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Judge throws out obscenity case attempting to restrict sales of books in Virginia Beach Virginia Mercury Article From & Read More ( Judge throws out obscenity case attempting to restrict sales of books in Virginia Beach - Virginia Mercury )[unable to retrieve full-text content]
In Case You Missed It: 8/21-8/28 2022 KX NEWS Article From & Read More ( In Case You Missed It: 8/21-8/28 2022 - KX NEWS )
CORPUS CHRISTI TX – On August 25, Christus Spohn Hospital erroneously reported a confirmed case of Monkeypox in Nueces County for a male in his late 20s. The Corpus Christ-Nueces County Public Health District received notification from the Department of State Health Services that the case is considered probable.
A probable case of Monkeypox means an individual tested positive for the orthopoxvirus, which includes several pox viruses, including Monkeypox.
The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District is performing a case investigation.
All test specimens must be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for testing. The CDC continues to monitor cases worldwide to determine the cause of the outbreak, but the risk to the U.S. population is currently considered low.
According to the CDC, Monkeypox is a severe acute illness with symptoms including:
Monkeypox closely resembles smallpox and can be transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider for immediate assessment, including anyone who:
Tips for preventing infection include:
For media inquiries, contact Senior Public Information Officer Amy Gazin at 361-826-1655 or email at amyg2@cctexas.com.
Article From & Read More ( Probable Case of Monkeypox reported in Nueces County - Corpus Christi )
(Gloucester Township, NJ) – The Camden County Health Department and the state Department of Health have detected a probable case of monkeypox associated with a camp in Camden County, bringing the county’s total cases to 23.
On Aug 24, a laboratory test result positive for orthopoxvirus was reported through the NJ Communicable Disease Surveillance System (CDRSS) to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. An investigation was initiated by the county and our local public health officials. This individual is isolating at home and contact tracing was performed. Exposed persons were notified, and no high-risk contact was identified. A post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine clinic is scheduled for those who were determined as having an intermediate exposure.
“Although this case is concerning, health officials on a county and statewide level have acted quickly to mitigate the further spread of this virus. For the public, we need residents to be vigilant about exposures and limiting the spread of this virus,” said Dr. Paschal Nwako, Camden County Health Officer and Public Health Coordinator. “If you believe you have been exposed to someone who has the virus call your primary care physician or the Camden County Health Department. Additionally, everyone should exercise caution when it comes to interacting with people outside of your household and stay aware of any symptoms. These symptoms include fever, headache, muscle ache, chills, and a pimple or blister like rash. A vaccine for monkeypox is available for high-risk contacts of an infected person and patients with monkeypox can also receive an antiviral treatment.”
Monkeypox spreads person-to-person in the following ways:
To lessen the spread of the disease, the CDC recommends the following:
If you are already sick with monkeypox, the CDC recommends:
To date, there have been 16,926 confirmed monkeypox cases throughout the country, 471 of those cases reside in New Jersey.
The state Department of Health has made Camden County a regional storage hub for the monkeypox vaccine. Moving into the future any regional health departments in South Jersey with cases and close contacts will be able to work with our public health officials for vaccine distribution.
To learn more about monkeypox, residents can visit cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox. Residents can also call the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (856) 374-6370.
The 2022 NFL season is steadily approaching and our betting experts have got you covered. Over the next two weeks we are taking a look at how to approach some of the top teams in league and giving out some futures best bets ahead of opening week.
Anita Marks is all-in on an improved Eagles squad in the NFC East. Philadelphia looks to be one of the most formidable weapons in the trenches, and Jalen Hurts has a new weapon in A.J. Brown.
Here is the best case, worst case and betting analysis for this year's Eagles team.
NFL betting preview schedule
Sunday: The case for betting the Chiefs over 10.5 wins
Monday: The case for betting Tom Brady to have another career year
Tuesday: The case for betting Justin Herbert for MVP
Wednesday: The case for betting Russell Wilson, Broncos over 10 wins
Friday: The case for betting the Eagles to win the NFC East
Best case: We know that all too familiar phrase ... "football is won in the trenches." Well, if you believe that to be true, then the Eagles should win the Super Bowl this season. Philadelphia is stacked on both sides of the line. In fact, the defensive line has so much depth, it might be the one of the best ever in the NFL. The addition of Haason Reddick in free agency and Jordan Davis in the draft make them beyond legit. Offensively, outside of quarterback, the Eagles rank in the top 15 at every position group: offensive line, wide receiver, running back and tight end. There is not a weakness.
