NFL coaching camp preview: Roster projections and extra for all 32 groups
Overlook about OTAs, minicamps, all of that. It is time for coaching camp within the NFL — when the upcoming 2019 season will get actual. Some groups have already got began, however everybody will get going by the top of this week. It is OK to be excited — you need to be.
NFL Nation reporters have put collectively camp previews and 53-man roster projections for each group, that are linked under. Have a look, soak within the data and prepare for the upcoming season.
Bounce to a group:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC
LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ
OAK | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Can Kliff Kingsbury’s model of the Air Raid work within the NFL?
There are extra issues working in its favor than outsiders would possibly perceive. One main purpose why is as a result of Kingsbury would not thoughts working the ball; the other of which generally is a false impression of the Air Raid offense. Kingsbury has a novel offensive thoughts, and that might be the largest purpose his scheme works. Learn Extra.
Will Julio Jones turn out to be the league’s highest-paid receiver and the primary receiver to common $20 million per yr?
2 Associated
Jones most likely deserves to be the primary receiver to common $25 million per yr. There was speak about different receivers — particularly Michael Thomas of the rival Saints — maybe hitting the $20 million mark. If that is the case, the six-time Professional Bowler Jones undoubtedly deserves extra simply primarily based on his constant manufacturing and the concern he places in opposing defenses. However Jones advised ESPN he’s not involved with being the very best paid. He’s extra intent on ensuring there’s sufficient cash to unfold round to maintain the group intact.
No matter occurs, Jones is bound to be paid handsomely, as group proprietor Arthur Clean promised. Matt Ryan turned the highest-paid quarterback with he acquired $30 million per yr and $100 million assured, however he then was surpassed by Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, and Russell Wilson. If Jones will get a profitable deal that pays him his price, he ought to take it even when another person surpasses him instantly. Learn Extra.
What is the real looking objective for Lamar Jackson as a passer to ensure that the Ravens to succeed in the playoffs?
Each cross by Jackson this summer season will likely be dissected, and rightfully so. The progress of Jackson as a passer is essential to the Ravens’ success, despite the fact that Baltimore will stay a run-first offense (and undoubtedly lead the NFL in dashing makes an attempt). Throughout the spring, Jackson usually confirmed nice contact and anticipation on one cross after which adopted it up with a throw that sailed off track. Consistency would be the hottest phrase utilized by Jackson and coaches when describing the second-year starter’s objectives. So far as numbers go, it is cheap to anticipate the identical trajectory as Michael Vick, whose velocity and robust arm are essentially the most similar to that of Jackson. In Vick’s second season (which, like Jackson, was his first as a full-time starter), he threw 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions, averaging 195.7 yards passing per sport. That received the Falcons into the playoffs, and that is the kind of manufacturing Baltimore wants from Jackson to succeed in the postseason once more. Learn Extra.
Can the Payments make the playoffs in 2019 if Josh Allen is once more their main rusher?
Do not rely on it. Although Allen’s numbers on the bottom final season had soccer followers dashing to Cam Newton comparisons, these runs had been extra out of necessity than the sport plan; he usually needed to make issues occur as performs broke down round him throughout his rookie season. Common supervisor Brandon Beane’s steps to bolster the Payments’ dashing assault this offseason — signing Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon and drafting Devin Singletary — counsel the group would not need its first-round quarterback carrying this offense with something however his arm. Allen’s mobility took opponents without warning in 2018, nevertheless it will not in 2019. Learn Extra.
• Why paying Zeke is smart for Cowboys
• QB Lock goes again to studying at camp
• Bucs rookies learn to be professionals
• Why Ridley is poised for breakout 12 months 2
• Lewan’s new venture: Purchase bus, begin podcast
How a lot of the group’s success in 2019 is determined by Cam Newton’s proper shoulder?
Probably the most used phrase within the Carolina locker room is how Cam Newton goes, so go the Panthers. So, it’s important for Newton to remain wholesome for a complete season to ensure that the group to not simply make the playoffs, however make a run as soon as there. Newton is exclusive to any participant within the league due to his menace as a runner. He retains defenses trustworthy. When he was wholesome final season, the Panthers had been 6-2 and searching like a official Tremendous Bowl contender, notably with Newton’s newfound accuracy in Norv Turner’s offense. When Newton’s arm turned sore and weak, they misplaced seven straight. Learn Extra.
