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NFL training camp notepads: Here’s what we’re learning at each stop, from Cowboys to Patriots and so many others

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3 months ago

August 16, 2024

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NFL training camp notepads: Here’s what we’re learning at each stop, from Cowboys to Patriots and so many others

This summer, Yahoo Sports Senior NFL Reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein are touring training camps across the country. At each stop, they’ll jot down notes about the quarterback; a rookie to watch; what they’re keeping their eye on; a fantasy thought; what they saw that was interesting; and a wild card for good measure.

Here are their observations in order of attendance, which will be updated as the weeks roll on. Click on the team name for the full notepad.

Buy the C.J. Stroud MVP heat. There’s a wealth of riches on offense, and the Stefon Diggs honeymoon is in full bloom. There’s also reason to believe the defense has improved, especially with a second-round addition who’s already impressing. — Charles Robinson

What to expect now that Jordan Love is signed: more aggressive play-calling from Matt LaFleur, who admitted to me that he was too conservative entering last year. The deep wide receiver room, and a legit 1-2 punch in the backfield with Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon, should help. — Jori Epstein

More from Packers camp

Inside Jordan Love’s hold-in, and why Packers were so ready to pay him

How a film session sparked Josh Jacobs’ early interest in Green Bay

With a greatly improved offensive line (if healthy) and depth in the backfield, Matthew Stafford could have the best running game of his Rams tenure at his disposal. That should make the offense more balanced and difficult to defend. While that might not equate to Stafford putting up a career year in numbers, it may very well be the change that keeps him in the NFL for a few more seasons. — Charles Robinson

I raised an eyebrow when Dak Prescott took a long pause, then said: “I’m gonna say it. I want to be here, but when you look [it] up, all the other quarterbacks that I watched played for other teams [than their first]. … That’s not something to fear.” Also: Team owner Jerry Jones opening his media conference by answering a question about a paternity suit was … wild. Cowboys, baby. — Charles Robinson

The Bears named Caleb Williams their starter months ago. That’s instantly allowed him to command the offense. Williams’ creative arm angles and scramble drills look fluid — but he’s not escaping the pocket too soon. CB Jaylon Johnson told me this isn’t a case of happy feet. Williams has been more patient in the pocket than his reputation might suggest. — Jori Epstein

A lot is riding on defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who has the trust from Jim Harbaugh to shape his scheme and personnel. His role-specific system has similarities to Brandon Staley’s in that there’s a lot going on with post-snap disguising. Minter will have to simplify roles but retain scheme complexity. He’s well regarded by the Baltimore Ravens staff, where he worked prior to Michigan. Time will tell if he can ascend as an NFL coordinator, too. — Charles Robinson

Anthony Richardson isn’t just cleared from shoulder surgery to throw. He’s also cleared by team ownership to run. “We know his feet can be dangerous and pick up critical yards at critical times,” Jim Irsay said during practice Sunday. “One of the reasons we drafted him is because of his size and strength.” — Jori Epstein

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This rookie class is going to contribute heavily. We may look back a few years from now and see a whopping 5-6 starters. The staff buzz beyond the obvious names: tight end Tip Reiman. He’s a better receiver than what was showcased at Illinois. And he’s already an adept in-line blocker. — Charles Robinson

More from Cardinals camp: Inside the evolution of Kyler Murray

Explosive plays are also on the Bengals defense’s mind after allowing the second-most plays of 20+ yards last season. They signed veteran safeties Geno Stone and Vonn Bell this season to elevate defensive communication they’ll need to thwart a tough slate of AFC quarterbacks. — Jori Epstein

Brock Purdy started Tuesday sharp, hitting beautiful throws that had him humming. Then he finished the day with four interceptions. It could have been five if not for a Fred Warner drop. Sometimes a cause for concern, I think Purdy was intentionally pushing the practice envelope, trying to see what he could pull off with his arm. — Charles Robinson

As the Steelers limit Russell Wilson in his return from a calf injury, Justin Fields’ opportunities to make his case as QB1 continue. Fields showcased accuracy and athleticism in practices I watched, eluding defenders on keepers and downfield passes alike. Add in Fields’ attention to mechanics — he looked better than he felt, he said — and he’s doing all he can to challenge Wilson. — Jori Epstein