Worst case: The Eagles defense struggled against good QBs last season and will need to make a huge leap in the secondary to change that narrative. Their toughest challenges this season will come against Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers. And the schedule isn't doing the Eagles any favors this year. They have four short-week road games, four games with less rest than their opponent and only two with more rest. And last but not least, the jury is still out on Jalen Hurts. The Eagles have a stacked roster, but can Hurts be the quarterback to take them to the promised land?
Betting spin: Last season the Eagles found their offensive mojo in Week 7 and didn't look back. Head coach Nick Sirianni allowed Hurts to "cook," and I expect more of the same this season. On paper the Eagles are one of the best teams in the NFL. Their offensive line is the second-highest paid group, and their defensive line is the third-highest. The additions in free agency (Reddick and CB James Bradberry on defense and Brown on offense), along with a solid draft class (Davis and LB Nakobe Dean, who could turn out being the steal of the draft this season) should have the Eagles soaring. Dak and Ezekiel Elliott will struggle behind the Cowboys' subpar offensive line, the Giants are in rebuild mode, and no one is sure how Carson Wentz will jell in D.C. The Eagles should go 6-0 or 5-1 against the division.
Article From & Read More ( The case for betting the Philadelphia Eagles to win the NFC East - ESPN )
TOPEKA — The defense attorney in a high-profile double-homicide case blasted prosecutors for presenting a new witness who emerged at the end of trial to claim for the first time she saw someone who looked like Dana Chandler leave the scene of the crime in 2002.
Tom Bath, who represents Chandler, told jurors during closing arguments Thursday in Shawnee County District Court that the incredible last-second testimony was the latest example of an un-American effort to convict his client.
Chandler faces two first-degree murder charges in the killing of her ex-husband, Mike Sisco, and his fiancee, Karen Harkness, in the basement of a southwest Topeka duplex. The Kansas Supreme Court threw out her conviction from a 2012 trial because the prosecutor in that case lied about nonexistent evidence.
The case went to the jury Thursday afternoon following three weeks of testimony in the retrial.
Charles Kitt, the prosecutor, told jurors to consider the rage Chandler had directed at her former spouse in the years before the killing, concerns raised by family and friends about Chandler’s behavior, and the flimsy alibi Chandler offered about driving around Colorado at the time of the killings.
Bath pointed to a litany of problems with the police investigation, including missing, destroyed and ignored evidence that could have benefited Chandler. Police, Bath said, had “tunnel vision” for Chandler from the start, and had lied about evidence to Chandler’s daughter to make her believe her mother was guilty.
And he took issue with Terri Anderson, who stepped forward after 20 years of silence to testify Wednesday.
Anderson, who lived in an apartment a block and a half away from the duplex where Sisco and Harkness were killed, said she heard gunshots about 11:30 p.m. and saw someone who looked like Chandler get in a car and leave. Her testimony doesn’t fit the timeline — Sisco and Harkness left a casino north of Topeka at 1:30 a.m. — and there is no record of the 911 call Anderson claimed to have made that night. Records show she made 911 calls on other days around the time of the killings.
Topeka police questioned neighbors in the days after the killings and filed reports about their conversations. Anderson told police about a suspicious vehicle she had seen a few days before the shootings, but she gave no indication that she heard a series of gunshots or that she saw anyone leave the area on the night the couple were killed.
Bath said the prosecutor should not have presented such “insulting” testimony by Anderson.
“Doesn’t your gut tell you, ‘Oh my gosh, what is going on here?’ ” Bath said to the jury.
The is a textbook case, Bath said, of why the framers of the U.S. Constitution set up a “presumption of innocence,” the idea that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
“That should not happen in the United States of America,” Bath said. “It’s really like out of a movie. If it wasn’t so serious, it would be laughable.”
Kitt told the jurors he wasn’t asking them to believe or disbelieve Anderson’s testimony, and that they weren’t here to punish police for their mistakes, “if mistakes were made.”
He focused the jury’s attention instead on the hostility Chandler had directed toward Sisco following a drawn-out divorce in 1997-98. Chandler was furious about losing custody of their children and being ordered to pay child support. In emails to her teenage daughter, Chandler repeatedly expressed her hatred of Sisco and his new lover.
