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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 exhibits up after skipping voluntary exercises, how rookies carry out towards veterans, and the way offensive and defensive methods look below new coordinators.
Right here is one key factor our NFL Nation reporters will probably be watching from every staff that hits the sphere this week:
Will James Cook make an look?
The operating again has not attended organized staff actions (OTAs) as he seeks a contract extension, however the staff has insisted that Prepare dinner will probably be enjoying for the Payments this season. Three different members of the Payments’ 2022 draft class acquired extensions. Prepare dinner, 25, is coming into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal, and although there have been discussions along with his illustration, the 2 sides did not agree.
Whether or not Prepare dinner involves necessary minicamp would be the subsequent huge step in how his scenario progresses. — Alaina Getzenberg
Who steps up within the secondary?
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is publicly on the commerce block, however there isn’t a apparent substitute on a staff 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 equivalent to fellow corners Cam Smith or Ethan Bonner take a significant step ahead of their growth, or will the Dolphins depend on veteran free brokers to fill the void? — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Will any broad receivers separate from the pack in necessary camp?
The numbers bear watching, with Kayshon Boutte noting that the Patriots have 12 and, seemingly, solely six will probably be on the preliminary roster.
Veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, third-year slot DeMario Douglas and 2025 third-round choose Kyle Williams are seen as secure. 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 achieved one thing notable to set the stage for what seems to be like a spirited competitors. — Mike Reiss
Is anybody rising because the No. 2 receiver?
The No. 1 is evident — Garrett Wilson — however there is a important falloff after him.
Journeyman Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard are the almost certainly candidates, however neither brings a dynamic component to the passing offense. Rookie tight finish Mason Taylor could be that man sometime, however it’s kind of a lot to anticipate a right away affect. The Wilson-Justin Fields chemistry is well-documented, courting 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 choose final yr on Malachi Corley, pondering he’d be a starter, however he is out due to an undisclosed damage after a disappointing rookie yr. — 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.
It will seemingly be a battle between Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees. Cleveland labored with the primary staff within the first week of OTAs, and Vorhees lined up with the starters in the beginning of Week 2. Each have restricted beginning expertise.
Cleveland has seven profession begins, and Vorhees has three. Rookie third-round choose Emery Jones Jr. might be part of this competitors in coaching camp after he recovers from a shoulder damage. — Jamison Hensley
Will defensive finish Trey Hendrickson present up?
The staff has let Hendrickson know that it plans on fining gamers who don’t attend.
Final yr, Ja’Marr Chase began his hold-in at minicamp that lasted all through coaching camp. The necessary minicamp would be the trending checkpoint on Hendrickson’s scenario, 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 move 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 recreation 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 acquired achieved simply earlier than the season. This time, we’ll get some indication of how negotiations are going when — or if — Watt stories to the follow facility for minicamp. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Will C.J. Stroud throw at minicamp?
Coach DeMeco Ryan stated he has “no considerations” 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 might 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 change into a distraction. Nonetheless, it might 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 seemingly 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 probably be a great alternative for the veteran, who’s coming into his seventh season, to exhibit that he will be the Colts’ beginning quarterback.
Richardson’s damage has already given Jones an edge within the QB battle. This week provides 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 have 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 abilities and among the man coverages, the texture in zone [coverage], you’ll be able to positively see how pure it’s for him,” Coen stated. “He’s making an attempt to study the calls as a lot as attainable, however whenever you see him within the 7-on-7 and staff 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 important to get Ward, this yr’s No. 1 choose, acclimated as a result of he’ll seemingly earn the beginning job. However do not rely out Levis.
Titans coach Brian Callahan stated there will probably be a contest throughout minicamp and coaching camp. Each quarterbacks took turns beginning in 7-on-7s and staff 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 staff. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Will we get an thought of what the operating again rotation will probably 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 substitute, Tyler Badie, acquired 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 stated that he sees Harvey as an every-down possibility. And although any minicamp conclusions ought to include a caveat, it will likely be fascinating 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 yr to unravel their long-standing drawback at left deal with, regardless that he is coming off a torn patellar tendon damage.
