The moment week of NFL minicamps kicks off Monday, with 30 groups amassing for exercises after the Detroit Lions canceled their classes and the Chicago Bears held theirs closing week.
It’s an opportunity to peer who presentations up after skipping voluntary exercises, how novices carry out towards veterans, and the way offensive and defensive programs glance underneath new coordinators.
Here is one key factor our NFL Nation journalists might be gazing from each and every staff that hits the sphere this week:
Will James Cook make an look?
The working again has no longer attended arranged staff actions (OTAs) as he seeks a freelance extension, however the staff has insisted that Cook might be enjoying for the Bills this season. Three different contributors of the Bills’ 2022 draft magnificence won extensions. Cook, 25, is coming into the general yr of his rookie deal, and despite the fact that there were discussions along with his illustration, the 2 facets did not agree.
Whether Cook involves obligatory minicamp would be the subsequent giant step in how his state of affairs progresses. — Alaina Getzenberg
Who steps up within the secondary?
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is publicly at the industry block, however there’s no glaring substitute on a staff that used to be searching for a beginning cornerback earlier than deciding to transport the previous All-Pro.
Kader Kohou has been a starter, albeit basically at nickel again, all through his profession. Can gamers similar to fellow corners Cam Smith or Ethan Bonner take a significant step ahead of their building, or will the Dolphins depend on veteran loose brokers to fill the void? — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Will any vast receivers break free the pack in obligatory camp?
The numbers undergo gazing, with Kayshon Boutte noting that the Patriots have 12 and, most likely, simplest six might be at the preliminary roster.
Veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, third-year slot DeMario Douglas and 2025 third-round select Kyle Williams are considered as protected. So that leaves a projected two spots for the rest workforce that comes with nine-year veteran Kendrick Bourne, third-year professional Boutte, 2024 draft selections Ja’Lynn Polk (moment around) and Javon Baker (fourth around), and undrafted loose agent Efton Chism III, amongst others.
Spring is regularly about development momentum for the beginning of coaching camp in overdue July, and each and every inside that workforce has performed one thing notable to set the degree for what looks as if a spirited pageant. — Mike Reiss
Is any individual rising because the No. 2 receiver?
The No. 1 is obvious — Garrett Wilson — however there is a important falloff after him.
Journeyman Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard are the in all probability applicants, however neither brings a dynamic component to the passing offense. Rookie tight finish Mason Taylor could be that man in the future, however it’s kind of a lot to be expecting a right away have an effect on. 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 do not need some other danger. They used a third-round select closing yr on Malachi Corley, pondering he’d be a starter, however he is out on account of an undisclosed damage after a disappointing rookie yr. — Rich Cimini
AFC NORTH
*Week of June 16
Who will basically paintings at left guard with the starters?
Left guard is the one beginning process up for grabs at the NFL’s best offense in 2024 after Baltimore did not re-sign Patrick Mekari, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in loose company.
This shall be a combat between Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees. Cleveland labored with the primary staff within the first week of OTAs, and Vorhees covered up with the starters firstly of Week 2. Both have restricted beginning enjoy.
Cleveland has seven profession begins, and Vorhees has 3. Rookie third-round select Emery Jones Jr. may sign up for this pageant in coaching camp after he recovers from a shoulder damage. — Jamison Hensley
Will defensive finish Trey Hendrickson display up?
The staff has let Hendrickson know that it plans on fining gamers who don’t attend.
Last yr, Ja’Marr Chase began his hold-in at minicamp that lasted all through coaching camp. The obligatory minicamp would be the newest checkpoint on Hendrickson’s state of affairs, which might linger into camp. — Ben Baby
Does any individual stand out within the Browns’ four-way quarterback pageant?
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 novices Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Minicamp would be the closing probability to make an impact earlier than the contest 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’ celebrity move rusher is in contract negotiations and hasn’t been noticed at voluntary exercises. Though Watt hasn’t publicly mentioned his contract standing, he posted a photograph of him flashing a peace signal after a recreation on his Instagram tale previous this offseason.