Family and friends recalled Chandler’s extensive harassment in the years before the killings, when she took photos of Sisco and Harkness on a date, showed up unexpectedly at family gatherings, accosted Sisco and Harkness at a soccer game and after a school play, and called relentlessly — as often as 22 times in 31 minutes.
Police found no sign of forced entry or theft at the crime scene.
“From the beginning,” Kitt said, “I told you this case is about obsession, jealousy, rage. This is not a case that science can solve for us. This case is about obsession with Mike Sisco. Jealousy that Mike Sisco was able to move on with his life. Jealousy about the new relationship that Mike Sisco had formed. Jealousy about the relationship that Mike Sisco had with his kids. Rage because of all of that.”
In a phone call with her daughter in October 2002, Chandler asked if she ever thought about killing Sisco. When the daughter said no, Chandler interrupted.
“Honestly, I can say I did,” she said.
Kitt reminded the jury of what Chandler said after Sisco and Harkness were killed: “It’s all in God’s hands.”
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Kitt said, “now it’s in your hands.”
Article From & Read More ( Defense attorney in Kansas cold case blasts 'laughable' last-second emergence of eyewitness - Kansas Reflector )
The first overall pick in the NFL draft is expected to become a franchise building block, so what kind of impact will outside linebacker Travon Walker, the top selection this year, have for the Jacksonville Jaguars in his rookie season? Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media recently talked about it.
Jeremiah took a look at the best/worst scenarios for every NFL rookie and says that Walker should have an immediate impact against the run. On the other hand, he thinks that he might need an adjustment period as he “evolves as a pass rusher”. Here’s the best case projection:
Walker dominates against the run from the jump and the opportunity to settle in at one position accelerates his development as a pass rusher. He pairs with Josh Allen to form one of the best young edge-rushing duos in the league.
And here’s the best-case scenario:
Walker dominates against the run from the jump and the opportunity to settle in at one position accelerates his development as a pass rusher. He pairs with Josh Allen to form one of the best young edge-rushing duos in the league.
Jeremiah projects Walker to have seven sacks and 50 total tackles as a rookie, which might be a tad low but it’s realistic when you take into account that the Georgia native is playing outside linebacker full-time after having lined up at different spots in college.
Jeremiah is one of the most respected draft analysts, so his opinion carries plenty of weight. When projecting Walker’s rookie totals he’s taking into consideration that he’s making a position switch. The Jaguars also thought the same when they drafted and adjusted their expectations accordingly.
Seven sacks seem a bit low but seem like a realistic number and possibly generous. That’s the amount Myles Garrett, the No. 1 pick in 2017, had in his rookie season. Jadeveon Clowney, the top selection in 2014, missed most of his first NFL campaign and logged a combined 10.5 sacks the following two years. Similarly, Khalil Mack (fourth overall in 2014) managed to get four as a rookie.
More often than not, pass rushers find their groove in their sophomore campaign. Nick (San Francisco 49ers) and Joey (Los Angeles Chargers) Bosa made an impact right off the bat, and so did Maxx Crosby for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, all pass rushers are different and the Jaguars can’t expect Walker to rack up 10 sacks right off the gate. Instead, they need to focus on his development and make sure he makes take steps forward than backward.
Walker is off to a good start. So far, he’s showcased the athleticism and power that made him the top pick in the draft. He’s fared well in the preseason and should have a solid outing against the Atlanta Falcons Saturday if he suits up. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the regular season and if he can indeed break Josh Allen’s rookie sack record.
Article From & Read More ( Trusted NFL analyst projects Jaguars OLB Travon Walker worst/best case - Black and Teal )TOPEKA—The Office of Judicial Administration announced today it will reschedule to 2023 its plan to bring the 18th Judicial District onto the Kansas eCourt case management system.
New date not set
The 18th Judicial District is composed of Sedgwick County. It is identified as Track 9 on the Kansas eCourt Statewide Rollout Plan. It had been scheduled to make the transition to the new case management system October 31.
The Office of Judicial Administration has not picked a new date, but it will be in 2023.
Courts transitioning in 2022
The schedule change follows courts in 40 counties joining the new case management system in July. Courts in 34 counties are scheduled to make the transition September 12.
After September 12, 95% of all state trial courts will be operating on the new system.
Impact on support teams
Kelly O’Brien, chief information officer in the Office of Judicial Administration, is project director. He said adding so many courts at the same time makes sense from a project management perspective. However, it taxes support teams across the state who help courts adjust to processing cases using the new system.
