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NFL Nation
The second week of NFL minicamps kicks off Monday, with 30 groups gathering for exercises after the Detroit Lions canceled their classes and the Chicago Bears held theirs final week.
It is an opportunity to see who reveals up after skipping voluntary exercises, how rookies carry out towards veterans, and the way offensive and defensive programs look underneath new coordinators.
Right here is one key factor our NFL Nation reporters will likely be watching from every workforce that hits the sphere this week:
Will James Cook dinner make an look?
The operating again has not attended organized workforce actions (OTAs) as he seeks a contract extension, however the workforce has insisted that Cook dinner will likely be taking part in for the Payments this season. Three different members of the Payments’ 2022 draft class acquired extensions. Cook dinner, 25, is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal, and although there have been discussions along with his illustration, the 2 sides did not agree.
Whether or not Cook dinner involves necessary minicamp would be the subsequent huge step in how his state of affairs progresses. — Alaina Getzenberg
Who steps up within the secondary?
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is publicly on the commerce block, however there isn’t any apparent alternative on a workforce that was on the lookout for a beginning cornerback earlier than deciding to maneuver the previous All-Professional.
Kader Kohou has been a starter, albeit primarily at nickel again, all through his profession. Can gamers similar to fellow corners Cam Smith or Ethan Bonner take a serious step ahead of their improvement, or will the Dolphins depend on veteran free brokers to fill the void? — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Will any extensive receivers separate from the pack in necessary camp?
The numbers bear watching, with Kayshon Boutte noting that the Patriots have 12 and, doubtless, solely six will likely be on the preliminary roster.
Veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, third-year slot DeMario Douglas and 2025 third-round decide Kyle Williams are seen as protected. In order that leaves a projected two spots for the remaining group that features nine-year veteran Kendrick Bourne, third-year professional Boutte, 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk (second spherical) and Javon Baker (fourth spherical), and undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, amongst others.
Spring is usually about constructing momentum for the beginning of coaching camp in late July, and every inside that group has finished one thing notable to set the stage for what appears like a spirited competitors. — Mike Reiss
Is anybody rising because the No. 2 receiver?
The No. 1 is obvious — Garrett Wilson — however there is a vital falloff after him.
Journeyman Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard are the almost definitely candidates, however neither brings a dynamic aspect to the passing offense. Rookie tight finish Mason Taylor is perhaps that man sometime, however it is a bit a lot to count on a direct impression. The Wilson-Justin Fields chemistry is well-documented, relationship to their Ohio State days, however Wilson will face an inordinate quantity of protection if the Jets haven’t got one other risk. They used a third-round decide final 12 months on Malachi Corley, considering he’d be a starter, however he is out due to an undisclosed damage after a disappointing rookie 12 months. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
*Week of June 16
Who will primarily work at left guard with the starters?
Left guard is the one beginning job up for grabs on the NFL’s high offense in 2024 after Baltimore did not re-sign Patrick Mekari, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in free company.
This can doubtless be a battle between Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees. Cleveland labored with the primary workforce within the first week of OTAs, and Vorhees lined up with the starters at the beginning of Week 2. Each have restricted beginning expertise.
Cleveland has seven profession begins, and Vorhees has three. Rookie third-round decide Emery Jones Jr. might be a part of this competitors in coaching camp after he recovers from a shoulder damage. — Jamison Hensley
Will defensive finish Trey Hendrickson present up?
The workforce has let Hendrickson know that it plans on fining gamers who don’t attend.
Final 12 months, Ja’Marr Chase began his hold-in at minicamp that lasted all through coaching camp. The necessary minicamp would be the newest checkpoint on Hendrickson’s state of affairs, which might linger into camp. — Ben Child
Does anybody stand out within the Browns’ four-way quarterback competitors?
Coach Kevin Stefanski has cautioned to not learn an excessive amount of into practice-order reps within the spring, however veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett have break up the majority of first-team reps over rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Minicamp would be the final likelihood to make an impression earlier than the competitors heats up in coaching camp. — Daniel Oyefusi
Will T.J. Watt be in attendance?