Watt attended minicamp and coaching camp however did simplest person paintings as he held-in all over his closing contract negotiation. That record-setting deal sooner or later were given performed simply earlier than the season. This time, we will get some indication of ways negotiations are going when — or if — Watt studies to the prepare facility for minicamp. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Will C.J. Stroud throw at minicamp?
Coach DeMeco Ryan stated he has “no concerns” about Stroud, who’s coping with common soreness in his proper shoulder, no longer throwing all over 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 does not make or destroy the offseason, but it surely most likely may not transform a distraction. Still, it will be excellent to peer Stroud throw in minicamp. — DJ Bien-Aime
What does Anthony Richardson Sr.’s damage do to the QB place combat?
The Colts sought after a quarterback pageant this offseason, however Anthony Richardson’s irritated shoulder damage most likely ended hopes of that at minicamp.
Richardson has been sidelined since closing week and may not take part on this obligatory camp, so the degree belongs to Daniel Jones. This might be a super alternative for the veteran, who’s coming into his 7th season, to reveal that he may also be the Colts’ beginning quarterback.
Richardson’s damage has already given Jones an edge within the QB combat. This week provides an opportunity to construct some continuity along with his receivers and offensive linemen in full-squad exercises as Jones may not be sharing first-team snaps, as deliberate. — Stephen Holder
How a lot paintings will Travis Hunter get on protection?
In the primary 3 OTAs that had been open to the media, Hunter labored completely at receiver, however he has frolicked at nook in different closed exercises and trainer Liam Coen has been inspired.
“The movement skills and some of the man coverages, the feel in zone [coverage], you can definitely see how natural it is for him,” Coen stated. “He is trying to learn the calls as much as possible, but when you see him in the 7-on-7 and team settings, he does not look out of place by any means.” — Michael DiRocco
How will the reps be break up between quarterbacks Cameron Ward and Will Levis?
It’s important to get Ward, this yr’s No. 1 select, acclimated as a result of he’ll most likely earn the beginning process. But do not rely out Levis.
Titans trainer Brian Callahan stated there might be a contest all over minicamp and coaching camp. Both quarterbacks took turns beginning in 7-on-7s and staff sessions all over OTAs.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is already inspired with Ward’s imaginative and prescient and skill to search out the open receiver. That’s an early signal of development. But 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 concept of what the working again rotation might be?
When we closing noticed the Broncos’ offense, Javonte Williams used to be the lead again, Audric Estime used to be a wholesome inactive for the playoff loss in Buffalo and his substitute, Tyler Badie, were given simplest two carries. Williams has since signed with the Cowboys in loose company.
It has been transparent in OTAs that the Broncos sought after to get a protracted take a look at second-round rookie RJ Harvey, and trainer Sean Payton has stated that he sees Harvey as an every-down choice. And despite the fact that any minicamp conclusions must include a caveat, it is going to be attention-grabbing to peer how the workload is split subsequent week. — Jeff Legwold
How a lot of a player can Josh Simmons be?
The Chiefs drafted Simmons within the first around this yr to unravel their long-standing drawback at left take on, although he is coming off a torn patellar tendon damage.
If Simmons is a complete player, that bodes effectively for his possibilities to start out when the common season starts. If no longer, his state of affairs stays one to observe. The Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in loose company and he would step in if Simmons is not able to play. — Adam Teicher
How will the cornerback pageant proceed to form up?
During OTAs, Las Vegas had rookie Darien Porter and Eric Stokes getting first-team reps at outdoor cornerback whilst Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson had second-team reps. There’s nonetheless a variety of time earlier than the intensity chart is finalized, however it is transparent that the contest at cornerback is vast open. — Ryan McFadden
What will the beginning offensive line seem like?
The Chargers have 3 solidified starters, with tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, in addition to Mekhi Becton at proper guard.