“Our courts and our staff are committed to the success of this system rollout, and they have given their all even while enduring the strain of a pandemic,” O’Brien said. “A short delay is reasonable in the interest of well-being for the people who support this modernization effort.”
System is key to eCourt plan
The centralized case management system is a key component of the Supreme Court’s eCourt plan. Its implementation in courts statewide will allow district and appellate case data to reside on a single web-based platform, transforming the way the state court system serves the people of Kansas.
Investigation Discovery has renewed On the Case With Paula Zahn for its 25th season, which will debut on the true-crime channel Sept. 4 with the series’ 350th episode.
The newsmagazine, led by Emmy-winning journalist Zahn, “features riveting storytelling and original interviews that go beyond the headlines to reveal first-person accounts and expert insights of those connected to the cases, showcasing the full scope and impact of murder,” as described by the network.
Season 25 will premiere at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 4, with new episodes available to stream the same day on discovery+.
“In today’s television landscape, On the Case With Paula Zahn has achieved the unimaginable and reached an incredible milestone with the premiere of its 25th season and 350th episode,” said Jason Sarlanis, president of crime and investigative content. “Day in and day out, Paula’s unparalleled grace, professionalism and journalistic integrity shine through in each episode, which has so clearly resonated with fans for years, making On the Case a signature pillar of ID. We are thrilled to celebrate these accomplishments with Paula and the entire creative team as they continue to unravel shocking crimes, leaving their mark on television and the community around us.”
The 350th episode, titled “From Zero to Murder,” follows police as they investigate the brutal murder of a young woman in an ambush-style shooting. The question they must answer is, was the violent act that ended Alisha Canales-McGuire’s life actually a terrifying case of mistaken identity?
In the episode, Zahn sits down with investigators who cracked the case and the victim’s sister and intended target, Amanda, to “get to the bottom of one of the most bizarre murder investigations to rock the quiet suburb of Everett, Washington.”
On the Case With Paula Zahn is produced by Scott Sternberg Productions and Weinberger Media for Investigation Discovery and discovery+.
Article From & Read More ( Investigation Discovery Renews ‘On the Case With Paula Zahn’ for 25th Season (Exclusive) - Hollywood Reporter )
Now that the exciting new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is here with its iconic design, you’ll want a case to keep your fancy phone safe from scratches and damage. Getting a case for a folding phone isn’t quite as easy as a regular device. But luckily, several options are available.
Typically, phone cases can deliver extra features like a built-in kickstand, but you won’t need one because the Flip 4 is its own kickstand. That said, several other excellent durable cases will add personality or style and help you keep a better grip on your new phone. The best Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases and covers will protect your phone from life’s daily hazards and come in several fun colors.
Spigen is one of our favorites and makes several great cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4. Our first recommendation is the Spigen Tough Armor, as it’s as strong as it gets without being too bulky. Thanks to a dual-layer design, it’ll keep the phone looking new both inside and out.
Each Tough Armor case has reinforced corners, a soft inner lining, and a rugged yet flexible polycarbonate shell. You’ll also notice the flexible hinge protection, ensuring you can snap shut and fold open this phone for years to come.
Some of the best cases you can get for any phone are ones the manufacturer makes themselves. In this situation, Samsung has several excellent cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, like this Silicone cover with a built-in carry ring.
Samsung’s silicone cover offers both scratch and drop protection, plus the silicone is antimicrobial. These cases fit like a glove, but you’ll really love the built-in ring. You can put the ring through a finger and ensure a good grip or snap it to a carabiner or purse, so you never lose your Flip. It’s a fun way to carry this little phone. Grab one from our link below in five fun colors.
Caseology makes many cases in different sizes, shapes, colors, and protection levels for most phones. For the new Galaxy Z Flip 4, you can’t go wrong with the Caseology Parallax 3D protective case.
The Parallax case utilizes a unique 3D textured design with raised edges for an improved grip, not to mention an extra cushion if you ever drop your phone. Even the sides of the case have a rough texture to help owners keep phones securely in their hands. You’ll also notice a raised edge around the cameras and the front cover display to keep things safe.
Caseology's Parallax case offers a unique textured pattern for durability, and it makes the phone easy to hold.
Most cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 are about protecting the glass panels outside of the phone. However, the Maxdara Cover case is similar to Spigen’s and offers protection for the hinge mechanism and then some.