Are the Bears any nearer to discovering a kicker?
Umm … no. The Bears held kicker auditions all through the complete offseason program — at one level internet hosting 9 kickers throughout rookie minicamp. After the mud settled, the Bears had two kickers below contract on the finish of June — Eddy Pineiro and Elliott Fry — however neither is assured of something. The Bears might try to commerce and signal a veteran or scan the waiver wire for kicker assist when cuts are made. Whoever thought changing Cody Parkey (eight misses final yr) can be so tough? Learn Extra.
How are the Bengals going to show their protection round?
The Bengals had been statistically heading towards having one of many worst defenses in NFL historical past earlier than they fired coordinator Teryl Austin to attempt to cease the bleeding. Accidents did not precisely assistance on that entrance, both. Other than accidents, the largest problem on that facet of the ball had been the linebackers. The Bengals launched the unreliable Vontaze Burfict and drafted Germaine Pratt — most likely with the intention of beginning him instantly. Aside from that, the core of the protection hasn’t actually modified. The Bengals want some large performances from budding stars reminiscent of Jessie Bates and William Jackson III, together with some good well being, to show issues round. Learn Extra.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s presence has the potential to take the Browns’ offense to the following degree. Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports activities
How precisely does Odell Beckham Jr. change the offense?
Instantly and not directly, Beckham’s influence figures to be vital. Most clearly, he’s an incredible playmaker who will improve the Browns’ intermediate and deep passing assaults. However on high of that, Beckham’s very presence will devour the eye of opposing defenses, opening up the sphere and creating favorable matchups for Jarvis Landry, David Njoku and even Nick Chubb and the working sport. Learn Extra.
What does coach Jason Garrett have to do to maintain his job after 2019?
Solely group proprietor Jerry Jones is aware of the reply to this one, however it’s clear he has put Garrett on discover, for the reason that coach is getting into the season and not using a contract extension regardless of coming off a playoff season. The Cowboys have made the playoffs thrice below Garrett and misplaced within the divisional spherical every time — together with 2016, after they had home-field benefit within the playoffs. It might appear Garrett has to advance to a minimum of the NFC Championship Sport to get a 3rd deal as Cowboys head coach. The Cowboys haven’t performed within the convention title sport since 1995; solely Detroit and Washington have an extended drought within the NFC. Jones believes he has a roster able to win now with a younger and deep group. If Garrett would not get it achieved this season, Jones will likely be looking out for the eighth head coach of his possession tenure. Learn Extra.
Is Joe Flacco, lastly, the reply at quarterback?
The Broncos want — as in actually, actually, actually need — the 34-year-old Flacco to have a variety of soccer left within the tank. For the reason that begin of the 2017 season, Flacco would be the fifth participant to start out at quarterback for the Broncos. Whereas the early returns had been good in the course of the offseason exercises, the Broncos want Flacco to play on the high of his sport. Additionally they have to get issues settled on the offensive line — in order that Flacco is not wading by means of pass-rushers in the midst of the sphere — and to do higher at placing their quarterback ready to run an offense that matches their personnel. Learn Extra.
Will extra gamers purchase into Matt Patricia’s teaching model and scheme in 12 months 2?
For Patricia’s sake, he had higher hope so. That stated, it looks like up to now, so good for Patricia heading into his second season. There are a number of causes for that. First, everybody across the group now understands what the expectations are after having been in his system for a yr. Gamers perceive what practices are going to be like and what the schedule goes to be. Second, there seemed to be an actual effort this offseason to signal gamers, together with Trey Flowers and Danny Amendola, who match the Patriots’ mould wherein Patricia was versed. They’re gifted gamers who match into the schemes but additionally are gamers who know what to anticipate coming in and might set an expectation degree instantly. Purchase-in should not be a problem this season. Whether it is, that is a good greater downside than it was a yr in the past. Learn Extra.
1:48
Dan Graziano and Dan Orlovsky share the trials Aaron Rodgers is going through in Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s system.
