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’s an opportunity to see who reveals up after skipping voluntary exercises, how rookies carry out in opposition to 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 crew that hits the sector this week:
Will James Cook dinner make an look?
The working again has not attended organized crew actions (OTAs) as he seeks a contract extension, however the crew 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 obtained extensions. Cook dinner, 25, is getting into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal, and although there have been discussions along with his illustration, the 2 sides didn’t agree.
Whether or not Cook dinner involves obligatory 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 is no such thing as a apparent substitute on a crew that was searching 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 significant step ahead of their growth, or will the Dolphins depend on veteran free brokers to fill the void? — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Will any vast receivers separate from the pack in obligatory camp?
The numbers bear watching, with Kayshon Boutte noting that the Patriots have 12 and, probably, solely six will likely be on the preliminary roster.
Veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, third-year slot DeMario Douglas and 2025 third-round choose Kyle Williams are considered 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 executed one thing notable to set the stage for what appears to be like like a spirited competitors. — Mike Reiss
Is anybody rising because the No. 2 receiver?
The No. 1 is obvious — Garrett Wilson — however there’s a major falloff after him.
Journeyman Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard are the probably candidates, however neither brings a dynamic ingredient to the passing offense. Rookie tight finish Mason Taylor may be that man sometime, nevertheless it’s a bit a lot to count on an instantaneous impression. 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 don’t have one other risk. They used a third-round choose final yr on Malachi Corley, pondering he’d be a starter, however he’s out due to an undisclosed harm 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 didn’t re-sign Patrick Mekari, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in free company.
It will probably be a battle between Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees. Cleveland labored with the primary crew 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 choose Emery Jones Jr. might be a part of this competitors in coaching camp after he recovers from a shoulder harm. — Jamison Hensley
Will defensive finish Trey Hendrickson present up?
The crew 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 obligatory minicamp would be the newest 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 cut up the majority of first-team reps over rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Minicamp would be the final probability 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 go 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 executed simply earlier than the season. This time, we’ll get some indication of how negotiations are going when — or if — Watt stories to the apply 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, 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 doesn’t make or break the offseason, nevertheless it most likely received’t turn into a distraction. Nonetheless, it will be good to see Stroud throw in minicamp. — DJ Bien-Aime
What does Anthony Richardson Sr.’s harm do to the QB place battle?
The Colts needed a quarterback competitors this offseason, however Anthony Richardson’s aggravated shoulder harm probably ended hopes of that at minicamp.
Richardson has been sidelined since final week and received’t take part on this obligatory camp, so the stage belongs to Daniel Jones. This will likely be a super alternative for the veteran, who’s getting into his seventh season, to exhibit that he may be the Colts’ beginning quarterback.
Richardson’s harm has already given Jones an edge within the QB battle. This week gives an opportunity to construct some continuity along with his receivers and offensive linemen in full-squad exercises as Jones received’t 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 hung out at nook in a number of closed exercises and coach Liam Coen has been impressed.
“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 cut up between quarterbacks Cameron Ward and Will Levis?
It’s vital to get Ward, this yr’s No. 1 choose, acclimated as a result of he’ll probably earn the beginning job. However don’t depend out Levis.
Titans coach Brian Callahan stated there will likely be a contest throughout minicamp and coaching camp. Each quarterbacks took turns beginning in 7-on-7s and crew durations throughout OTAs.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is already impressed with Ward’s imaginative and prescient and skill to seek out the open receiver. That’s an early signal of progress. However one of the best ways to arrange Ward is to extend reps, particularly with the primary crew. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Will we get an concept of what the working again rotation will likely be?
Once 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, 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 stated that he sees Harvey as an every-down possibility. And although any minicamp conclusions ought to include a caveat, it is going to 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 downside at left deal with, despite the fact that he’s coming off a torn patellar tendon harm.
If Simmons is a full participant, that bodes nicely for his possibilities to begin 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 isn’t 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, nevertheless it’s clear that the competitors at cornerback is vast open. — Ryan McFadden
What’s going to the beginning offensive line seem like?
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, nonetheless, 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 yr’s beginning middle, Bradley Bozeman, and free agent signing, Andre James, ought to be within the combine at middle and guard. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
What’s going to Micah Parsons do?
The go rusher missed most of OTAs, however he stated on social media that he will likely be at minicamp. That doesn’t 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 stated that he learns higher on the sector than by video, which might have an effect on how shortly he learns new coordinator Matt Eberflus’ adjustments. 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 time — and season. They are going to decide the crew’s means 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’ll 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 “won’t be back for a while,” in response to 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 nicely however received’t be on the sector 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 nicely. The important thing for Lattimore is staying wholesome in the course of the season and taking part in at a excessive degree — that’s why Washington traded for him final season.
Any questions on his sturdiness can’t be answered till the season. Nevertheless, in his 5 video games with Washington, he performed to blended outcomes. For the Commanders to take an enormous 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’s able to?
The Packers had excessive hopes for the third-round draft choose final yr as a rookie, however ankle and hamstring accidents derailed his season from the beginning. Throw in an emergency appendectomy, and his rookie yr was a wash, having performed solely 10 snaps. He lastly returned for offseason exercises over the past 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’s an explosive player,” Packers coach 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 choose has taken all of the first-team reps this spring after the departures of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, and the choice to go on signing free agent Aaron Rodgers.
Within the OTAs open to reporters, McCarthy has displayed a mixture of assured throws with the sort of hesitation, inaccuracy and errors you’d 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 sector at apply throughout OTAs.
That a part of the offseason program is voluntary.
Minicamp will not be, and if Cousins misses it, he may very well be fined. Cousins desires to be a starter and it received’t occur in Atlanta with the franchise behind Michael Penix Jr. Cousins’ choice is to be launched, however the Falcons are comfy with retaining 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 impression of first-round choose Tetairoa McMillan on quarterback Bryce Younger and the offense?
The vast 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 time, 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 vast 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 harm in Week 7 ended his season. So, what’s going to his participation seem like? (Will he be on the sideline the entire time? Will he work off to the facet 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 may very well be the primary time this offseason that we see how he’s 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 getting 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 quick glimpse into their timing and execution. — Josh Weinfuss
*Week of June 16
Do the Rams signal working again Kyren Williams to a contract extension?
Williams attended the start of the Rams’ organized crew actions, so there’s no cause to consider he received’t attend minicamp. Williams is getting into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal, and Rams common supervisor Les Snead stated in the course of the league conferences that the crew “would definitely like 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 “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’ revamped protection
San Francisco stated 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 received’t be straightforward.
The obligatory minicamp gives a more in-depth 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 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 wanting?
There’s no quarterback competitors in Seattle, and as coach Mike Macdonald made clear, there’s nothing apart from an harm between now and Week 1 that might hold Darnold from beginning.
However the Seahawks’ new QB1 will likely be a spotlight as observers gauge how he’s taking to coordinator Klint Kubiak‘s offense.
Two particular issues bear watching in mild 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 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