The Broncos QB competition has simmered down to rookie Bo Nix vs. Jarrett Stidham. For now, the staff wants Nix to continue to feel the element of competition. But he’s doing what he needs to be the opening day starter, steadily improving as he goes. So long as that continues, Nix will be one of three rookie QB starters in Week 1, joining the Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams and the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels. — Charles Robinson

Surprised the Lions doubled up on corners with their first two draft picks? Don’t let first-rounder Terrion Arnold overshadow 61st overall pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. out of Missouri. Rakestraw jumped a route to intercept Nate Sudfeld in Thursday’s practice and swiped Hendon Hooker on Friday in red-zone work. How long until he’s giving opposing quarterbacks the same headache? — Jori Epstein

Rookie J.J. McCarthy is on a traditional rookie roller coaster, with positive days and setbacks. But it’s clear there is a seriousness about handling his development carefully. Sam Darnold had a strong camp practice on Friday, and the better he plays, the more patient Minnesota can be with McCarthy. Embrace that as a good thing. — Charles Robinson

In terms of touches, I don’t get the sense there’s a true No. 1 running back between Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. They both do some similar things, so it could be a hot hand or situational opportunities that set them apart. Clearly, both will get plenty of looks. It just doesn’t seem like one has a dominant edge over the other right now. — Charles Robinson

Deshaun Watson has been cleared from his 2023 shoulder surgery, participating in all practice drills when not scheduled for a rest day. Head coach Kevin Stefanski told me Watson’s “multitude of throws” and arm strength are assets, while his accuracy “looks exactly how it did previously.” That will serve the Browns’ offensive rebuild well, as they install a system that they believe better accentuates his skill set of RPOs and drop-back passing. — Jori Epstein

Health permitting, this will be the season Bijan Robinson puts a dent into the massive expectations that followed him into the NFL. His touches are expected to be far more consistent from game to game as the Falcons strive for balance. Having a steady Kirk Cousins at the controls will also enhance his value as both a runner and receiver. — Charles Robinson

A factor in Bryce Young’s first-season struggles was an erosion of trust between the QB and offensive staff. Now, new head coach Dave Canales has made a bond between himself, Young and QBs coach Will Harriger his top priority. Canales built trust with QBs who slammed into a wall in their careers (see: Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield). He’s working to do the same with Young. — Charles Robinson

First-rounder Joe Alt is settling into his transition from a college left tackle to an NFL right tackle. I expect him to be effective even in Year 1 as a pro. Alt joins a line chock full of first-rounders, and he’s picking left tackle Rashawn Slater’s brain about how to adjust his hand placement and technique to the power and speed rushes he’ll encounter. Practicing against Khalil Mack and a finally healthy Joey Bosa should expedite his development. — Jori Epstein

Relax on the Drake Maye anxiety and let him have a normal training camp of learning. Nothing has changed in terms of what the organization thinks of him, other than his starting horizon being fluid as he learns the offense. The staff sees him making gains. Every rookie quarterback is not the same, and nobody cares how much command Mac Jones had when he started as a rookie. Look how much that mattered by the end of his arc in New England. — Charles Robinson

Those animated exchanges between Aaron Rodgers and wideout Garrett Wilson a few weeks back? The Jets absorbed it as a positive. Elite QBs and their best pass catchers will get after each other at times fixing miscues. (Rodgers and Davante Adams did, too.) As one staffer put it: “[Rodgers and Wilson] being able to challenge each other builds trust.” — Charles Robinson

Frankly, the most important player and storyline this season is going to be Jalen Hurts. And to me, that makes offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s impact absolutely massive. He has to shape a defined identity around Hurts in every single respect. Nothing is more important. — Charles Robinson

I fully expect the Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb to reach an agreement by Week 1, but not much sooner. Once back, expect Lamb to regain his role as offensive focal point. Think 12 to 15 targets a game, with the expectation that Lamb will maneuver leverage and route running to get open even when he’s obviously the read. — Jori Epstein

More from Cowboys camp:

‘Free’ Dak Prescott opens up on looming contract, Cowboys future

Here’s why Cowboys are quietly confident amid CeeDee Lamb holdout