The best part of this case is that it’ll also give you protection and privacy on the front Cover display and camera lenses. That’s because there’s a sliding camera cover you can move into place when you want to keep the cameras safe or don’t want the cover screen showing sensitive information. And while this case may add some bulk, it also delivers peace of mind.
Keep your Galaxy Z Flip 4 safe while also protecting the hinge, cover screen, and cameras with this Maxdara case.
While you’re probably familiar with dbrand as the company that makes skins for all your favorite gadgets, dbrand also offers one of the best cases. The official dbrand GRIP case for the Galaxy Z Flip 4 will keep your phone safe and make it harder than ever to accidentally drop.
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a slippery phone, so you’ll want the insane amounts of grip this case will offer. In fact, dbrand’s first few grip cases were too grippy, and the company eventually toned it down a bit. Now, it’s a great middle-ground for those wanting protection and peace of mind without a big and bulky case. Get one in several different designs, or add a skin and truly customize your Flip 4.
Samsung’s unique Silicone Strap Case is slowly gaining popularity, and it’ll pair beautifully with the new Galaxy Z Flip 4. With silicone to help protect from bumps and scratches and a strap on the back, your Galaxy Z Flip 4 will stay stylish and safe simultaneously.
People love Samsung’s Strap Case for several reasons. For one, it has a soft-touch matte finish to resist scratches and make the phone easier to hold. Then, you have that adjustable strap on the back that’s comfortable with one, two, or even three fingers through it for a secure grip. Plus, the metal ring at the end makes for a perfect keychain. It’s a strange case, but you’ll probably love it. The company also offers a premium leather Z Flip 4 case for those interested.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 comes in several fun color combinations, and we understand that many owners don’t want to cover it up with an ugly black case. That’s why we’re also recommending the durable Spigen Air Skin Clear Case for the Flip 4.
If you’re looking for a slim minimalistic case for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, this is the one. The lightweight and form-fitting TPU material ensures plenty of protection while being as thin as possible. Raised edges keep the front cover screen and cameras safe, plus it seals off the screen gap when you fold the phone shut, protecting that fragile display on the inside. Get this slim case in one of five fun color options.
Spigen's Air Skin case is one of the slimmest options for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, yet it's still as durable as ever.
We’ll update this case roundup with all the best new Galaxy Z Flip 4 cases as they arrive, so be sure and subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest news.
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/EMRTOOUKLVKZRBGQSKOWK2CUZE.jpg)
HELSINKI, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Three journalists from Finland's largest daily went on trial on Thursday charged with publishing classified defence intelligence, with the prosecutor demanding at least 18-month suspended sentencesif found guilty.
In an unprecedented case in a country renowned for its press freedom, the prosecutor claims the two Helsingin Sanomat journalists and their former editor revealed national defence secrets in a report published in 2017.
The report, entitled "Finland's most secret place", revealed the rough location and tasks of an intelligence unit of the defence forces at a time when parliament was debating whether to expand its powers to monitor private data in digital networks.
According to the prosecutor, the article contained harmful information the publication of which was against the law.
Helsingin Sanomat Editor-in-Chief Kaius Niemi, who had charges against him in connection with the case dropped for lack of evidence, said the journalists had not broken the law.
"We can show for each published sentence that the information could be found on the internet or in books prior to the publication of our article. Public information cannot be classified," he told Reuters.
The three deny any wrongdoing.
Finland has for years been among the top countries in a global press freedom ranking published annually by Reporters Without Borders.
But it slipped to a fifth position this year, partly due to the court case, the journalist association's Finnish branch said.
The journalists were not present at the preparatory session at Helsinki district court on Thursday.
Hanne Aho, chairwoman of the Finnish Journalists' Union, said the case was first of a kind.
"It is completely exceptional that Finnish journalists are being accused of high treason," she told Reuters.
Under Finnish law, it is customary to name defendants in a criminal case only if they are convicted.
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Article From & Read More ( Three Finnish journalists go on trial in rare press freedom case - Reuters )[unable to retrieve full-text content]
Lindsey Graham Makes Fresh Case for Avoiding Georgia Election Testimony Bloomberg Article From & Read More ( Lindsey Graham Makes Fresh Case for Avoiding Georgia Election Testimony - Bloomberg )Arkansas COVID-19 cases increased by 6,073 over the last seven days, according to the Arkansas Department of Health website update on Tuesday. The increase is down from the 6,289 cases reported over the previous seven-day period.
