Fantasy players to watch in training camp: AFC South

With training camps fast approaching (and in some cases here already), it’s the perfect time to get a head start on your fantasy football research. We will learn a lot about every player in camp, but some players stand the most to gain or lose in camp. These players are generally newcomers to their current NFL team or just players who may see an increased or decreased role due to the supporting cast around them.

In this series, it will be our job to highlight these players in an effort to help you get ahead of the game in your research. We used the first two weeks to break down the East and North divisions (keep up with the whole series here). This week, we preview both South divisions. The AFC South breakdown features more rookies than any division so far.

Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans

When I look at Davis’ outlook from a 30,000-foot view, I can’t get the thought of rookie A.J. Green out of my mind. Davis, like Green, enters the NFL with an exceptional college track record (PFF’s No. 7 overall prospect, No. 5 overall NFL draft pick). He also joins a young and talented quarterback who hasn’t locked in with a No. 1 wide receiver yet. Of course, Davis doesn’t join Jay Gruden’s offensive scheme. Concerns about Davis joining Tennessee’s “exotic smashmouth” offense in addition to the late free agency acquisition of Eric Decker make the rookie’s draft stock one of the most interesting to track during training camp.

The narrative: Davis will struggle to be a consistent contributor as a rookie

There are currently 42 wide receivers being drafted ahead of Davis, per Fantasy Football Calculator’s most recent ADP. Davis is coming off draft boards after Eric Decker, in spite of Decker’s spotty recent injury history. The public is not ready to buy in to Davis just yet, but training camp reports should certainly fix that. Davis terrorized defensive backs at the collegiate level and had a strong track record against opponents from the power conferences. Don’t be swayed by early coach speak.

What reports to focus on: Davis’ rapport with QB Marcus Mariota in training camp will be key for his rookie season outlook. But first, Davis will have to consistently receive first-team reps in camp with Mariota. Focus on these two factors and put aside any hyperbole about Davis’ “gifts” from coaches or teammates — they’re bound to come.