Now that Aaron Rodgers is within the fold and anticipated to be at minicamp, all eyes flip to Watt. The Steelers’ star cross rusher is in contract negotiations and hasn’t been noticed at voluntary exercises. Although Watt hasn’t publicly mentioned his contract standing, he posted a photograph of him flashing a peace signal after a sport on his Instagram story earlier this offseason.
Watt attended minicamp and coaching camp however did solely particular person work as he held-in throughout his final contract negotiation. That record-setting deal ultimately received finished simply earlier than the season. This time, we’ll get some indication of how negotiations are going when — or if — Watt experiences to the observe facility for minicamp. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Will C.J. Stroud throw at minicamp?
Coach DeMeco Ryan mentioned he has “no issues” about Stroud, who’s coping with common soreness in his proper shoulder, not throwing throughout OTAs.
The Texans have a brand new offensive coordinator in Nick Caley and it will behoove them to have Stroud get some reps with a brand new offense. It would not make or break the offseason, however it in all probability will not turn out to be a distraction. Nonetheless, it will be good to see Stroud throw in minicamp. — DJ Bien-Aime
What does Anthony Richardson Sr.’s damage do to the QB place battle?
The Colts needed a quarterback competitors this offseason, however Anthony Richardson’s aggravated shoulder damage doubtless ended hopes of that at minicamp.
Richardson has been sidelined since final week and will not take part on this necessary camp, so the stage belongs to Daniel Jones. This will likely be a really perfect alternative for the veteran, who’s coming into his seventh season, to show that he will be the Colts’ beginning quarterback.
Richardson’s damage has already given Jones an edge within the QB battle. This week presents an opportunity to construct some continuity along with his receivers and offensive linemen in full-squad exercises as Jones will not be sharing first-team snaps, as deliberate. — Stephen Holder
How a lot work will Travis Hunter get on protection?
Within the first three OTAs that had been open to the media, Hunter labored solely at receiver, however he has frolicked at nook in a number of closed exercises and coach Liam Coen has been impressed.
“The motion expertise and a number of the man coverages, the texture in zone [coverage], you possibly can positively see how pure it’s for him,” Coen mentioned. “He’s making an attempt to be taught the calls as a lot as doable, however if you see him within the 7-on-7 and workforce settings, he doesn’t look misplaced by any means.” — Michael DiRocco
How will the reps be break up between quarterbacks Cameron Ward and Will Levis?
It is vital to get Ward, this 12 months’s No. 1 decide, acclimated as a result of he’ll doubtless earn the beginning job. However do not rely out Levis.
Titans coach Brian Callahan mentioned there will likely be a contest throughout minicamp and coaching camp. Each quarterbacks took turns beginning in 7-on-7s and workforce intervals throughout OTAs.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is already impressed with Ward’s imaginative and prescient and skill to search out the open receiver. That is an early signal of progress. However one of the best ways to organize Ward is to extend reps, particularly with the primary workforce. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Will we get an thought of what the operating again rotation will likely be?
After we final noticed the Broncos’ offense, Javonte Williams was the lead again, Audric Estime was a wholesome inactive for the playoff loss in Buffalo and his alternative, Tyler Badie, received solely two carries. Williams has since signed with the Cowboys in free company.
It has been clear in OTAs that the Broncos needed to get a protracted take a look at second-round rookie RJ Harvey, and coach Sean Payton has mentioned that he sees Harvey as an every-down possibility. And although any minicamp conclusions ought to include a caveat, it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how the workload is split subsequent week. — Jeff Legwold
How a lot of a participant can Josh Simmons be?
The Chiefs drafted Simmons within the first spherical this 12 months to unravel their long-standing downside at left deal with, regardless that he is coming off a torn patellar tendon damage.
If Simmons is a full participant, that bodes effectively for his possibilities to start out when the common season begins. If not, his state of affairs stays one to look at. The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free company and he would step in if Simmons is not able to play. — Adam Teicher
How will the cornerback competitors proceed to form up?
Throughout OTAs, Las Vegas had rookie Darien Porter and Eric Stokes getting first-team reps at exterior cornerback whereas Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson had second-team reps. There’s nonetheless loads of time earlier than the depth chart is finalized, however it’s clear that the competitors at cornerback is extensive open. — Ryan McFadden
What is going to the beginning offensive line appear to be?
