NFL training camps are well under way, and we’re starting to get a feel for the players who are getting primed for a big year as well as the guys who may not be so involved in their teams’ game plans once the regular season comes around. Here’s a rundown of what’s been happening with potential fantasy players in the NFC West:

Arizona Cardinals

RB David Johnson is not the big-back complement to Andre Ellington some might have hoped for. He’s basically turning out to be a pass-catching, open-field player much like Ellington (just like we’ve told you since the Senior Bowl – he’s best in the passing game). For this reason, I think he’s going to be more insurance than anything this season. It’s likely Ellington will get hurt at some point, though, so all is not lost. Just don’t expect a huge first year out of the rookie.

QB Carson Palmer is back to his old, OLD self it seems, as he’s up to working out in 11-on-11 drills. He should be good to go on opening weekend, and you could do a lot worse than drafting him as your starting QB in all formats. I have a feeling the Cardinals are going to be more pass happy than ever this season. Unfortunately, that probably won’t extend to TE Troy Niklas, as Bruce Arians is notorious for relegating his tight ends to an almost purely pass-blocking role.

One receiver who might improve in his production is last year’s midseason upstart John Brown. He’s added ten pounds of muscle in the offseason, which should help him beat the press.

St. Louis Rams

WR Kenny Britt has been popping off as Nick Foles’ first option while Brian Quick heals up from shoulder surgery. Apparently, they’re developing a decent on-field rapport and Britt should improve on his mediocre numbers from last season – even when Quick returns to the fold. If nothing else, Britt should be more consistent with Foles under center.

WR Tavon Austin might actually show up on the stat sheet this season with new OC Frank Cignetti calling the shots. He’s a more creative coordinator than Brian Schottenheimer ever was, and Nick Foles is a more-than-capable QB. I don’t see Austin catching on outside of return yardage leagues though.

The Rams are going to take their sweet time nursing their future lead back Todd Gurley, so it behooves you to make a move on Tre Mason. Even if he’s only around for 4 games, he’s going to give you RB1 potential for that period of time.

San Francisco 49ers

RB Carlos Hyde looks like he’s getting healthy, but his o-line doesn’t look too stout across the board. In the NFC West, which is the toughest conference to run in already, my expectations for Hyde aren’t particularly high this season – especially with Reggie Bush, who doesn’t need great blocking to get his yards, breathing down his neck.

I expect a less than stellar season from WR Torrey Smith, as I usually do, on the outside for the 49ers. Colin Kaepernick has “allegedly” improved his downfield accuracy (who, at this time of year, says they’re not improving and they will suck in the upcoming season?), but Smith won’t see the kind of action we were used to in Baltimore. Anquan Boldin will be his usual reliable self, and I expect a lot from Quinton Patton if he takes over the slot. He’s got loads of talent and sleeper potential but has always had maturity issues.

Seattle Seahawks

All is quiet on the Western front, outside of Beast Mode getting his own character in Call of Duty and contract negotiations with QBs Russell Wilson and Tarvaris Jackson. The only big changes to the skill positions are at TE with Jimmy Graham and potentially at WR with Tyler Lockett. Graham is shaping up to be the beast we know and love, although he won’t see as much volume in Seattle’s run heavy offense. Lockett is a rookie, but he’s dynamic and polished. He has the potential to fill in right where Percy Harvin left off.