This week's count averages to about 867 new cases per day in the state, down from 898 the previous week.
There are 10,678 cases of COVID-19 considered active in the state, which includes those that have tested positive by both PCR and antigen testing methods. That number is down from the 10,989 active cases reported the previous Tuesday.
In Northwest Arkansas, the ADH dashboard currently lists 687 active cases in Washington County and 563 in Benton County.
Hospitalizations were down by 29 over that same period, bringing the total number of patients hospitalized in the state to 303.
State officials also announced 40 new deaths in the past week, bringing the total number of Arkansans who have died as a result of the pandemic to 11,870.
There are currently 15 patients on ventilators statewide, down four from the last week.
There were 18,003 PCR tests and 12,590 antigen tests announced Tuesday.
The new cases bring the total cumulative count in Arkansas to 924,649.
The top counties for new cases over the last seven days were Pulaski (722), Washington (440), and Craighead (345).
Arkansas is averaging 29 cases per 100,000 residents over the last two weeks. According to the New York Times COVID-19 tracker, cases in the state are down by 6% over the last 14 days.
The state announced that 7,780 doses of the vaccine were given over the past 7 days.
All Arkansans ages 6 months and older are currently eligible for a vaccine. Those who need assistance locating a vaccine can call 1-800-985-6030.
(CNN)A Georgia special prosecutor announced Tuesday that murder and assault charges will be dismissed against two Atlanta police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks in June 2020, saying the officers acted reasonably in response to a deadly threat.
With the start of the 2022 NFL regular season just around the corner, NFL Media analyst and former scout Daniel Jeremiah projects the best- and worst-case scenarios for 12 intriguing offensive rookies. Check back on Wednesday to see his projections for notable defensive rookies.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 8 overall
Best-case scenario: London was a high-volume pass-catcher at USC and he quickly picks up where he left off. He shows the ability to play outside and in the slot while teaming with Kyle Pitts to give the Falcons two mismatch players to build around.
Worst-case scenario: He starts off slow after missing time during training camp due to a knee injury and the offense fails to generate a lot of scoring opportunities. I still believe he will catch a lot of balls even if the red zone targets are limited.
Projected stats: 80 catches, 950 yards, 6 TDs.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 10 overall
Best-case scenario: The Jets’ offense makes a major leap in 2022. Wilson receives more targets than teammate Corey Davis, and Elijah Moore’s presence creates a lot of friendly matchups on the opposite side of the field.
Worst-case scenario: Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson, currently recovering from knee surgery, fails to improve his accuracy and that causes the entire offense to sputter. I still believe the rookie will produce some “wow” catches, as he’s done throughout training camp.
Projected stats: 55 catches, 725 yards, 4 TDs.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 11 overall
Best-case scenario: Olave carries the positive momentum he’s generated during training camp to the regular season. Quarterback Jameis Winston stays aggressive and Olave emerges as the primary deep threat in the Saints’ offense.
Worst-case scenario: I don’t see much downside or risk here, outside of the possibility Olave suffers an unfortunate injury. Michael Thomas could re-emerge as a target hoarder if he can stay healthy, but I still believe there will be plenty of passes headed Olave’s way.
Projected stats: 70 catches, 900 yards, 7 TDs.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 12 overall
Best-case scenario: Williams takes his time to return to full health after suffering an ACL tear in the national title game last January. That is the most important aspect of his rookie campaign. Upon his return to the field, he quickly provides a much-needed vertical element to the Lions’ passing attack. He flashes enough to get the organization enthused about his abilities heading into 2023.
Worst-case scenario: It takes him a while to regain confidence in his knee and the offense remains too horizontal to feature his strengths once he’s back on the field. I still believe he’ll make an impact with his impressive run-after-catch tools.
Projected stats: 35 catches, 550 yards, 3 TDs.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 16 overall
Best-case scenario: Dotson displays exactly what evaluators loved during his collegiate career: exceptional hands and explosiveness. He has the upside to be the top producer in his draft class. He should see favorable matchups playing opposite Terry McLaurin.
Worst-case scenario: His lack of size (5-foot-11, 182 pounds) leads to some durability concerns. If he can stay healthy, I believe his floor is very high.
