NFL Football Column: Fantasy Impact

Ronnie Hillman RB - DEN: May 22, 7:42PM: Ronnie Hillman...

Ronnie Hillman has packed on 15 pounds of muscle after dipping to near 180 last season. Hillman was listed at 200 last season, but apparently played nowhere close to that. OC Adam Gase believes Hillman "needs to keep that size." Gase has been impressed with what he's seen out of Hillman in OTAs, particularly in pass protection. "The thing that he's shown us the last three days is at least his aggressiveness and willingness to go attack the blitzer." Ticketed for a change-of-pace role, Hillman must make major strides as a pass-protector after struggling with blitz pick-up as a rookie.

Reggie Bush RB - DET: May 22, 7:25PM: Reggie Bush...

Reggie Bush has been part of the Lions' rotation on punt returns in OTAs. Speaking shortly after Bush's signing, coach Jim Schwartz said Bush would be an option on returns. Bush was an explosive return man in New Orleans, but hasn't been featured on special teams since 2010. Bush has proven more durable in recent seasons, but the Lions would be taking a risk with his health by using him on punts. We doubt the plan comes to pass during the regular season.

Thaddeus Lewis QB - CLE: May 22, 7:09PM: Browns waive...

Browns waived QB Thaddeus Lewis. The writing was on the wall after the Browns signed Brian Hoyer. Lewis is a favorite of former Browns coach and current Eagles OC Pat Shurmur, but Philly has a logjam at quarterback. Lewis started for the Browns in Week 17 last season, completing 22-of-32 passes for 204 yards, one touchdown and a pick. He should latch on elsewhere and compete for No. 3 duties.

Jah Reid G - BAL: May 22, 7:06PM: Jah Reid (toe)...

Ravens OG Jah Reid (toe) is participating in OTAs. Reid landed on injured reserve during the playoffs, and was promptly Wally Pipped by Kelechi Osemele, who is now locked in as the Ravens' left guard. Reid should serve as the Ravens' top reserve interior lineman this season.

Stephen Hill WR - NYJ: May 22, 6:59PM: Stephen Hill...

Stephen Hill has sat out the Jets' first two OTAs sessions with swelling in his surgically-repaired right knee. Hill declared himself "100 percent" earlier this month, but that's not the case. Recovering from an operation to repair his LCL, Hill needs as many offseason reps as possible after being utterly lost for the majority of his rookie campaign. He's not off to a good start.

Dexter McCluster WR - KC: May 22, 6:52PM: Alex Smith...

New Chiefs QB Alex Smith has come away impressed with Dexter McCluster in OTAs. "Seeing how fluid he is, going in and out of those roles has been impressive for me to watch," Smith said Wednesday. "It's easy to talk about in the meeting room to say let's put (a) receiver in and have him run routes and be natural. ... It's another thing to see it live. He's a special guy." McCluster's talent has always been seductive on the practice field, but has never really translated to games. It's unlikely Andy Reid will be able to accomplish what Todd Haley and Brian Daboll couldn't, and make McCluster's unique skills change games.

Ben Roethlisberger QB - PIT: May 22, 6:31PM: Big Ben:...

Speaking Tuesday, Ben Roethlisberger said the Steelers have revamped their playbook, but refused to provide specifics. "There's been some changes this offseason in some of the offensive philosophies, playbook and some things that I think are good," he said. "It's some compromise from all the different position coaches, the running back coaches, the line, and quarterback coaches. I think we've taken a little bit of everything and made it a lot better." The Steelers fell from 12th to 21st in total offense last season, and lost lid-lifting WR Mike Wallace in free agency. With the addition of potential bell-cow back Le'Veon Bell, the Steelers could be adopting a more methodical philosophy designed to extend Roethlisberger's career.