Nine NFL teams are set to open mandatory three-day minicamps this week, with 21 more to follow next week.
As rookies and veterans come together, it won’t be uncommon to see some familiar faces in the new uniforms, as this week saw the mandatory appearances of defensive line Javon Hargrave with the San Francisco 49ers and linebacker Jalen Ramsey with the Miami Dolphins. This whirlwind off-season also included ownership changes and record-setting contracts. With mini-camps taking place, teams are starting to get a sense of what the upcoming season can bring.
What do you want to know about this week’s activities? We asked NFL Nation reporters to preview this week’s mini-camp and tell us the biggest storylines they’ve been watching.
jump to:
CLE | Valley | that | LV | MIA
SF | sea | ten | WSH
Story to watch: Deshaun Watson sharpness
What will Watson look like during his second season in Cleveland? Watson struggled in six games last season after being suspended from football for 700 days, including an 11-game ban for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy by committing sexual assault, as defined by the league, on massage therapists. Watson has now had this full season to settle into coach Kevin Stefanski’s offensive plan and build chemistry with his teammates. How this fall translates — and whether Watson can regain his 2020 form — will ultimately determine Cleveland’s fate in 2023. Minicamp will offer a glimpse. – Jake Trotter
Story to watch: Two-minute workout
The Cowboys have been careful with their contact and speed during the team’s organized activities after fining head coach Mike McCarthy each of the past two seasons. That would continue to some extent in the junior camp, but McCarthy noted that the plan is to have a full cast for two minutes, which will raise the bar for competitiveness. It will also help McCarthy and Dak Prescott continue to work on their communication as a freshman and quarterback as soon as live play the team can get through the offseason. – Todd Archer
Storylines to watch: Jahmir Gibbs offers
The Lions front office gave offensive coordinator Ben Johnson a gift by drafting Gibbs 12th overall. It will be interesting to see how they use their rookie running back to get going, especially after weaning him out of the rookie junior camp after he tweaked his ankle. However, he has been able to showcase his road running skills during OTAs. As a sign of their confidence in the rookie, Detroit completely rebuilt its backfield this offseason by letting go of D’Andre Swift and Jamal Williams, then added former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery to pair with Gibbs. Although Gibbs is on the running back list, the Lions see him as a double option who is equally talented at catching and running back. He will have a chance to showcase his talent. – Eric Woodyard
Story to watch: Who plays quarterback?
With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo sidelined as he recovers from surgery on his left foot that occurred after signing with Las Vegas in March, Ryder Nation has turned its eyes to Brian Hoyer, Aidan O’Connell and Chase Garbers. While Las Vegas is betting Garoppolo is ready for training camp, there’s still a chance he’ll never play for the Raiders, which means mini camp will give the 14-year vet (Hoyer), fourth-round pick (O’Connell) or sophomore pro who He has yet to advance an NFL draft (Garbers) into the competition. – Paul Gutierrez
Story to watch: The fight for WR3
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are the obvious 1a and 1b of the Dolphins’ passing offense, but the team has several options for the starting third receiver. Miami signed Braxton Berrios and Robbie Chosen this offseason, the latter of which was notable during the OTAs. Erik Ezukanma and Cedrick Wilson Jr. And River Cracraft are also in the fold, but this is a battle of position that should last until training camp. – Marcel Louis Jacques
Story to watch: The quarterback predicament continues
Brock Purdy remains the presumptive starter, but he’s still in the early stages of his throwing program coinciding with his recovery from right elbow surgery. Which means Trey Lance and Sam Darnold will continue to get the bulk of the cast. They took turns with the starting unit during OTAs in what passing game coordinator Clint Kubik calls a “very fierce” competition. Nothing will be decided about the quarterback selection order during this mini-camp, but it will set the stage for the numbers that will be an interesting training camp in the hottest location. – Nick Wagner
Story to watch: The status of the top two draft picks
Unlike last season, the Seahawks do not have a quarterback battle or an unresolved contract situation with a star player. But there’s a question about how involved Devon Witherspoon (5th overall) and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (20) will be in the minicamp after they were both somewhat limited during the rookie minicamp and the first few OTAs. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Witherspoon, who has yet to sign his rookie contract, will return from a minor hamstring injury. Smith-Njegba missed most of his final college season with a hamstring injury. Both have been tied for the high-speed 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills so far. – Brady Henderson
Story to watch: high school
Veteran safety Kevin Bayard did not attend voluntary OTAs, which was unusual for a four-time captain. The timing of Byard’s absence is interesting given the way he was asked to take a pay cut, which led to unsubstantiated rumors that he asked for his release. Having Bayard in the little camp would ease everything. On the contrary, his absence would be cause for concern. The Titans rotated nickel linebacker Elijah Molden to the rear end of the defense while Byard was away. Sophomore Christian Fulton tried something different this year by training alone in Miami instead of attending volunteer online travel meetings. Fulton’s return to junior camp is something to watch considering he’s on a contract year and the team signed free agent defensive back Sean Murphy-Bunting. – Toron Davenport
Story to watch: Sam Howell advances
Coach Ron Rivera explained: Hoyle is the starting quarterback at the moment but he still has to earn the job over Jacoby Brissett. Although there is optimism surrounding Howell, he only started one game last season. But the Washington coaches love Howell’s progress — from his quick decision-making to his leadership in rallying and accuracy. But it wasn’t perfect. The Captains have a good roster surrounding Hoyle so if he plays well it could lead to a solid season – and an end to the multi-decade search for a long-term solution in this position. It would also buy out the employees’ job security with a new owner. – John Kim