NFL NationJun 9, 2025, 06:00 AM ET
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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 exhibits up after skipping voluntary exercises, how rookies carry out in opposition to veterans, and the way offensive and defensive techniques look underneath new coordinators.
Right here is one key factor our NFL Nation reporters shall be watching from every staff that hits the sphere this week:
Trey Hendrickson, Kirk Cousins and Kyren Williams are among the many key gamers to look at. ESPN
Will James Cook dinner make an look?
The working again has not attended organized staff actions (OTAs) as he seeks a contract extension, however the staff has insisted that Cook dinner shall be enjoying for the Payments this season. Three different members of the Payments’ 2022 draft class acquired extensions. Cook dinner, 25, is coming into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal, and although there have been discussions together with his illustration, the 2 sides didn’t agree.
Whether or not Cook dinner involves necessary minicamp would be the subsequent large 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 staff that was on the lookout 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 resembling fellow corners Cam Smith or Ethan Bonner take a serious step ahead of their improvement, or will the Dolphins depend on veteran free brokers to fill the void? — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Will any broad receivers separate from the pack in necessary camp?
The numbers bear watching, with Kayshon Boutte noting that the Patriots have 12 and, probably, solely six shall be on the preliminary roster.
Veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, third-year slot DeMario Douglas and 2025 third-round decide Kyle Williams are seen as protected. 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 evident — Garrett Wilson — however there’s a big falloff after him.
Journeyman Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard are the most certainly candidates, however neither brings a dynamic ingredient to the passing offense. Rookie tight finish Mason Taylor may be that man sometime, but it surely’s a bit a lot to anticipate a right away impression. 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 don’t have one other menace. They used a third-round decide 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 prime offense in 2024 after Baltimore didn’t re-sign Patrick Mekari, who joined the Jacksonville Jaguars in free company.
This may probably be a battle between Ben Cleveland and Andrew Vorhees. Cleveland labored with the primary staff within the first week of OTAs, and Vorhees lined up with the starters initially of Week 2. Each have restricted beginning expertise.
Cleveland has seven profession begins, and Vorhees has three. Rookie third-round decide Emery Jones Jr. may 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 staff 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 necessary minicamp would be the newest checkpoint on Hendrickson’s scenario, which may 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 break up the majority of first-team reps over rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Minicamp would be the final likelihood 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 move 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 recreation 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 finally bought executed simply earlier than the season. This time, we’ll get some indication of how negotiations are going when — or if — Watt experiences 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 might behoove them to have Stroud get some reps with a brand new offense. It doesn’t make or break the offseason, but it surely in all probability gained’t change into a distraction. Nonetheless, it might 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 wished 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 gained’t take part on this necessary camp, so the stage belongs to Daniel Jones. This shall be an excellent alternative for the veteran, who’s coming into his seventh season, to reveal that he might 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 together with his receivers and offensive linemen in full-squad exercises as Jones gained’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 have 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 break up between quarterbacks Cameron Ward and Will Levis?
It’s vital to get Ward, this yr’s No. 1 decide, acclimated as a result of he’ll probably earn the beginning job. However don’t depend out Levis.
Titans coach Brian Callahan stated there shall be a contest throughout minicamp and coaching camp. Each quarterbacks took turns beginning in 7-on-7s and staff durations throughout OTAs.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is already impressed with Ward’s imaginative and prescient and skill to search out the open receiver. That’s an early signal of progress. However the easiest way to organize Ward is to extend reps, particularly with the primary staff. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Will we get an thought of what the working again rotation shall 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, bought solely two carries. Williams has since signed with the Cowboys in free company.
It has been clear in OTAs that the Broncos wished to get an extended have 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 attention-grabbing 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 resolve their long-standing downside at left sort out, though he’s coming off a torn patellar tendon harm.
If Simmons is a full participant, that bodes nicely for his probabilities to begin when the common season begins. If not, his scenario stays one to look at. 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 outdoors cornerback whereas Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson had second-team reps. There’s nonetheless loads of time earlier than the depth chart is finalized, but it surely’s clear that the competitors at cornerback is broad open. — Ryan McFadden
What is 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, shall 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, shall 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 is going to Micah Parsons do?
The move rusher missed most of OTAs, however he stated on social media that he shall be at minicamp. That doesn’t imply he’ll do the entire on-field work as he awaits a profitable extension. Earlier within the offseason, he hinted that he may 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 sphere than by video, which may have an effect on how shortly he learns new coordinator Matt Eberflus’ modifications. Coach Brian Schottenheimer stated that he and Parsons have been speaking all through the offseason and he has no points with Parsons’ method. — 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 season — and season. They’ll decide the staff’s capability to compete and the futures of coach Brian Daboll and common supervisor Joe Schoen.
The Giants will get a greater have 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 number 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 sort out Milton Williams.
In the meantime, beginning linebacker Nakobe Dean continues to be rehabbing from a torn patellar tendon and “won’t be back for a while,” based on defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Eagles may have a mixture of up-and-comers resembling 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 finally be within the combine as nicely however gained’t be on the sphere till someday in August, per Fangio. — Tim McManus
The state of CB Marshon Lattimore‘s recreation
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 throughout the season and enjoying at a excessive stage — that’s why Washington traded for him final season.
Any questions on his sturdiness can’t be answered till the season. Nonetheless, in his 5 video games with Washington, he performed to combined outcomes. For the Commanders to take a giant 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 decide 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 motive. The Packers favored 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 decide has taken all of the first-team reps this spring after the departures of Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones, and the choice to move on signing free agent Aaron Rodgers.
Within the OTAs open to reporters, McCarthy has displayed a mixture of assured throws with the type of hesitation, inaccuracy and errors you’ll anticipate 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 sphere at apply throughout OTAs.
That a part of the offseason program is voluntary.
Minicamp will not be, and if Cousins misses it, he could possibly be fined. Cousins desires to be a starter and it gained’t occur in Atlanta with the franchise behind Michael Penix Jr. Cousins’ choice is to be launched, however the Falcons are snug 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 decide Tetairoa McMillan on quarterback Bryce Younger and the offense?
The broad receiver out of Arizona was taken No. 8 as a substitute of a participant who may assist the worst protection within the NFL final season.
It was the second straight yr Carolina drafted a large receiver in Spherical 1, and thus far, 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 season, 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 broad 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 could possibly 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 coming into his seventh season. The 2 spent appreciable time collectively throughout the offseason, opting to work out in Arizona.
However how will it repay? Minicamp will give a short 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 staff actions, so there’s no motive to imagine he gained’t attend minicamp. Williams is coming into the ultimate yr of his rookie deal, and Rams common supervisor Les Snead stated throughout the league conferences that the staff “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 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’ revamped protection
San Francisco stated goodbye to its coordinator and 9 defenders who began at the very least one recreation 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 gained’t be straightforward.
The necessary minicamp gives a better have a look at how Saleh will make the items, together with three potential rookie starters on the line of defense, match right into a scheme he stated has advanced 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 trying?
There’s no quarterback competitors in Seattle, and as coach Mike Macdonald made clear, there’s nothing aside from an harm between now and Week 1 that would maintain Darnold from beginning.
However the Seahawks’ new QB1 shall 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 instances 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 outdoors of the pocket? — Brady Henderson
