FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 5/30/2013 5:28pm et

New England Patriots TE Jake Ballard has looked sharp during organized team activities and hasn't been limited after having major knee surgery around 16 months ago. Ballard has shown nice hands and will be a nice blocking asset for the team this year. "I'm doing my best I can to be 100 percent, and I'm doing as much as I can, as much as they're allowing me to do out here," Ballard said. "When I'm out here I feel like I'm putting in good work and getting better."

Huddle Up: Ballard could wind up in a valuable role, filling the void left by Rob Gronkowski if either Gronk's back surgery or his lingering forearm injury prevent him from being ready for the start of the season. Handcuffing tight ends isn't common, but if you draft early and have big rosters Ballard could be worth a flier.

Posted: 4/14/2013 5:54pm et

The New England Patriots will be cautious with TE Jake Ballard (knee) during offseason workouts because he is coming back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Ballard will be ready for the start of the regular season and some believe he could be a full participant in the workouts.

Huddle Up: Ballard spent all of last season on the shelf after a 38-604-4 2011 campaign with the Giants, and could emerge as a deep fantasy sleeper if the injury issues continue for Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

Posted: 2/17/2013 10:56pm et

New England Patriots TE Jake Ballard (knee) is doing well in his rehab from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to compete for a roster spot during training camp.

Huddle Up: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez both had injury-plagued 2012 seasons, but if both are even reasonably healthy it's hard to envision any other Patriots' TE seeing enough snaps to be fantasy relevant.