#ProTops: 2020 Training Camp Update
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, it still remained business as usual for the NFL and CFL during their offseasons. Concluding April’s…
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, it still remained business as usual for the NFL and CFL during their offseasons. Concluding April’s draft and the free agency festivities, here’s the current outlook for the Pro Toppers going into training camp for both leagues starting in July.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe
The third-year Chicago Bear is looking to compete for the second inside linebacker position behind Roquan Smith. This would be a potential step up from his usual special teams' duties. The Bears are looking to return the playoff picture after a third-place standing in the NFC North.
Taywan Taylor
After being traded to the Cleveland Browns last season from Tennessee, there wasn’t much production on special teams from the former second-round pick in 2016. As of now, Taylor has not had his contract option picked up but still remains on the Browns roster as the sixth wide receiver option. This may come into play when roster cuts start in Cleveland was they’re trying to rebuild after an optimistic 5–11 finish.
Jack Doyle
After having his 1st Pro Bowl season as well as signing a contract extension, 2020 is shaping up to be an even higher year for Capt. Jack. With the departure of Eric Ebron, Doyle is listed as the #1 tight end option for the Indianapolis Colts. His squad is ready for a more productive season following the acquisition of quarterback Philip Rivers.
Deon Yelder
It has been a journey for the 1st Hilltopper football alum to have won a Super Bowl this past year in Kansas City. After signing with the Chiefs via waivers in 2018, things have picked up. Following a slew of appearances in 2019 before an injury-shortened season, the sky is the limit for the Tight End U representative. He’s listed as the #2 option behind standout playmaker Travis Kelce.
Forrest Lamp
Lamp has yet to have played a full season for the Los Angeles Chargers after being drafted 38th overall in 2018. On the bright side, he is healthy again and awaiting his opportunity to make a huge impact on an offense that is trying to find an identity following the offseason losses to Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon. Lamp will see some competition as he is competing with Trai Turner for an offensive guard spot.
Tyler Higbee
During the later half of the 2019 season, Higs turned it up as he had a career-best season with the Los Angeles Rams. He had also broken a franchise record for most single-season receptions by a tight end. His December run of 43 receptions and 522 yards made him a late-season favorite for fantasy football fans. Although Gerald Everett is returning from injury, head coach Sean McVay is convinced that this will not put a damper on the future plans for #89. The two Rams can make an interesting tandem as they look to improve to return to their Super Bowl-caliber form from 2018.
George Fant
After a remarkable start to his career in Seattle, Fant scored a huge payday in April as he signed a four year deal with the New York Jets. This comes for ideal insurance in protection for quarterback Sam Darnold. Fant played 46 games for the Seahawks including having 24 starts on the offensive line. He should become an everyday starter in 2020.
Mike White
White was claimed by the Jets via waivers in 2019. As of now, he is still on the roster pending the start of training camp. This could be a make or break situation to be on the final roster as he is listed as fifth on the depth chart, after spending most of 2019 on the practice squad. With the preseason currently in the air, White has a tall order to stay in the fold in New York.
across the footballsphere…
DeAndre Farris
In the CFL, Farris played 14 games as a defensive back for the Ottawa REDBLACKS. As a late roster addition in 2019, Farris made the most of switching from the American side of the gridiron to the Canadian format, showing off his skills as an extra nickel corner. This upcoming season, he is making the potential switch to wide receiver. The REDBLACKS did not qualify for the 2019 Grey Cup Playoffs after finishing 3–15. Farris’ role shall improve for the pending season.
Lucky Jackson and Miles Pate somehow weren’t signed as free agents after being undrafted in the NFL draft. During a normal year, they would have gotten a rookie mini-camp invites but with Covid-19 those didn’t occur. I’d expect them to continue to stay in shape and hopefully catch on in 2021 NFL or CFL mini-camps when everything hopefully starts to get back to normal.
Best of luck to everyone who is participating in training camp and here’s to a healthy season in 2020.