Underrated Training Camp Battles That Could Reshape Dynasty Rankings
Kevin looks at training camp battles to watch before they hit the field.
Training camp is where dynasty values can start moving before a meaningful snap is ever played. Every summer, reports begin pouring in about first-team reps, unexpected depth-chart changes, rookie breakouts, and veterans suddenly fighting for their jobs. Some of that noise will disappear as quickly as it arrives. Other developments will completely reshape how we view certain players before Week 1.
That is what makes these battles so important for dynasty managers. This is not just about identifying who will be listed as the starter. It is about understanding which players have the most to gain, which ones are in danger of losing value, and where the market could shift once camp reports begin influencing rankings and trade prices. A rookie running back earning passing-down work could suddenly become significantly more valuable. A young wide receiver falling behind an established veteran could lose months of offseason momentum. A quarterback competition could impact an entire group of skill-position players. There will be plenty of competitions worth following over the next several weeks, but some underrated battles stand out as situations I want to pinpoint before camp begins. Each one has the potential to change roles, alter player values, and reshape how dynasty managers view the players involved.
Before the depth charts settle and the hype starts taking over, these are some training camp battles that could reshape dynasty rankings.
Los Angeles Chargers Tight Ends: Oronde Gadsden II vs. Charlie Kolar vs. David Njoku
The Chargers might have one of the most interesting tight end rooms heading into training camp. Oronde Gadsden II is coming off an encouraging rookie season, Charlie Kolar was signed to a significant three-year deal, and David Njoku gives the offense another proven receiving option. All three players bring something different to the offense, which is exactly why this battle matters for dynasty managers. Gadsden is clearly the most valuable dynasty asset of the group right now. He finished his rookie season with 49 receptions for 664 yards and three touchdowns, but the overall numbers do not completely capture how impressive he looked at times. From Week 6 through Week 9, Gadsden caught 24 passes for 377 yards and two touchdowns. He was the TE1 in fantasy scoring during that stretch and looked like a player capable of becoming one of Justin Herbert’s primary receiving weapons.
That is the upside dynasty managers are still buying into. The problem is that the Chargers did not enter the offseason acting like they were completely satisfied with the position. They added Kolar on a three-year, $24.3 million contract and later signed Njoku. That creates a crowded room, especially with Mike McDaniel taking over the offense and potentially leaning heavily on multiple-tight-end formations. Kolar is the player I find most interesting in this battle. I wrote and talked about him months ago because I have always felt there was more receiving ability there than we saw in Baltimore. He was stuck behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, which made it difficult for him to earn consistent opportunities. What we do know is that he has developed into one of the better blocking tight ends in the league, and that could get him onto the field immediately in McDaniel’s outside-zone offense.
The contract also matters. Teams do not usually hand out more than $24 million to a player they only view as a situational blocker. Kolar has never caught more than 10 passes in an NFL season, so expecting a massive fantasy breakout might be aggressive. Still, his blocking ability could allow him to earn the most consistent snap share of the group. If he also starts getting opportunities as a receiver, his dynasty value could rise quickly from where it currently sits.
Njoku is the wild card. He turns 30 this summer and is coming off a disappointing season, but we have already seen him produce at a high level. Before last year, he had averaged at least 10.1 PPR points per game in three consecutive seasons. He is still athletic enough to be a factor in the passing game, and Herbert will be the best quarterback situation he has had in years. The question is whether Njoku was brought in to have a meaningful weekly role or simply give the Chargers another experienced option. His one-year contract makes him less important for dynasty than Gadsden or Kolar, but he could still become frustrating if he takes away red-zone targets and passing-down snaps. For dynasty managers, Gadsden is the player with the most to gain and the most to lose. If he separates himself as the clear receiving tight end during training camp, his value could start climbing again. He is young, attached to Herbert, and already showed that he can produce when given consistent opportunities. There is a real chance he ends up being a value at his current price because managers are worried about the additions of Kolar and Njoku.
There is also a scenario where this becomes a true three-player rotation and nobody earns enough routes or targets to become a reliable fantasy starter. That would be the worst possible outcome for Gadsden because his dynasty value is built around the idea that he can eventually become a difference-making receiving tight end. The biggest thing I will be watching is not necessarily who is listed as the starter. Kolar could technically start because of his blocking ability without becoming the best fantasy option. What matters is who runs the most routes, who is on the field in obvious passing situations, and who Herbert looks toward in the red zone. Right now, I am still willing to bet on Gadsden’s talent and what he showed as a rookie. He could be one of the better tight end values in dynasty if the crowded depth chart is creating a discount. Kolar remains one of my favorite deep stashes because the contract and scheme fit suggest the Chargers have plans for him. Njoku is more of a short-term option for contenders, but his presence makes this one of the most important tight end battles to follow throughout training camp.
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