The shock offseason standout for all 32 groups
The NFL is formally on trip and which means faculty’s out for summer season. Pencils down, we have discovered all we are able to from organized staff actions and necessary minicamps, which got here to an finish this week. We can’t get one other stay have a look at groups till coaching camps open across the league on the finish of July.
We have heard a lot from large names comparable to Odell Beckham Jr. and Tom Brady, however what concerning the less-heralded gamers?
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to select a shock standout from every of the 32 groups and here is what they mentioned:
JUMP TO A TEAM:
AFC East: BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
AFC North: BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
AFC South: HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
AFC West: DEN | KC | LAC | OAK
NFC East: DAL | NYG | PHI | WSH
NFC North: CHI | DET | GB | MIN
NFC South: ATL | CAR | NO | TB
NFC West: ARI | LAR | SF | SEA
AFC EAST
CB Kevin Johnson
The No. 16 total decide in 2015 was a disappointment in Houston, lacking 29 video games due to damage over his closing three seasons (2016-18). The Payments signed him to a one-year, $three million deal in March. He has participated in OTAs with the second-team protection however is predicted to compete with Levi Wallace and E.J. Gaines for a beginning function. Johnson had an interception in an OTA open to reporters and has impressed coach Sean McDermott. “He is gotten his fingers on some footballs this spring so far, which is vital for us by way of taking the ball away,” McDermott mentioned. — Mike Rodak
WR DeVante Parker
He has frequently appeared just like the Dolphins’ finest offensive participant this spring, making spotlight grabs alongside the sideline and persistently being a menace within the purple zone and in the midst of the sector. This is not the primary time Parker has opened eyes within the spring (solely to disappoint within the fall), however it’s a superb signal after how dangerous 2018 went for him. In a shock, the Dolphins introduced again Parker this offseason on a one-year take care of hopes contemporary begin below a brand new teaching employees and a brand new quarterback (proper now, Ryan Fitzpatrick) that appears to understand him extra will assist. He may have an opportunity to earn a beginning function in 2019 alongside Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson (when wholesome) if he retains up this play. He is additionally being pushed by promising undrafted free agent Preston Williams, who has flashed all through the spring. — Cameron Wolfe
Atone for the draft:
• Choose-by-pick evaluation »
• Kiper’s grades » | McShay’s finest picks »
• Workforce-by-team evaluation » | Takeaways »
Atone for free company:
• Largest affect strikes for all 32 groups »
• Winners and losers of free company »
• Barnwell: Grades » | Classes from FA »
Extra on the draft » | Extra on FA »
LB Jamie Collins
Signed to a modest one-year deal in Could, Collins flashed velocity and playmaking capacity on protection whereas being inserted right into a high spot on the punt-protection unit. The preliminary projection was that Collins would add depth on protection and probably need to combat for a roster spot primarily based on the best way his first stint in New England resulted in 2016, however now he appears to be like as if he shall be a key cog alongside returning off-the-line linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Elandon Roberts. — Mike Reiss
TE Daniel Brown
Often known as a blocking tight finish and special-teams participant, Brown has impressed together with his capacity as a receiver. Nobody anticipated a lot from him within the passing sport as a result of he performed solely 23 offensive snaps final season with the Bears (221 on particular groups), however he has displayed extra downfield velocity than anticipated. That is vital to notice as a result of beginning tight finish Chris Herndon is going through the probability of a two-game suspension for pleading responsible in January to driving whereas intoxicated. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
S DeShon Elliott
The 2018 sixth-round decide made the play of the offseason when he raced almost midway throughout the sector to make a diving interception after which added one other decide throughout necessary minicamp. Baltimore has a loaded secondary, however it appears to be like as if the Ravens are going to want to discover a strategy to get Elliott on the sector this season. After lacking all of final season due to a fractured forearm, he has proven a knack for being across the ball. “He will make a mark,” coach John Harbaugh mentioned. — Jamison Hensley
CB B.W. Webb
Webb was presumed to take over Darqueze Dennard’s slot nook spot when Dennard remained unsigned earlier within the offseason, then appeared to return to the No. 2 spot as soon as Dennard’s deal was carried out. Now that is not fairly so clear. Dennard has been sidelined from apply throughout OTAs and the primary a part of minicamp, and coach Zac Taylor particularly identified Webb as one of many offseason standouts thus far. This might come right down to a contest for the beginning spot throughout coaching camp. — Katherine Terrell
1:09
Josina Anderson particulars Duke Johnson Jr.’s frustrations with the Browns crowded backfield and the way he nonetheless wishes a commerce out of Cleveland.