The Chargers have three solidified starters, with tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, in addition to Mekhi Becton at proper guard.
The starters at left guard and middle, nevertheless, will likely be decided this offseason. Zion Johnson, who began as left guard the previous two seasons, has taken snaps at middle throughout OTAs. Trey Pipkins III, who performed proper guard final season, will likely be within the combine at left guard, and final 12 months’s beginning middle, Bradley Bozeman, and free agent signing, Andre James, must be within the combine at middle and guard. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
What is going to Micah Parsons do?
The cross rusher missed most of OTAs, however he mentioned on social media that he will likely be at minicamp. That does not imply he’ll do all the on-field work as he awaits a profitable extension. Earlier within the offseason, he hinted that he might attend actions however not do the on-field work, so name it a hold-in.
However Parsons additionally mentioned that he learns higher on the sphere than by video, which might have an effect on how shortly he learns new coordinator Matt Eberflus’ adjustments. Coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned that he and Parsons have been speaking all through the offseason and he has no points with Parsons’ strategy. — Todd Archer
*Week of June 16
How do Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston look?
All eyes are on the Giants’ quarterbacks this spring, summer season — and season. They are going to decide the workforce’s capability to compete and the futures of coach Brian Daboll and common supervisor Joe Schoen.
The Giants will get a greater take a look at how Dart compares with starter Wilson at minicamp. “They will all get reps,” Daboll mentioned about minicamp. That features Tommy DeVito, who has been alongside Dart with the third-team offense at OTAs. — Jordan Raanan
How do the brand new gamers on protection match collectively?
The Eagles misplaced a bunch of defensive contributors this offseason, together with cornerback Darius Slay Jr., edge rushers Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat, security C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive deal with Milton Williams.
In the meantime, beginning linebacker Nakobe Dean continues to be rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon and “will not be again for some time,” based on defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Eagles may have a mixture of up-and-comers similar to cornerback Kelee Ringo, security Sydney Brown and defensive lineman Moro Ojomo, and new additions in nook Adoree’ Jackson, edge rusher Azeez Ojulari and rookies Ty Robinson and Andrew Mukuba competing for these spots. First-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell (shoulder) will ultimately be within the combine as effectively however will not be on the sphere till someday in August, per Fangio. — Tim McManus
The state of CB Marshon Lattimore‘s sport
Lattimore has skipped the voluntary OTA classes, one thing he did his final couple of years in New Orleans, as effectively. The important thing for Lattimore is staying wholesome in the course of the season and taking part in at a excessive stage — that is why Washington traded for him final season.
Any questions on his sturdiness cannot be answered till the season. Nonetheless, in his 5 video games with Washington, he performed to blended outcomes. For the Commanders to take a giant step as a protection, it wants robust play from Lattimore. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
The Bears held their minicamp final week. — Courtney Cronin
The Lions cancelled their scheduled minicamp. — Eric Woodyard
Can RB MarShawn Lloyd lastly present what he is able to?
The Packers had excessive hopes for the third-round draft decide final 12 months as a rookie, however ankle and hamstring accidents derailed his season from the beginning. Throw in an emergency appendectomy, and his rookie 12 months was a wash, having performed solely 10 snaps. He lastly returned for offseason exercises over the last week of OTAs after lacking extra time for an undisclosed cause. The Packers preferred his versatility as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
“He is an explosive participant,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur mentioned this offseason. “I feel he is moving into a greater spot, however he is received to show it over the course of time, you understand? And sadly, he is had numerous issues which have popped up and the place he hasn’t been obtainable, and it is arduous to make it if you’re unavailable.”
How will J.J. McCarthy carry out?
The 2024 No. 10 decide has taken all of the first-team reps this spring after the departures of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, and the choice to cross on signing free agent Aaron Rodgers.
Within the OTAs open to reporters, McCarthy has displayed a mixture of assured throws with the form of hesitation, inaccuracy and errors you’ll count on from a first-time starter. On the very least, the Vikings need to finish minicamp with an assurance that McCarthy has made sufficient progress to warrant opening coaching camp because the starter. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Will Kirk Cousins be in attendance?
