is the current projected RB3 in Greg Roman's offense, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. The sixth-round rookie out of Troy appears to be a popular sleeper candidate in 2024 after posting over 1,600 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season. He is slated to be behind veterans and former Baltimore Ravens Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins to open the season. However, Dobbins is coming off his second major injury of his short career, and we have not seen a running back return to form after an Achilles tear. Vidal is worth stashing in deep formats in case Dobbins struggles, but any Day 3 rookie is far from guaranteed a roster spot or a significant role in Year 1, so don't reach on him in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Jul 11 3:10pm CT
Kenny Pickett

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett joined the organization after spending just two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The University of Pittsburgh product posted 4,474 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 games for the Steelers after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Needless to say, the Steelers gave up on him quickly and dealt him for mid-round pick swaps. Now in Philadelphia, the 26-year-old is embracing the change of scenery. "Change is a great thing," Pickett said. "I'm going through it right now. I was in Pittsburgh for seven years, and now I'm over in Philadelphia. I think a lot of people probably have some negative views on change, but that's really just your outlook on it. I think if you keep a positive mindset, it'll all work out for the better." While taking a step back could be a good thing for Pickett's career, he's unlikely to see any playing time anytime soon barring an injury to Jalen Hurts. That said, he could be an intriguing bench stash in two-QB and superflex leagues due to the offensive weaponry and offensive line the Eagles possess.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Jul 11 1:30pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

The New York Jets offense should be more fine-tuned in its second year under offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in 2024 while also getting future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers back from the torn Achilles he suffered in Week 1 last fall. In addition to Rodgers' return, the Jets added Tyron Smith and John Simpson to the offensive line in free agency, traded for Morgan Moses and drafted Olu Fashanu in the first round. At receiver, the team added Mike Williams (knee) and drafted Malachi Corley. "Now you can really detail it up. You can talk about the intricacies of the route. You can experiment with new plays, new motions, all kinds of different, fun things. So it's been really good. I think the guys have really enjoyed it," Hackett said.

From RotoBaller

Aidan O'Connell Jul 11 1:20pm CT
Aidan O'Connell

When asked who the Las Vegas Raiders' starting quarterback is heading into training camp at the end of July, wide receiver Davante Adams thinks it's Aidan O'Connell over newcomer Gardner Minshew. "I want whoever is going to look the best when it's live bullets... I think right now if I had to say, I think Aidan has the job," Adams said. O'Connell has the experience running the offense from 2023, but given the two-year, $25 million investment in Minshew this offseason, it wouldn't be a surprise if Minshew takes the job from O'Connell in camp and the preseason. Both signal-callers didn't look great during OTAs and minicamp, and O'Connell was up and down in 10 starts in 2023 in his rookie season. Whoever wins the Raiders job under center to open the 2024 campaign will be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Sean Payton Jul 11 1:10pm CT
Sean Payton

Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime (knee) missed most of the offseason program after undergoing a minor scope of his knee, but he's expected to be "full-go" for the starting of training camp in a few weeks, according to head coach Sean Payton. In limited action in front of the media this offseason, Estime looked the part of a RB who can bring more short-yardage toughness to Denver's backfield, but it remains to be seen if he can supplant Javonte Williams as an every-down option in 2024. The 20-year-old from Notre Dame is probably a long shot to become the team's lead back, at least earlier in his rookie season, but he could take over goal-line duties fairly quickly, which could make him worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Williams.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Murray Jul 11 10:30am CT
Kenneth Murray

Veteran free-agent safety Jamal Adams is signing with the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The three-time Pro Bowler was released by the Seattle Seahawks this offseason after he played in just 10 games over the last two years. Adams, who was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the New York Jets out of LSU, has racked up 494 tackles, 21.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, 36 pass deflections, and 40.5 run stuffs through his first 80 games. When healthy, Adams is an aggressive and violent tackler who often makes plays near the line of scrimmage. He could get run at safety alongside Amani Hooker and Elijah Molden and mix into the linebacker rotation with Kenneth Murray and Jack Gibbens in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Long Jul 10 8:20pm CT
Hunter Long

