Who Should I Start? Ainias Smith or Beaux Collins

Tuesday, August 19, 9:35 AM

Second-year Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has enjoyed a healthy training camp, and his coaches have taken notice. Last season, as a fifth-round rookie, he struggled through camp with a stress fracture in his shin that would eventually land him on Injured Reserve for two months. This year, he is healthy and competing for one of the Eagles' last receiver spots on the 53-man roster. He has played in each of the team's first two preseason games, catching a touchdown in both and returning punts and kicks, as his path to the roster may run through special teams. Smith has been competing with fellow second-year wideout Johnny Wilson and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper for one of the team's final roster spots, and on Sunday, the Eagles acquired former second-round pick John Metchie III from the Houston Texans. Whoever can win the camp battle will have little relevance in managed redraft leagues, but could be worth a stash in deep dynasty formats.

Friday, August 29, 9:00 PM

New York Giants wide receiver Beaux Collins has the potential to go from undrafted free agent to impact player, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com observes. The former Clemson and Notre Dame wideout made the Giants' 53-man roster after a "spectacular" showing in offseason workouts and training camp. While Collins only caught one pass during the preseason, he made it count on an 80-yard hookup with current starting quarterback Russell Wilson. Malik Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton are locked in as the Giants' top three receivers, but Jalin Hyatt and Gunner Olszewski haven't offered much production. That could open the door for Collins to emerge as the team's fourth WR sometime during his rookie season.