If Simmons is a full participant, that bodes nicely for his possibilities to start out when the common season begins. If not, his scenario stays one to observe. 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 broad open. — Ryan McFadden
What’s 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 heart, nevertheless, will probably be decided this offseason. Zion Johnson, who began as left guard the previous two seasons, has taken snaps at heart throughout OTAs. Trey Pipkins III, who performed proper guard final season, will probably be within the combine at left guard, and final yr’s beginning heart, Bradley Bozeman, and free agent signing, Andre James, ought to be within the combine at heart and guard. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
What’s going to Micah Parsons do?
The move rusher missed most of OTAs, however he stated on social media that he will probably be at minicamp. That does not imply he’ll do the entire 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 stated that he learns higher on the sphere than by video, which might have an effect on how shortly he learns new coordinator Matt Eberflus’ modifications. Coach Brian Schottenheimer stated 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 staff’s capacity 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 stated 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 remains to be rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon and “will not be again for some time,” in line with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Eagles can have a mixture of up-and-comers equivalent 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 nicely however will not be on the sphere till someday in August, per Fangio. — Tim McManus
The state of CB Marshon Lattimore‘s recreation
Lattimore has skipped the voluntary OTA classes, one thing he did his final couple of years in New Orleans, as nicely. The important thing for Lattimore is staying wholesome in the course of the season and enjoying at a excessive degree — 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
What’s going to Jaire Alexander do?
The previous All-Professional cornerback missed the entire in-person work in the course of the offseason program however reportedly will present up for the necessary minicamp.
Whether or not he participates or if the staff will need him to are the large questions. The Packers are open to maintaining Alexander however not at his present pay price of $17.5 million this season.
They may not need him to step on the sphere with out a revised contract as a result of if he acquired damage, they’d need to pay his wage. The minicamp would possibly power the 2 sides to succeed in a compromise. — Rob Demovsky
How will J.J. McCarthy carry out?
The 2024 No. 10 choose has taken all of the first-team reps this spring after the departures of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, and the choice to move on signing free agent Aaron Rodgers.
Within the OTAs open to reporters, McCarthy has displayed a mixture of assured throws with the type of hesitation, inaccuracy and errors you’d anticipate from a first-time starter. On the very least, the Vikings wish 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 follow throughout OTAs.
That a part of the offseason program is voluntary.
Minicamp is just not, and if Cousins misses it, he might be fined. Cousins needs to be a starter and it will not occur in Atlanta with the franchise behind Michael Penix Jr. Cousins’ choice is to be launched, however the Falcons are comfy with maintaining 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 affect of first-round choose Tetairoa McMillan on quarterback Bryce Young and the offense?
The broad 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 yr 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 a lot 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 broad 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?)
Common supervisor Jason Licht has stated he expects Godwin to be prepared for Week 1 however hasn’t gone into element past that. This might 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 staff actions, so there is no motive to imagine he will not attend minicamp. Williams is coming into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal, and Rams common supervisor Les Snead stated in the course of the league conferences that the staff “would positively wish to engineer a long-term partnership with Kyren.” Throughout OTAs, coach Sean McVay stated the communication with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, a couple of contract extension has been “actually wholesome.”
“We’ll see the place this goes, however I believe it has been actually wholesome and optimistic progress, for positive,” McVay stated. — Sarah Barshop
The 49ers’ revamped protection
San Francisco stated goodbye to its coordinator and 9 defenders who began no less than one recreation 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 heart of the group this time, the rebuild will not be straightforward.
The necessary minicamp provides a more in-depth take a look at how Saleh will make the items, together with three potential rookie starters on the line of defense, match right into a scheme he stated 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 isn’t any quarterback competitors in Seattle, and as coach Mike Macdonald made clear, there’s nothing apart from an damage between now and Week 1 that would maintain Darnold from beginning.
However the Seahawks’ new QB1 will probably 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 yr in common time earlier than throw and was sacked 9 instances 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