The second week of 2024 NFL minicamps kicks off Monday, with 22 groups gathering for exercises after 10 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 programs look beneath 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:
Leap to:ATL | ARI | BAL | BUF | CARCIN | CLE | DEN | GB | JAXKC | LAC | LAR | LV | NE | NONYG | NYJ | PIT | SEA | TB | WAS
How is rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. growing? The Cardinals have saved the aggressive elements of OTAs closed to the media, so there hasn’t been an opportunity to see what Harrison can do on the sector. With the expectations round Harrison rising — seemingly by the week — his relationship with quarterback Kyler Murray will likely be some of the essential features to look at. Murray hasn’t been shy about his expectations for Harrison, saying the rookie could be what “takes us to a different degree.” — Josh Weinfuss
How is QB Kirk Cousins meshing along with his talent gamers? Free agent signee Cousins is coming off a torn proper Achilles that ended his 2023 season, however he has been capable of do all the pieces in the course of the Falcons’ no-contact offseason program. That may change throughout coaching camp when contact is allowed. For now, the 35-year-old Cousins is making an attempt to construct chemistry with Atlanta’s younger stars: operating again Bijan Robinson, vast receiver Drake London and tight finish Kyle Pitts. All are 23 or youthful. Throughout a current OTA observe, Cousins hit 4 totally different targets — Pitts, London and vast receivers Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud — for touchdowns in 7-on-7 drills. — Marc Raimondi
What’s going to the first-team offensive line appear to be? That is the key query mark for Baltimore, which is changing three starters in guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson and proper sort out Morgan Moses. All of these spots are up for grabs. The Ravens have been rotating gamers alongside the road all through the spring practices to seek out the precise mixture. The battles at left guard (Josh Jones vs. Andrew Vorhees), proper guard (Ben Cleveland vs. Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu) and proper sort out (Roger Rosengarten vs. Daniel Faalele) would be the most fascinating to look at. The one two linemen assured beginning jobs are Professional Bowl heart Tyler Linderbaum and left sort out Ronnie Stanley. — Jamison Hensley
How is quarterback Josh Allen connecting with the receivers? This will likely be a query via the beginning of the season as this new model of the Buffalo offense continues to take form. Previously two OTAs open to the media, the protection had the higher hand in crew drills with interceptions and tipped passes, whereas there have been some standout catches. However actually, it is all too early to inform with out pads on. There is a robust battle to make the roster at vast receiver, nonetheless, and persevering with to construct the reference to Allen will likely be key because the crew heads towards camp; that extends to the opposite place teams as effectively. — Alaina Getzenberg
What to know for the 2024 NFL offseason
• 2024 NFL schedule: Predictions, takeaways• OTA, minicamp dates for all 32 groups• Submit-draft 2024 Energy Rankings: 1-32 ballot• Greatest remaining gap on each roster (ESPN+)• One QB query for all 32 groups (ESPN+)• Draft: See all 257 picks | Decide evaluation
Has QB Bryce Younger improved? OK, it is not that straightforward. Keep watch over the offensive line that did not have guard Robert Hunt throughout voluntary exercises. Will the rebuilt inside safety make Younger simpler and permit him to have extra time to seek out new receivers Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette? These offseason strikes have been all about making Younger higher, and this would be the first time they’ve all been collectively on the sector. — David Newton
Is Joe Burrow on observe? Burrow will likely be intently monitored after Cincinnati determined to provide him relaxation days as he recovers from surgical procedure on his proper wrist. Whereas that is not alarming, it’s notable given Burrow’s workload in earlier years. Burrow is aware of the necessity to stability preparations for the upcoming season with a wholesome and sustainable workload that his physique can handle efficiently. How that course of goes between now and the tip of July will likely be essential to Cincinnati’s success. — Ben Child
How is Deshaun Watson progressing? The Browns’ beginning quarterback has been throwing each different day as he stays restricted in voluntary exercises resulting from his rehab plan after a season-ending shoulder damage in November. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated Watson’s degree of participation at minicamp will likely be determined by his medical crew. Teammates and coaches have praised Watson’s work, at the same time as he is needed to primarily take psychological reps on relaxation days. With Watson’s full complement of pass-catchers anticipated to be in attendance, it’ll assist an offense incorporating a brand new scheme if he can improve his exercise. — Daniel Oyefusi
