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 reveals up after skipping voluntary exercises, how rookies carry out towards veterans and the way offensive and defensive methods look beneath new coordinators.
Right here is one key factor our NFL Nation reporters might be watching from every group that hits the sector this week:
Bounce to:
ATL | ARI | BAL | BUF | CAR
CIN | CLE | DEN | GB | JAX
KC | LAC | LAR | LV | NE | NO
NYG | NYJ | PIT | SEA | TB | WAS
How is rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. creating? 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 might be probably the most necessary features to look at. Murray hasn’t been shy about his expectations for Harrison, saying the rookie may be what “takes us to a different degree.” — Josh Weinfuss
How is QB Kirk Cousins meshing along with his ability gamers? Free agent signee Cousins is coming off a torn proper Achilles that ended his 2023 season, however he has been capable of do every little thing throughout the Falcons’ no-contact offseason program. Which 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, broad receiver Drake London and tight finish Kyle Pitts. All are 23 or youthful. Throughout a latest OTA apply, Cousins hit 4 totally different targets — Pitts, London and broad 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 seem like? That is the main query mark for Baltimore, which is changing three starters in guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson and proper deal with 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 fitting mixture. The battles at left guard (Josh Jones vs. Andrew Vorhees), proper guard (Ben Cleveland vs. Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu) and proper deal with (Roger Rosengarten vs. Daniel Faalele) would be the most attention-grabbing to look at. The one two linemen assured beginning jobs are Professional Bowl heart Tyler Linderbaum and left deal with Ronnie Stanley. — Jamison Hensley
How is quarterback Josh Allen connecting with the receivers? This might be a query via the beginning of the season as this new model of the Buffalo offense continues to take form. Up to now two OTAs open to the media, the protection had the higher hand in group 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 powerful battle to make the roster at broad receiver, nevertheless, and persevering with to construct the reference to Allen might be key because the group heads towards camp; that extends to the opposite place teams as properly. — Alaina Getzenberg
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 had 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 might 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 top of July might 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 as a result of his rehab plan after a season-ending shoulder damage in November. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated Watson’s degree of participation at minicamp might be determined by his medical group. Teammates and coaches have praised Watson’s work, whilst 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 group 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 choose of the draft, and he’ll be keen to begin the developmental clock as rapidly as doable. However till Payton makes it official, every little thing might be concerning 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 impression 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 a very good 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 creating? Coach Doug Pederson is excusing many of the veterans from minicamp, so the main focus will primarily be on the rookies, particularly broad receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the group’s first-round choose. 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 sensible,” Lawrence stated. “I feel that is the one factor I am most impressed with: He is choosing up the offense tremendous quick. He is a quiet man, so we’re nonetheless getting him to ask questions and stuff, however he would not ask any questions. He all the time is aware of what to do.” — Michael DiRocco
Will the Chiefs get improved play from their broad receivers? The Chiefs want Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy up to the mark as quickly as doable, given the potential that they might start the season with out final yr’s prime broad receiver, Rashee Rice. It is unclear whether or not Worthy, the Chiefs’ first-round draft choose, will be capable to take part due to a sore hamstring that restricted his apply 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
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 group 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 group man; I am a group man,” Minshew stated. “We each need to win. We each need to get higher.” — Paul Gutierrez
The broad receivers. After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams within the offseason, the Chargers’ receiving corps turned probably the most obtrusive uncertainty. Will probably be Justin Herbert’s first season with out what was one of many league’s greatest 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 choose), might 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 maintaining every little thing inside.” 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 deal with Aaron Donald’s contract proper earlier than minicamp, however usually they get contract extensions accomplished 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 an everyday at voluntary practices, which head coach Jerod Mayo famous has been his customary strategy 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. Necessary 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 recreation, and it has been an extended 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 choose Kool-Support McKinstry, who has not practiced whereas rehabbing an damage, makes the cornerback group probably 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 just lately he might get into 11-on-11 drills by minicamp. That will be a optimistic 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 response to 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’ greatest 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 state of affairs to the next degree of concern. It definitely would not be a very good optic for the Jets, who traded a 2026 conditional third-round choose for Reddick. He is as a result of 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 could possibly 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 season 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 choose studying from Wilson, Fields expressed a need to compete with the previous Broncos quarterback and stated final month he is not planning on sitting on the bench all season. — Brooke Pryor
How Geno Smith and Sam Howell are faring in Seattle’s new offense. There isn’t any contract drama hanging over the Seahawks’ offseason, neither is there a quarterback competitors, however there may be 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 had been open to reporters had 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 properly forward of Howell. Necessary minicamp will provide a greater have 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 deal with Tristan Wirfs’ participation. A supply near the state of affairs instructed ESPN the three-time Professional Bowler and All-Professional will attend. However in what capability? Wirfs is about to play beneath the fifth-year possibility if either side cannot attain a deal on an extension. As a result of the 2 sides are negotiating, Wirfs has not been collaborating 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 though he is holding on us.” — Jenna Laine
How is Jayden Daniels creating? A lot hinges on Daniels’ improvement, and at OTAs he displayed lots 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 wanting on tempo to begin the season opener? Among 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 all the one. — John Keim