RB Dontrell Hilliard
With Duke Johnson Jr. nonetheless asking to be traded, Hilliard has made essentially the most of his alternatives at working again this offseason behind Nick Chubb. Hilliard’s functionality out of the backfield as a receiver and within the return sport might translate right into a pivotal function for the previous undrafted free agent, particularly till Kareem Hunt returns from suspension. — Jake Trotter
RB Trey Edmunds
The Steelers’ tailback room is full with James Conner, Jaylen Samuels and draft decide Benny Snell Jr., however Edmunds has been exhausting to overlook throughout offseason work. He received a number of drills towards linebackers within the open area and appears comfy within the system as a two-year NFL veteran who additionally has performed for New Orleans. The massive brother of Steelers security Terrell Edmunds shall be tough to chop. Different candidates are rookie receiver Diontae Johnson — quarterback Mason Rudolph says Johnson has caught each ball Rudolph has thrown — former CFL star receiver Diontae Spencer and maligned cornerback Artie Burns. — Jeremy Fowler
AFC SOUTH
RB D’Onta Foreman
The 2017 third-round decide had a disappointing 2018 season after lacking the vast majority of it whereas rehabbing an Achilles damage. Foreman mentioned after final yr that he feels as if he is “principally beginning throughout” and “coming in with one thing to show to everyone.” The teaching employees advised Foreman to “have an awesome offseason,” and coach Invoice O’Brien mentioned he thought the working again did simply that. “I feel he is had a very good time away from us,” O’Brien mentioned, “and that has parlayed into a superb spring.” — Sarah Barshop
TE Mo Alie-Cox
The previous school basketball participant at VCU has taken benefit of Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle, the staff’s high two tight ends, being out or restricted this offseason whereas rehabbing accidents. Alie-Cox, who arguably had the catch of the yr at Oakland final season, has made himself the front-runner because the staff’s third tight finish subsequent season. He had seven receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns in 2018. “I actually suppose he’s actually beginning to develop as a route runner,” coach Frank Reich mentioned. “I imply we all know he has obtained good fingers, however final yr I assumed he struggled a bit of bit in his route working and he was simply very common. I’ve already seen … some actually key indicators to me. I imply, very tangible indicators that he can grow to be an excellent route runner as nicely. He’s so lengthy and massive and so they do not need to sort out him.” — Mike Wells
1 Associated
WR Chris Conley
He would possibly become among the finest under-the-radar free-agent signings this yr. Signing QB Nick Foles was clearly large, however the Jaguars added Conley three days later and he has been the perfect receiver throughout OTAs and minicamp. He has beforehand been teammates with Foles, who made a short cease in Kansas Metropolis, and Foles may be very comfy with Conley. The Jaguars do not have a transparent No. 1 receiver, however with Marqise Lee not anticipated to return from a knee damage till a number of weeks into coaching camp it might be Conley. — Mike DiRocco
WR Tajae Sharpe
Sharpe welcomes the competitors from free agent Adam Humphries and second-round decide A.J. Brown. He continues to exhibit exact route-running expertise, resulting in frequent targets from Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill. Sharpe has hauled in just about every little thing thrown his method. The fifth-year veteran stood out particularly in purple zone 7-on-7 intervals. Sharpe figures to be within the combine for the No. three wideout spot and is displaying his versatility by lining up in a number of WR spots. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
TE Troy Fumagalli
“Shock” won’t be the perfect phrase, however Fumagalli, a second-year participant who spent final season on injured reserve whereas recovering from sports activities hernia surgical procedure, has definitely waited for his likelihood. He was a fifth-round decide by the Broncos within the 2018 draft and is one in every of 4 tight ends the staff has chosen within the final 5 drafts mixed, together with Noah Fant with the staff’s No. 1 decide this yr. It figures to be a hotly-contested place in coaching camp. Fumagalli persistently made performs in OTAs and minicamp, displaying two-way blocker/receiver potential. The Broncos determine to make use of their share of two-tight-end units of their new-look offense, so there’s room for a number of to have a task within the offense, and Fumagalli has given the brand new teaching employees a top quality glimpse of his potential. — Jeff Legwold
WR Byron Pringle
He was on the verge of constructing the staff final yr as an undrafted rookie earlier than an damage within the closing preseason sport ended his season. Pringle continued to make performs after returning this offseason. The truth that he performed nicely at camp and within the preseason final yr is a sign Pringle is not simply an offseason phenomenon however certainly has endurance. — Adam Teicher
CB Trevor Williams
Hampered by a nagging knee damage, the Penn State product misplaced his beginning job to Michael Davis final season after beginning 15 video games in 2017. Now wholesome, Williams is shifting like his previous self and is battling Davis to win his beginning job again. “He is earned that chance,” Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley mentioned. “It’s going to be an awesome, aggressive scenario come coaching camp.” Williams’ reemergence is a vital growth for the Chargers, who want to construct extra depth within the secondary. — Eric D. Williams
1:57
Stephen A. Smith is all in on the Raiders being featured on HBO’s ‘Exhausting Knocks,’ saying proprietor Mark Davis “lastly did one thing proper!”