It is the quarterbacks, as it is going to be every day till coach Sean Payton names a starter. Payton has stated it is a three-way competitors for the job with rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson. Payton has promised all three will get as many snaps as doable till a choice is made. Many across the crew imagine Nix will finally emerge because the starter as a result of Payton has pushed so many chips to the center of the desk by making him the twelfth decide of the draft, and he’ll be keen to begin the developmental clock as shortly as doable. However till Payton makes it official, all the pieces will likely be in regards to the quarterbacks. — Jeff Legwold
Second-round picks Javon Bullard and Edgerrin Cooper. No beginning jobs are going to be received or misplaced in June, however the Packers’ two highest-drafted defensive gamers this yr might make a serious influence in new coordinator Jeff Hafley’s scheme. Each confirmed flashes throughout OTAs, however neither one has fairly locked up a beginning job but. Cooper has shot to begin at one of many three inside linebacker positions within the 4-3 base protection, whereas Bullard is squarely within the combine on the security spot subsequent to free agent addition Xavier McKinney. — Rob Demovsky
How are the rookies growing? Coach Doug Pederson is excusing many of the veterans from minicamp, so the main focus will primarily be on the rookies, particularly vast receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the crew’s first-round decide. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was filled with reward for Thomas final week, saying Thomas has adjusted to the offense a lot faster than anticipated. “He is actually good,” Lawrence stated. “I feel that is the one factor I am most impressed with: He is selecting up the offense tremendous quick. He is a quiet man, so we’re nonetheless getting him to ask questions and stuff, however he does not ask any questions. He at all times is aware of what to do.” — Michael DiRocco
Will the Chiefs get improved play from their vast receivers? The Chiefs want Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy in control as quickly as doable, given the potential that they may start the season with out final yr’s high vast receiver, Rashee Rice. It is unclear whether or not Worthy, the Chiefs’ first-round draft decide, will be capable of take part due to a sore hamstring that restricted his observe time throughout OTAs. The Chiefs are additionally hopeful of bounce-back seasons from Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, and minicamp will present a glimpse into whether or not they can contribute greater than final season. — Adam Teicher
Better of NFL Nation
• What the NFL’s remaining 4 had in frequent• A take a look at 49ers RB plans behind McCaffrey• Raiders assured they’ve LT of the long run• What we’re watching at minicamps• Mayfield joyful to have extra command in Yr 2
The quarterback battle between second-year returner Aidan O’Connell and vagabond veteran Gardner Minshew. Proper now, it’s extra mutual admiration than intense competitors, however the Raiders did signal Minshew, on his third crew in three years, to a two-year, $25 million free agent contract with $15 million assured. O’Connell already earned the respect of the locker room with a robust conclusion to his rookie season (eight landing passes and nil interceptions in Las Vegas’ 3-1 end). The Raiders’ lone loss in that stretch? To Minshew and the Colts. “He is a crew man; I am a crew man,” Minshew stated. “We each wish to win. We each wish to get higher.” — Paul Gutierrez
The vast receivers. After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams within the offseason, the Chargers’ receiving corps turned essentially the most evident uncertainty. Will probably be Justin Herbert’s first season with out what was one of many league’s finest receiving pairings. The Chargers drafted three receivers, together with Georgia’s Ladd McConkey within the second spherical, and signed receiver DJ Chark Jr. How they battle for reps with returnees Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston (final yr’s first-round decide), will likely be a major storyline. — Kris Rhim
Matthew Stafford’s contract standing. Final week, Rams coach Sean McVay stated he did not have an replace on whether or not there had been progress on a brand new contract or extension for the quarterback, saying, “We’re simply preserving all the pieces inner.” McVay did say he expects Stafford, who has participated within the Rams’ voluntary work this spring, to be at minicamp. Two years in the past, the Rams reworked defensive sort out Aaron Donald’s contract proper earlier than minicamp, however usually they get contract extensions performed throughout coaching camp or proper earlier than the beginning of the season. — Sarah Barshop
