Fantasy players to watch in training camp: NFC East

With training camp less than three weeks away for most teams, 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. Over the next four weeks, we will preview every division and pinpoint four to five players to track during training camp and the preseason. Let’s jump in with the NFC East.

Terrelle Pryor, WR, Washington Redskins

Pryor has gone somewhat overlooked this offseason due to the positive buzz surrounding his teammates Jamison Crowder and Jordan Reed. If Pryor does become the No. 3 option in the passing game, there will still be plenty of volume for him. The Redskins’ offensive scheme is one of the most pass-heavy in the NFL and Washington needs to replace 199 total targets between DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.

The narrative: Pryor will take over the DeSean Jackson role in the offense

Pryor made an early impact with the Browns as a deep threat and he showed an excellent ability to create separation on these routes. In minicamp, Kirk Cousins said he wants to target Pryor on those “deeper routes” with every chance he gets. Pryor is just starting to come into his own as a receiver and if he can consistently improve his ability in the red zone and on in-breaking routes, he has an opportunity to do a lot more than Jackson ever did in this role. Cousins also stated that he would like to get Pryor as many touches as possible.

What to focus on: We know Pryor will be used in a deep role but it will be important to track his red-zone usage during camp. If he takes over the No. 1 role in the red zone, he has breakout potential in this offense. It will also be vital to track his transition to Gruden’s scheme as it could take him longer to adapt to given his lack of experience at receiver.