The starters at left guard and heart, alternatively, might be decided this offseason. Zion Johnson, who began as left guard the previous two seasons, has taken snaps at heart all over OTAs. Trey Pipkins III, who performed proper guard closing season, might be within the combine at left guard, and closing yr’s beginning heart, Bradley Bozeman, and loose agent signing, Andre James, must be within the combine at heart and guard. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
What will Micah Parsons do?
The move rusher ignored maximum of OTAs, however he stated on social media that he’ll be at minicamp. That doesn’t suggest he’ll do all the on-field paintings as he awaits a profitable extension. Earlier within the offseason, he hinted that he may attend actions however no longer do the on-field paintings, so name it a hold-in.
But Parsons additionally stated that he learns higher at the area than through video, which might impact how temporarily he learns new coordinator Matt Eberflus’ adjustments. Coach Brian Schottenheimer stated that he and Parsons had been speaking all through the offseason and he has no problems with Parsons’ manner. — Todd Archer
*Week of June 16
How do Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston glance?
All eyes are at the Giants’ quarterbacks this spring, summer time — and season. They will decide the staff’s skill to compete and the futures of trainer Brian Daboll and common supervisor Joe Schoen.
The Giants gets a greater take a look at how Dart compares with starter Wilson at minicamp. “They’ll all get reps,” Daboll stated about minicamp. That contains Tommy DeVito, who has been along Dart with the third-team offense at OTAs. — Jordan Raanan
How do the brand new gamers on protection have compatibility in combination?
The Eagles misplaced a number of defensive participants this offseason, together with cornerback Darius Slay Jr., edge rushers Brandon Graham and Josh Sweat, protection C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive take on Milton Williams.
Meanwhile, beginning linebacker Nakobe Dean remains to be rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon and “won’t be back for a while,” in keeping with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Eagles may have a mixture of up-and-comers similar to cornerback Kelee Ringo, protection Sydney Brown and defensive lineman Moro Ojomo, and new additions in nook Adoree’ Jackson, edge rusher Azeez Ojulari and novices Ty Robinson and Andrew Mukuba competing for the ones spots. First-round linebacker Jihaad Campbell (shoulder) will sooner or later be within the combine as effectively however may not be at the area till someday in August, according to Fangio. — Tim McManus
The state of CB Marshon Lattimore‘s recreation
Lattimore has skipped the voluntary OTA classes, one thing he did his closing couple of years in New Orleans, as effectively. The key for Lattimore is staying wholesome all over the season and enjoying at a prime stage — that is why Washington traded for him closing season.
Any questions on his sturdiness cannot be replied till the season. However, in his 5 video games with Washington, he performed to combined effects. For the Commanders to take a large step as a protection, it wishes sturdy play from Lattimore. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
The Bears held their minicamp closing week. — Courtney Cronin
The Lions cancelled their scheduled minicamp. — Eric Woodyard
Can RB MarShawn Lloyd in any case display what he is able to?
The Packers had prime hopes for the third-round draft select closing yr as a rookie, however ankle and hamstring accidents derailed his season from the beginning. Throw in an emergency appendectomy, and his rookie yr used to be a wash, having performed simplest 10 snaps. He in any case returned for offseason exercises all over the closing week of OTAs after lacking extra time for an undisclosed explanation why. The Packers preferred his versatility as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
“He’s an explosive player,” Packers trainer Matt LaFleur stated this offseason. “I think he’s getting into a better spot, but he’s got to prove it over the course of time, you know? And unfortunately, he’s had a lot of things that have popped up and where he hasn’t been available, and it’s hard to make it when you’re unavailable.”
How will J.J. McCarthy carry out?
The 2024 No. 10 select has taken all of the first-team reps this spring after the departures of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, and the verdict to move on signing loose agent Aaron Rodgers.
In the OTAs open to journalists, McCarthy has displayed a mixture of assured throws with the type of hesitation, inaccuracy and errors you could possibly be expecting from a first-time starter. At the very least, the Vikings need to finish minicamp with an assurance that McCarthy has made sufficient development to warrant opening coaching camp because the starter. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Will Kirk Cousins be in attendance?