What does Matt LaFleur have to do to get Aaron Rodgers again to being Aaron Rodgers?
Command his respect. Sure, that may appear backward, on condition that LaFleur is the boss and Rodgers is the worker. However maybe the one approach to get an mind like Rodgers to purchase in is that if the quarterback regards his coach as his equal. Each insist that relationship is off to an excellent begin; from their first face-to-face assembly in late March in Arizona to the work that was wrapped up within the June minicamp, Rodgers stated of their bonding workouts, “Two issues I believe are actually necessary: hear and talk.” The 2 additionally should come to an understanding about find out how to deal with audibles on the line of scrimmage. Rodgers had freedom — and maybe took too many liberties — when it got here to altering calls below former coach Mike McCarthy. LaFleur’s system, rooted within the Sean McVay-Kyle Shanahan model of the West Coast offense, is extra limiting. “A few of that, you simply have to determine in the end,” Rodgers stated. “However a very powerful factor is belief.” Learn Extra.
Is there any stress for the Texans to interrupt by means of within the AFC?
After firing common supervisor Brian Gaine in June, Texans CEO Cal McNair outlined for head coach Invoice O’Brien a number of areas wherein he might enhance. O’Brien would not reveal what these areas are, however McNair confirmed he clearly shouldn’t be scared to make large — and dear — modifications if he would not suppose the group is headed in the best path. The Texans have by no means been to the AFC Championship Sport, and whereas Houston has received the AFC South in three of the previous 4 seasons, they solely have one playoff victory to indicate for it. The Texans need not win the Tremendous Bowl this season for the group’s management to stay in place, however there is definitely some stress to enhance in 2019. Learn Extra.
Will Andrew Luck go from NFL Comeback Participant of the 12 months to league MVP?
Extra individuals play on ESPN than anyplace else. Be part of or create a league within the No. 1 Fantasy Soccer sport! Join free!
The chance will likely be there for Luck, who threw for Four,593 yards and 39 touchdowns final season. That is the primary time in his eight-year NFL profession that he enters the season with the identical beginning offensive line below contract from the earlier season. Luck additionally has the deepest group of skill-position gamers in his profession and is in the identical offensive system in consecutive seasons for simply the second time. The Colts would possibly discover themselves in some shootout-style video games this fall towards the likes of the Steelers, Chiefs, Saints and Chargers. All of these components make Luck, who missed OTAs with a calf pressure, a official MVP candidate. Learn Extra.
What’s the offense going to appear to be with coordinator John DeFilippo and quarterback Nick Foles?
Foles would not have the caliber of playmakers he had in Philadelphia — particularly at tight finish — however there must be extra downfield photographs. The Jaguars threw 103 passes that traveled greater than 25 yards within the air over the previous three seasons (which ranked 25th out of 32 NFL groups), however Foles persistently took deep photographs throughout OTAs and minicamp. Which may appear counter to the sort of offense that govt vice chairman of soccer operations Tom Coughlin and head coach Doug Marrone need, however it may be an enormous assist to the run sport. If the Jaguars are keen to go downfield extra, defenses cannot simply gang as much as cease the run the best way they did the previous two seasons. Learn Extra.
Will the appreciable defensive modifications make a distinction?
They cannot damage. The Chiefs cannot be a lot worse than final yr, when their defensive deficiencies saved them out of the Tremendous Bowl. The Chiefs, with their potent offense, do not should be dominant on protection. They should be competent, and that is an achievable objective. With Steve Spagnuolo as the brand new defensive coordinator, Kansas Metropolis will likely be higher coached. There are also as many as seven new defensive starters, led by security Tyrann Mathieu and finish Frank Clark. They’re too gifted on protection to rank close to the underside as soon as once more. Learn Extra.
1:05
The NFL Reside crew weighs in on Melvin Gordon saying he will not report back to Chargers camp, with Victor Cruz appreciating Gordon considering of his teammates.
When will Melvin Gordon report back to camp?