Matthew Judon’s presence and degree of participation. The veteran exterior linebacker hasn’t been a daily at voluntary practices, which head coach Jerod Mayo famous has been his commonplace method over time, and he is coming off a torn proper biceps damage that restricted him to 4 video games final season. He is additionally within the final yr of his contract and is scheduled to earn $7.5 million, which is beneath the marketplace for a participant of his caliber when wholesome. Obligatory camp will present an preliminary snapshot of his present standing — health-wise and along with his mindset relating to his contract. — Mike Reiss
The cornerbacks. Marshon Lattimore hasn’t been round since November after getting injured in a Week 10 sport, and it has been a protracted offseason of commerce rumors and hypothesis about his future. Saints coach Dennis Allen stated he expects to see Lattimore in minicamp. Lattimore’s return, together with the potential participation of second-round decide Kool-Help McKinstry, who has not practiced whereas rehabbing an damage, makes the cornerback group essentially the most intriguing place to look at. — Katherine Terrell
Will Daniel Jones take part in dwell drills? The Giants’ beginning quarterback has been on the sector for OTAs, however has been restricted, and coach Brian Daboll hinted not too long ago he might get into 11-on-11 drills by minicamp. That might be a constructive signal, contemplating Jones is lower than seven months faraway from an ACL damage that has an 8- to 10-month restoration timetable. Jones’ rehab has been “proper on schedule,” in line with Daboll. If the Giants determine to maintain him out of dwell drills at minicamp and play it protected till coaching camp, it is one other alternative for Drew Lock to attempt to impress as QB1. — Jordan Raanan
Will Professional Bowl pass-rusher Haason Reddick present up? The Jets’ largest addition skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason program, presumably as a result of he is angling for a contract extension. He forfeited a $250,000 exercise bonus by staying away; if he blows off the two-day minicamp, which is necessary, he’d incur greater than $50,000 in fines. His absence would escalate the scenario to a better degree of concern. It actually would not be optic for the Jets, who traded a 2026 conditional third-round decide for Reddick. He is resulting from make $14.25 million in base pay within the remaining yr of his three-year, $45 million contract, however the wage is not assured. That may very well be one of many sticking factors. — Wealthy Cimini
Will Justin Fields get any first-team reps? As Mike Tomlin has usually stated, Russell Wilson is in “pole place” within the competitors between the 2 newly acquired quarterbacks. The true competitors will undoubtedly ramp up later this summer time in coaching camp, however necessary minicamp is the following important alternative to judge the 2 signal-callers in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system. Whereas the Steelers traded for Fields with the intention of the 2021 first-round decide studying from Wilson, Fields expressed a want to compete with the previous Broncos quarterback and stated final month he isn’t planning on sitting on the bench all season. — Brooke Pryor
How Geno Smith and Sam Howell are faring in Seattle’s new offense. There is no such thing as a contract drama hanging over the Seahawks’ offseason, neither is there a quarterback competitors, however there’s loads of intrigue. Smith and Howell are studying new coordinator Ryan Grubb’s scheme, which he estimated in early June to be nearly 50% put in. The three OTAs that have been open to reporters have been heavy on 11-on-11 work, which made it clear that Smith, who has already been declared the starter and took all of the No. 1 reps, is effectively forward of Howell. Obligatory minicamp will provide a greater take a look at every quarterback’s progress since receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett ought to each be there after being out and in throughout OTAs. — Brady Henderson
Left sort out Tristan Wirfs’ participation. A supply near the scenario advised ESPN the three-time Professional Bowler and All-Professional will attend. However in what capability? Wirfs is ready to play beneath the fifth-year choice if either side cannot attain a deal on an extension. As a result of the 2 sides are negotiating, Wirfs has not been taking part in OTAs. He has been on the facility within the weight room however hasn’t been out on the sector. Quarterback Baker Mayfield joked, “Tristan’s nonetheless round. We’re not holding out on the friendship regardless that he is holding on us.” — Jenna Laine
How is Jayden Daniels growing? A lot hinges on Daniels’ improvement, and at OTAs he displayed quite a lot of what the Commanders liked about him earlier than the draft: accuracy, contact and work ethic. He has additionally proven poise and endurance. However as Washington progresses with its set up of the offense — and the protection begins to check him extra — how does he reply? Will he exit the spring trying on tempo to begin the season opener? A few of the questions on him will revolve round whether or not the Commanders have given him the mandatory assist to succeed. They want him to be a part of the answer as a rookie, not the whole one. — John Keim