The veteran quarterback and the group had been in a passive standoff. Cousins has been on the facility a little this spring, however has no longer been at the area at prepare all over OTAs.
That a part of the offseason program is voluntary.
Minicamp isn’t, and if Cousins misses it, he might be fined. Cousins needs to be a starter and it may not occur in Atlanta with the franchise in the back of Michael Penix Jr. Cousins’ choice is to be launched, however the Falcons are pleased 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’s the have an effect on of first-round select Tetairoa McMillan on quarterback Bryce Young and the offense?
The vast receiver out of Arizona used to be taken No. 8 as a substitute of a participant who may lend a hand the worst protection within the NFL closing season.
It used to be the second one instantly yr Carolina drafted a large receiver in Round 1, and thus far, the connection between McMillan and Xavier Legette has been excellent. But will McMillan lift the offense to outweigh the prospective price of a defensive participant at No. 8? — David Newton
The quarterback combat
The combat for beginning quarterback will closing all summer time, with Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough buying and selling many of the first-team reps.
But, minicamp would be the subsequent step ahead for each quarterbacks after a number of weeks of slowly ramping up pageant with restricted 7-on-7 paintings in OTAs. — Katherine Terrell
How a lot will vast receiver Chris Godwin take part and the place is he in his rehab from a dislocated left ankle?
Godwin used to be off to a blistering get started closing season earlier than the damage in Week 7 ended his season. So, what’s going to his participation seem like? (Will he be at the sideline the entire time? Will he paintings off to the facet with a member of the learning group of workers? Will he do positional drills?)
General supervisor Jason Licht has stated he expects Godwin to be able for Week 1 however hasn’t long past into element past that. This might be the primary time this offseason that we see how he is getting better. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
How has Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s chemistry advanced over the offseason?
Harrison used to be excellent as a rookie, however there have been a number of noticeable miscommunications with Murray, who is coming into his 7th season. The two spent substantial time in combination all over the offseason, opting to determine in Arizona.
But how will it repay? Minicamp will give a short lived glimpse into their timing and execution. — Josh Weinfuss
*Week of June 16
Do the Rams signal working again Kyren Williams to a freelance extension?
Williams attended the start of the Rams’ arranged staff actions, so there is no explanation why to imagine he may not attend minicamp. Williams is coming into the general yr of his rookie deal, and Rams common supervisor Les Snead stated all over the league conferences that the staff “would definitely like to engineer a long-term partnership with Kyren.” During OTAs, trainer Sean McVay stated the verbal exchange with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, a few contract extension has been “really healthy.”
“We’ll see where this goes, but I think it’s been really healthy and positive progress, for sure,” McVay stated. — Sarah Barshop
The 49ers’ made over protection
San Francisco stated good-bye to its coordinator and 9 defenders who began no less than one recreation closing season. To check out to go back that workforce to prior to now dominant ranges, the 49ers dipped into their a hit previous, bringing again coordinator Robert Saleh.
Saleh has constructed San Francisco’s protection from the bottom up earlier than, and despite the fact that he has some core guys on the heart of the gang this time, the rebuild may not be simple.
The obligatory minicamp provides a more in-depth take a look at how Saleh will make the items, together with 3 possible rookie starters at the line of defense, have compatibility right into a scheme he stated has advanced since 2020 when he used to be closing San Francisco’s coordinator. — Nick Wagoner
*The Seahawks moved up their minicamp from June 17-19 to June 10-12
How’s Sam Darnold having a look?
There’s no quarterback pageant in Seattle, and as trainer Mike Macdonald made transparent, there is not anything rather than an damage between now and Week 1 that would stay Darnold from beginning.
But the Seahawks’ new QB1 might be a focal point as observers gauge how he is taking to coordinator Klint Kubiak‘s offense.
Two particular issues undergo gazing in gentle of the uncertainties with Seattle’s O-line in addition to Darnold’s terrible end to closing season: 1) Is Darnold, who ranked 34th closing yr in reasonable time earlier than throw and used to be 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 through getting him outdoor of the pocket? — Brady Henderson