Working in Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long's favor is the fact that Tyler Higbee (knee) probably isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. That lone could land Long a spot on the 53-man roster to open the year if Higbee starts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, the Rams added Colby Parkinson in the offseason and love the potential of Davis Allen. If one of Nikola Kalinic or Neal Johnson emerges in training camp and the preseason, Long could be out of a roster spot. The 25-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his MCL but he was taking part in organized team activities this offseason and should be ready to go this fall. In just four games played in 2023, Long wasn't targeted at all while playing 54 offensive snaps for the Rams.

From RotoBaller

Skyy Moore Jul 10 8:20pm CT
Skyy Moore

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore had a disappointing 2023 season and finished the year with a knee injury. Moore needs to re-establish his role within the offense, whether as a primary slot receiver or a trusted all-around receiver like seven-year veteran Justin Watson. The 23-year-old is likely to compete with Kadarius Toney, who also disappointed last year, for regular-season snaps if both players make the initial roster. If Moore is released or traded on roster cutdown day, it would create $1.29 million in salary cap space for the Chiefs with less than $500,000 in dead money, according to Over the Cap. It's saying a lot that the 23-year-old second-rounder in 2022 isn't a roster lock, even with Rashee Rice expected to serve a suspension. But he has just 43 receptions for 494 yards and one touchdown in his first two NFL seasons, and the Chiefs added Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy this offseason.

From RotoBaller

Steven Sims Jul 10 6:30pm CT
Steven Sims

Houston Texans wide receiver Steven Sims recently expressed his optimism and excitement about the new-look Houston wide receiver room. In the offseason, the Texans made a big splash and acquired the four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills. Diggs joins a group of budding stars in Tank Dell and Nico Collins. In addition to adding Diggs, the Texans also welcomed Joe Mixon from Cincinnati to lead them on the ground. Sims expressed on KPRC Houston that, "I can't wait to get back to camp. It's going to be so much fun. I feel like there's going to be a lot of big plays a lot of fun, but it's a business, and it's work. It's time to get back to work, and I'm excited to go back to work with the group we've got I feel like from top to bottom, everybody can get it done." Diggs caught 107 passes last season, which placed him seventh in the league, Collins posed his first 1,000-yard season, and Tank Dell scored seven touchdowns in just 11 games. Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud will be one of the first quarterbacks selected in fantasy leagues this summer due to the surplus of playmakers he has at his disposal.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Jul 10 6:20pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman plans to just "be himself" amid a massive shakeup in the Buffalo pass catching room. This offseason saw the departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, which has left the Buffalo wide receiver depth chart wide open. The Bills selected Coleman in the first pick in the second round and already have high expectations for him to fill the void that was left in the offseason. The Florida State product said, "All I gotta do is come in, be myself, be who I'm supposed to be ... Because I'm not Gabe, I'm not Stef, I'm just Keon." Over the past few seasons, rookie wide receivers have taken full control over passing offenses like Justin Jefferson, Garrett Wilson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown and Coleman could be next in line. Coleman has high expectations but could be a steal at his current ADP of 122 if he becomes Josh Allen's lead wideout.

From RotoBaller

Dexter Lawrence Jul 10 6:00pm CT
Dexter Lawrence

New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns has been described as a "game changer" by his teammates, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com. Fellow linebacker Bobby Okereke expressed that his new teammate is a game changer and a prolific player. Burns was traded from the Carolina Panthers to the Big Apple in exchange for draft picks. Burns was then immediately given a five-year $150 contract with $87.5 guaranteed. The 26-year-old has made two Pro Bowls in his five-year career and has tallied 46 total sacks. He will join a strong Giants pass rush core that includes Dexter Lawrence, Keyvon Thibodeaux, and Jordan Phillips. The Florida State product could be an intriguing pick in IDP leagues, as he should finish near the double-digits in sack totals by the end of the season.

From RotoBaller