Projected stats: 75 catches, 1,000 yards, 5 TDs.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 18 overall
Best-case scenario: Burks has the frame and skill set to fill the A.J. Brown role in Tennessee’s offense. While it would be a major stretch to predict he’ll produce at a Brown-like level as a rookie, I do believe he’s capable of emerging as the Titans’ No. 1 target at some point this fall.
Worst-case scenario: Burks fails to stay in shape, which leads to inconsistent availability and production. He shows boom/bust qualities, which are equally exciting and scary.
Projected stats: 65 catches, 900 yards, 4 TDs.
Drafted: Round 1, No. 20 overall
Best-case scenario: Pickett wins the starting job early in the season and efficiently operates a balanced offense. He uses his athleticism to overcome shaky offensive line play and helps the Steelers return to the postseason.
Worst-case scenario: If Mitchell Trubisky wins the job entering the season and plays well, 2022 could end up being a redshirt year for Pickett. That wouldn’t be a terrible thing because it would mean the offense is performing, and it would provide the Steelers with another offseason to upgrade the O-line before thrusting Pickett into the mix.
Projected stats: 960 passing yards, 7 TDs and 3 INTs in four starts.
Drafted: Round 2, No. 36 overall
Best-case scenario: I believe Hall could emerge as Pro Bowl performer in his rookie season. He has all of the tools to become a top-five running back in the league. Michael Carter plays a complementary role, as Hall is the bell-cow back from the start of the season to the end.
Worst-case scenario: The schedule looks very daunting and the offense could struggle until the competition lightens up a bit in the second half of the season. However, I believe in the Jets’ run-friendly system and Hall’s immense talent. Even if the group takes its lumps, he’ll still post solid numbers.
Projected stats: 250 carries, 1,150 yards, 8 TDs; 55 catches, 500 yards, 4 TDs.
Drafted: Round 2, No. 41 overall
Best-case scenario: Walker quickly recovers from a hernia procedure and emerges as the leading force at running back for the Seahawks. He shows vast improvement in the passing game (he was very limited at Michigan State) and earns third-down opportunities as the season progresses.
Worst-case scenario: The Seahawks proceed cautiously (this might be the best thing for Walker in the big picture) as he returns from injury, placing him behind others at the position. The young offensive line shows tremendous upside, but it takes a while for it to jell and support an impactful rushing attack.
Projected stats: 175 carries, 700 yards, four TDs; 20 catches, 160 yards, one TD.
Drafted: Round 2, No. 52 overall
Best-case scenario: Pickens lives up to the hype. I’ve made some comments about folks at Georgia comparing him to former Bulldog A.J. Green. Green began his NFL career with five straight 1,000-yard seasons. I won’t be shocked if Pickens joins the 1,000-yard club as a rookie. He has that type of upside.
Worst-case scenario: There are a lot of mouths to feed in the Steelers’ offense, starting with Najee Harris and Diontae Johnson. Pickens provides some splash plays, but the lack of targets impacts his overall production.
Projected stats: 65 catches, 845 yards, 6 TDs.
Drafted: Round 2, No. 54 overall
Best-case scenario: Moore gobbles up a lot of the targets that Tyreek Hill left behind when he was traded to the Dolphins. He quickly gains the trust of Patrick Mahomes and is featured in the middle of the field, working out of the slot. His depth of targets might be shallow, but it allows him to show off his excellent strength and make-you-miss ability after the catch.
Worst-case scenario: The Kansas City offense has a lot of new faces this season and the ball might get spread around, impacting the numbers of everyone not named Travis Kelce. I still believe Moore has a relatively high floor because Mahomes and Andy Reid have been so incredibly successful together.
Projected stats: 55 catches, 700 yards, 5 TDs.
Drafted: Round 2, No. 63 overall
Best-case scenario: Cook establishes himself as the primary third-down back and he’s utilized both out of the backfield as well as in the slot. Josh Allen’s vertical, attacking style creates a lot of room for Cook to operate when the QB decides to check the ball down. Big first-half leads provide more second-half carries for Bills running backs as the team looks to close out games.
Worst-case scenario: The Bills end up having more faith in their veteran backs to run the ball and Cook isn’t featured in a loaded passing attack. However, I think there will be enough touches to go around for all of their studs and plenty left over for Cook to have some special moments.
Projected stats: 130 carries, 585 yards, 2 TDs; 45 catches, 405 yards, 2 TDs.
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As the days shorten and the dark hours stretch, every impulse in me is to slow down, get under a blanket and stay there till spring. In a...