The veteran quarterback and the group have been in a passive standoff. Cousins has been on the facility a bit this spring, however has not been on the sphere at observe throughout OTAs.
That a part of the offseason program is voluntary.
Minicamp just isn’t, and if Cousins misses it, he could possibly be fined. Cousins desires to be a starter and it will not occur in Atlanta with the franchise behind Michael Penix Jr. Cousins’ desire is to be launched, however the Falcons are snug with protecting him as a backup given his price ticket ($27.5 million in 2025) or buying and selling him if one thing arises. — Marc Raimondi
What is the impression of first-round decide Tetairoa McMillan on quarterback Bryce Younger and the offense?
The extensive receiver out of Arizona was taken No. 8 as an alternative of a participant who might assist the worst protection within the NFL final season.
It was the second straight 12 months Carolina drafted a large receiver in Spherical 1, and to this point, the connection between McMillan and Xavier Legette has been good. However will McMillan elevate the offense to outweigh the potential worth of a defensive participant at No. 8? — David Newton
The quarterback battle
The battle for beginning quarterback will final all summer season, with Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough buying and selling many of the first-team reps.
However, minicamp would be the subsequent step ahead for each quarterbacks after a number of weeks of slowly ramping up competitors with restricted 7-on-7 work in OTAs. — Katherine Terrell
How a lot will extensive receiver Chris Godwin take part and the place is he in his rehab from a dislocated left ankle?
Godwin was off to a blistering begin final season earlier than the damage in Week 7 ended his season. So, what’s going to his participation appear to be? (Will he be on the sideline the entire time? Will he work off to the aspect with a member of the coaching workers? Will he do positional drills?)
Normal supervisor Jason Licht has mentioned he expects Godwin to be prepared for Week 1 however hasn’t gone into element past that. This could possibly be the primary time this offseason that we see how he is recovering. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
How has Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s chemistry improved over the offseason?
Harrison was good as a rookie, however there have been a number of noticeable miscommunications with Murray, who’s coming into his seventh season. The 2 spent appreciable time collectively in the course of the offseason, opting to work out in Arizona.
However how will it repay? Minicamp will give a short glimpse into their timing and execution. — Josh Weinfuss
*Week of June 16
Do the Rams signal operating again Kyren Williams to a contract extension?
Williams attended the start of the Rams’ organized workforce actions, so there is no cause to imagine he will not attend minicamp. Williams is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal, and Rams common supervisor Les Snead mentioned in the course of the league conferences that the workforce “would positively wish to engineer a long-term partnership with Kyren.” Throughout OTAs, coach Sean McVay mentioned the communication with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, a few contract extension has been “actually wholesome.”
“We’ll see the place this goes, however I feel it has been actually wholesome and optimistic progress, for certain,” McVay mentioned. — Sarah Barshop
The 49ers’ revamped protection
San Francisco mentioned goodbye to its coordinator and 9 defenders who began at the least one sport final season. To attempt to return that group to beforehand dominant ranges, the 49ers dipped into their profitable previous, bringing again coordinator Robert Saleh.
Saleh has constructed San Francisco’s protection from the bottom up earlier than, and although he has some core guys on the middle of the group this time, the rebuild will not be straightforward.
The necessary minicamp presents a better take a look at how Saleh will make the items, together with three potential rookie starters on the defensive position, match right into a scheme he mentioned has developed since 2020 when he was final San Francisco’s coordinator. — Nick Wagoner
*The Seahawks moved up their minicamp from June 17-19 to June 10-12
How’s Sam Darnold trying?
There is not any quarterback competitors in Seattle, and as coach Mike Macdonald made clear, there’s nothing aside from an damage between now and Week 1 that would maintain Darnold from beginning.
However the Seahawks’ new QB1 will likely be a spotlight as observers gauge how he is taking to coordinator Klint Kubiak‘s offense.
Two particular issues bear watching in gentle of the uncertainties with Seattle’s O-line in addition to Darnold’s terrible end to final season: 1) Is Darnold, who ranked thirty fourth final 12 months in common time earlier than throw and was sacked 9 occasions within the Vikings’ playoff loss, getting the ball out on time? 2) How a lot is Kubiak’s scheme serving to him keep away from sacks by getting him exterior of the pocket? — Brady Henderson