TBD. By means of his agent, Gordon threatened to carry out and demand a commerce if he doesn’t obtain a contract extension earlier than coaching camp begins. Gordon is within the closing yr of his rookie contract that may pay him $5.6 million in 2019. For the reason that begin of the 2016 season, Gordon is tied for second within the league in complete touchdowns (38) and fourth in yards from scrimmage (Four,372), so it is comprehensible that the Wisconsin product needs a brand new deal. The difficulty for the Chargers is Gordon’s damage historical past, which impacts his worth. Gordon has ended two of his first 4 seasons within the NFL on the injured reserve as a result of knee points and solely performed one 16-game season. Gordon additionally hobbled by means of the top of the 2018 season with accidents to each knees. Though the Chargers had been Four-Zero with out Gordon within the lineup, he’s nonetheless a significant a part of the group that makes the offense go. If the Chargers actually imagine they’ll make the Tremendous Bowl, common supervisor Tom Telesco has to determine find out how to strike a deal and get Gordon in camp sooner somewhat than later. Learn Extra.
Can working again Todd Gurley II energy the Rams to a second consecutive Tremendous Bowl?
Questions stay concerning the well being of Gurley’s left knee after the All-Professional working again was sidelined for the ultimate two video games of the common season and struggled within the NFC Championship Sport and Tremendous Bowl LIII — then didn’t take part in soccer actions all through the offseason program. Over the previous two seasons, Gurley has rushed for two,556 yards and 30 touchdowns and caught 123 passes for 1,368 yards and 10 touchdowns. It is unclear whether or not Gurley will have the ability to shoulder an identical load going ahead. Learn Extra.
What should Josh Rosen do to persuade the Dolphins they need not draft a first-round quarterback in 2020?
The hand Rosen has been dealt is not perfect. The Cardinals gave up on him after one season with the NFL’s worst roster and shipped him to the rebuilding Dolphins for what looks like a one-year tryout. The Dolphins are robust contenders to take one of many heralded quarterbacks within the 2020 draft in hopes of ending their two-decade quarterback search. To place that plan on maintain, Rosen might want to present management, success on third down and within the fourth quarter, and glimpses of long-term promise. Ryan Fitzpatrick seems to be the favourite to start out in Week 1, however Rosen ought to get his likelihood to start out — and the stress will likely be on him to shine. Learn Extra.
How significantly better will the offensive line be in 2019?
• Watch: Baker Mayfield
• Watch: Patrick Mahomes
• Watch: Tom Brady
• Watch: Andrew Luck
• Watch: Deshaun Watson
• Watch: Philip Rivers
• Watch: Eli Manning
Minnesota surrendered a league-high 227 pressures and ranked 29th in pass-blocking effectivity throughout its Eight-7-1 season, in line with Professional Soccer Focus. The offensive line underwent vital modifications this offseason, starting with the departure of Mike Remmers, Nick Easton and Tom Compton and adopted by the addition of Josh Kline in free company together with spending three draft picks on O-linemen (Garrett Bradbury within the first spherical, Dru Samia within the fourth and Olisaemeka Udoh within the sixth). The most important space of enchancment is with the inside personnel. Final season, Remmers, Compton and Pat Elflein ranked within the backside 17 of all inside linemen in pressures allowed (109). With Bradbury slated to play middle, Elflein is predicted to maneuver to left guard, a place he thrived at in school. Riley Reiff is an above-average left deal with who has managed to remain comparatively wholesome all through his time in Minnesota. And the Vikings are desperate to see how one other yr within the NFL with time so as to add dimension to his body will assist Brian O’Neill develop at proper deal with. On paper, the Reiff-Elflein-Bradbury-Kline-O’Neill beginning 5 is a substantial improve. Learn Extra.
How will the Patriots’ offense modify with out tight finish Rob Gronkowski?
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels stated there is not one other participant who can merely slide into Gronkowski’s spot, as a result of Gronk was such a uncommon participant. So it is potential the tight-end place is not as a lot of a central focus of the offense within the passing sport, with the Patriots relying extra on a stocked running-back place and going to extra three- and four-wide units if the personnel at receiver comes collectively. The Patriots’ offense all the time has been about tailoring its assault to the power of its personnel — and find out how to finest exploit the opposition’s weaknesses — so it is a clean canvas at this level, with Matt LaCosse (career-high 24 receptions in 2018) getting into coaching camp because the No. 1 tight finish. Learn Extra.