TE Darren Waller
He joined the Raiders as a late-November signee after serving a pair of NFL-mandated suspensions with the Ravens, lacking 4 video games in 2016 and the complete 2017 season, for violating the league’s substance abuse coverage. And after Oakland allowed Jared Cook dinner to depart in free company, Waller finds himself as Oakland’s TE1. The 6-foot-6, 255-pounder with all of 18 profession catches for 178 yards and two TDs has carried out greater than flash within the offseason program with a number of sideline grabs in addition to catches in visitors. Waller mentioned “staying clear” was his No. 1 goal this offseason. “I really feel like individuals have at all times had religion in me, however it was like I did not actually think about myself,” he mentioned. “… Now it is like I get up and I am doing what I am purported to be doing in my life and representing my household in a constructive method.” — Paul Gutierrez
NFC EAST
Randall Cobb leads a listing of eye-opening performances from under-the-radar gamers this offseason. Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports activities
WR Randall Cobb
Usually a participant with Cobb’s résumé — 470 catches for five,524 yards and 41 touchdowns throughout his profession — wouldn’t be thought-about for a class like this. However accidents restricted him to solely 9 video games and 38 catches for Inexperienced Bay in 2018, and it was exhausting to know what the Cowboys had been getting within the veteran receiver. If the offseason work is any indication, they’ve discovered a substitute for Cole Beasley. Cobb’s versatility can broaden the offense for others, comparable to Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. Cobb appeared fast out and in of his breaks and quick sufficient to make performs down the sector. Will he put up the 1,287 yards he had in 2014? No, however he provides Dak Prescott a safety blanket within the slot who can flip a small acquire into a giant one. — Todd Archer
WR Darius Slayton
The fifth-round decide’s first impression was downright scary. He had the yips on the primary day of rookie minicamp, dropping 5 passes. However he did greater than bounce again. He impressed vastly, particularly together with his capacity to get open and make performs downfield. It appeared as if Slayton was catching a deep ball day by day when training with the veterans. It prompted coach Pat Shurmur to name Slayton the “most improved” participant he noticed this spring. Slayton has an opportunity to make an affect this season. The Giants are in search of a down-the-field menace to enrich Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate. — Jordan Raanan
WR Marken Michel
The brother of Patriots RB Sony Michel, Marken, a former CFL participant, has managed to snag some highlight in a talent-rich atmosphere by developing with a handful of spectacular downfield catches. He has gotten some work with the primary staff and has had fairly good chemistry with quarterback Carson Wentz. It’s going to be an uphill climb for Michel with the likes of DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor and JJ Arcega-Whiteside main a deep receivers group, however he is placing his finest foot ahead heading into coaching camp. — Tim McManus
CB Jimmy Moreland
Moreland intercepted 5 passes throughout spring exercises, a outcome that stems from his instincts and realizing the place to be and when. Moreland, a seventh-round decide in April, shall be a participant to observe this summer season as a slot nook. He is fast and hard however should present he can deal with all of the tasks within the slot — together with enjoying the run. There’s so much to be taught. For now he is somebody who ought to make the roster and will develop right into a strong starter in some unspecified time in the future. However for a late-round decide from a smaller faculty (James Madison), he is off to a terrific begin. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
At 6-foot-7 and 312 kilos, Bears tight finish Bradley Sowell ought to give defenders a lot to deal with. Joe Robbins/Getty Pictures
TE Bradley Sowell