How for much longer will QB Drew Brees maintain this up?
For some time there, Brees appeared ageless final season. By means of the primary 11 video games, he threw 29 landing passes and simply two interceptions. However then he and the Saints’ passing offense fell right into a rut (seven TDs and 5 picks over his closing six video games, together with the playoffs). New Orleans clearly ought to anticipate one thing in the midst of these two extremes going ahead. However the 40-year-old remains to be adequate to guide a Tremendous Bowl-winning offense — and he most likely might for a minimum of two or three extra years (see: Brady, Tom). The larger query is how lengthy Brees needs to maintain attempting, now that he mainly is signing contract extensions on a year-to-year foundation — and whether or not the Saints can afford to maintain paying a premium for backup QB Teddy Bridgewater to attend within the wings. Learn Extra.
1:48
Dan Orlovsky and Booger McFarland share expectations for Giants rookie Daniel Jones and a possible timeline for him to start out at QB over Eli Manning.
What does Eli Manning have to do to stay the beginning quarterback for 16 video games?
Coach Pat Shurmur already has declared that Manning is the starter. So there is no actual quarterback competitors this summer season, despite the fact that Daniel Jones will likely be respiratory down Manning’s neck and we’ll get a greater grasp at how shut the rookie signal-caller is to being prepared. Nonetheless, all Manning has to do is win video games. That may maintain him on the sphere. So long as the Giants are realistically alive for the playoffs, Manning will likely be their quarterback; the group’s decision-makers imagine he has one thing left and have made this clear with their actions and phrases. Learn Extra.
Can Sam Darnold enhance sufficient in 12 months 2 to make the Jets a playoff contender?
Latest historical past says sure. The previous 4 quarterbacks drafted within the high 10 improved considerably of their second season and made the playoffs — Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes and Mitchell Trubisky. Apart from Mahomes, Darnold has as a lot upside as any of them. For Darnold, the secret is making higher selections on early downs. His passer ranking on first and second down was solely 78.three; it was 83.5 on third down. It is often the opposite means round for rookies. The truth is that each numbers want to come back up loads. The honeymoon is over and expectations are increased than in 2018. That might be a problem, as a result of as we noticed in his closing season at Southern California, Darnold began urgent and dedicated too many turnovers. A lot will hinge on his supporting solid, particularly the offensive line. Learn Extra.
What does Derek Carr have to do to have a future with Jon Gruden?
Um, win. And win some extra. Carr, who has struggled since breaking his proper ankle within the penultimate sport of his MVP-like 2016 season, confirmed enchancment late final yr in his first season in Gruden’s offense. And whereas it will solely be the second time in Carr’s six-year profession that he’ll play in the identical system in consecutive seasons and he has a revamped offensive line and new weapons at receiver in Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, excuses will likely be laborious to come back by. So if the Raiders find yourself with one other top-five decide, that may possible imply Carr — whose assured cash is all paid out — can have had a nasty season. And with two first-round draft picks subsequent spring, Gruden can begin contemporary in Las Vegas in 2020. Learn Extra.
Zero:51
Domonique Foxworth stresses that if Derek Carr would not play as much as expectations for the Raiders this yr, he will likely be out of a job.
Can Carson Wentz bounce again and the way necessary is it for him to remain wholesome with Nick Foles gone?
Wentz appeared nice this spring, and he’s the healthiest he has been since 2017, when he was on an MVP cost. He took a deep dive on physique wellness this offseason and got here away with a brand new and improved food regimen and coaching routine that he believes will assist maintain him on the sphere and support in profession longevity. The Eagles confirmed their perception in his capability to return to kind by giving him a four-year, $128 million contract extension in June. They want him to remain upright. Whereas they imagine in Nate Sudfeld — Foles’ successor — he solely has performed 25 profession snaps within the NFL. Learn Extra.
What extra do the Steelers want from Ben Roethlisberger to flourish with out Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell?
They want among the finest seasons of his 15-year profession, for starters. The Steelers are counting on their 37-year-old veteran to offset the lack of critical weaponry. Roethlisberger has a means of elevating a supporting solid — 11 totally different receivers have caught a minimum of 100 passes in Pittsburgh’s offense in the course of the Massive Ben period — and he wants Vance McDonald, James Washington or another person to turn out to be No. 12 quickly sufficient. Anticipate Roethlisberger to depend on his no-huddle offense, mixing a quick-strike passing sport with run checks on the line. He led the league with 5,129 passing yards in 2018, and do not be stunned if he contends for five,000 as soon as once more. Learn Extra.
Can Jimmy Garoppolo bounce again from a torn ACL and turn out to be the franchise quarterback the 49ers imagine he could be?
The Week three knee damage that derailed Garoppolo’s season was a double whammy as a result of it left many nonetheless questioning if Garoppolo is really the long-term reply on the place. The Niners imagine he’s and are paying him as such, however Garoppolo nonetheless has simply 10 profession begins to his title and has but to indicate he can keep wholesome and produce for a complete season. Other than $Four.2 million in remaining signing bonus cash, the Niners might get out from Garoppolo’s contract with out penalty after the 2019 season. Clearly, they intend to have him as their franchise quarterback for a very long time, however this is a vital season for him to show he’s the man they imagine he could be. Learn Extra.
Jarran Reed’s six-game suspension all of the sudden creates an enormous hole within the Seahawks’ line of defense. Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire
Can Seattle’s protection face up to the departures of Frank Clark and Earl Thomas and the suspension of Jarran Reed?
When Clark and Reed mixed for 23.5 sacks final season, line of defense appeared as if it might be one of many strongest place teams on Seattle’s roster heading into 2019. However Clark’s commerce to Kansas Metropolis and Reed’s six-game suspension go away this as simply the Seahawks’ most suspect unit — much more so than a secondary with no extra authentic Legion of Increase members remaining. If Ezekiel Ansah had been wholesome, it will be cheap to suppose he might produce a season much like that of Clark’s in 2018, however Ansah is recovering from shoulder surgical procedure and won’t be prepared by Week 1. The Seahawks drafted L.J. Collier with the first-round decide they received for Clark, however current historical past tells us that solely a lot could be anticipated of a rookie pass-rusher drafted exterior of the highest 15. You’ve got heard of a backfield-by-committee plan; the Seahawks might need to go together with a “sacks-by-committee” scheme, with different gamers reminiscent of Poona Ford, Quinton Jefferson, Cassius Marsh, Barkevious Mingo, Jacob Martin and Rasheem Inexperienced pitching in. As for changing Thomas, rookie second-round decide Marquise Blair will get each alternative to start out at one of many security spots alongside Bradley McDougald. Neither Blair nor veterans Delano Hill or Tedric Thompson distinguished himself over the offseason program, so this will likely be some of the wide-open place battles in camp. Learn Extra.
Who will step into pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul’s position whereas he heals from a fractured neck?
The earliest Pierre-Paul might return is November, sources advised ESPN. Three gamers — Carl Nassib, Shaquil Barrett and Noah Spence — will largely be accountable for filling the void left by the primary Bucs participant to report double-digit sacks in 12 seasons. Whereas Nassib is likely to be the apparent selection right here due to his 6.5 sacks final season, Spence and Barrett are actually intriguing names to observe. Learn Extra.
What has to occur for the Titans to make a playoff push?
They should get extra explosive on offense. They solely had six performs of 40 yards or extra final season. Opposing defenses are going gear as much as cease Derrick Henry and the dashing assault early within the season. The Titans have to finish some deep passes to maintain defenses trustworthy. That may assist result in some early wins. Getting off to a robust begin when the schedule is hard to open the season will assist put the Titans within the driver’s seat for making a push to the playoffs within the again half of the schedule. Learn Extra.
What’s going to it take for coach Jay Gruden to maintain his job?
The group hasn’t issued a “playoffs-or-out” demand on Gruden. However after three straight non-playoff seasons and just one postseason look in his first 5 years (with no wins), it must be apparent. Nonetheless, the nuance comes on this: What in the event that they go Eight-Eight or 7-9 however end robust and rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins develops? Do you continue to fireplace Gruden? (The problems in Washington are removed from his alone.) Wanting that, it must be playoffs or achieved. Learn Extra.