Previously an offensive sort out, Sowell transformed to tight finish within the offseason to enhance the Bears’ depth. Regardless of being listed at 6-foot-7, 312 kilos, Sowell is a reasonably agile route runner with above-average fingers. Sowell caught a 2-yard landing final yr on a trick play, however the large man is predicted to be utilized rather more in 2019. This isn’t a gimmick. Sowell is a reliable contender for enjoying time on offense. — Jeff Dickerson
WR Chris Lacy
The Lions have a gap at huge receiver — or not less than had a much bigger one earlier than signing Jermaine Kearse final week — and Lacy appeared to make performs nearly each apply throughout the open spring exercises. It is perhaps a tricky strategy to a roster spot for the second-year professional out of Oklahoma State, however he has a measurement/velocity part that the majority of Detroit’s receivers do not. He beat the Lions’ secondary a number of occasions on deep passes. Detroit is aware of its beginning receiver group — Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola — however Lacy might find yourself discovering his method onto the roster as a depth receiver. — Michael Rothstein
• Watch: Andrew Luck
• Watch: Deshaun Watson
• Watch: Philip Rivers
• Watch: Baker Mayfield
• Watch: Patrick Mahomes
• Watch: Matthew Stafford
• Watch: Josh Rosen
WRs Jake Kumerow and Marquez Valdes-Scantling
OK, that is two, however it’s exhausting to distinguish between them. Not once you see Kumerow with landing after landing from Aaron Rodgers, and Valdes-Scantling shortly climbing the depth chart into the highest three. It has helped that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst did not add a receiver in free company — the place he misplaced slot man Randall Cobb — or through the draft. Most vital for Kumerow is that he has earned the belief of Rodgers, who not too long ago listed off all of the issues he likes about Kumerow after which added, “Clearly, I am a giant fan of him. I might hold going.” And of Valdes-Scantling, Rodgers mentioned: “MVS is enjoying so much nearer to his 40 time velocity, which is saying so much as a result of he is fairly damned quick.” — Rob Demovsky
WR Chad Beebe
All aboard the Chad Beebe specific. Beebe’s “Little Engine That May” story — from profitable a spot with the Vikings through a rookie tryout to being elevated to the 53-man roster halfway by the 2018 season — is inspiring. He has gone from an unknown participant — generally referred to easily as “Don Beebe’s son” — to a doable front-runner for the Vikings’ No. three receiver place. “I feel he is confirmed, he is performed in some video games and then you definately see him out right here making some performs,” offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski mentioned. “I feel he is making a reputation for himself and I feel he is doing a pleasant job.” If Beebe can keep wholesome and string collectively a handful of excellent preseason performances, he would possibly be capable to carve out a task for himself in an offense that desires to unfold the ball round. — Courtney Cronin
NFC SOUTH
WR Russell Gage
The second-year huge receiver has acquired extra apply reps on the X receiver spot this offseason with Julio Jones (foot) observing. Gage, a possible special-teams ace, appears to be like comfy working routes and has proven good focus on catches. “He can play multiple spot,” coach Dan Quinn mentioned. “He can now add into a few of these roles as Julio’s backup. He can play X and inside. He is obtained motion for a slot. … As soon as you possibly can be taught multiple place, clearly the extra opps you possibly can [get] to go play.” — Vaughn McClure
WR Curtis Samuel
Accidents have slowed him his first two seasons out of Ohio State, and the arrival of 2018 first-round decide DJ Moore has made Samuel an afterthought among the many receivers. To not point out he performs a whole lot of slot, the place Christian McCaffrey typically traces up. However Samuel is wholesome, making strikes and catches in apply that even he says he could not have a yr in the past. Now, because the No. 2 receiver, he has a strong likelihood to high the 54 catches he has mixed for in his first two seasons. — David Newton
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
The rookie fourth-round decide has made a rapid impression this spring. Not solely has he made a couple of flash performs in each rookie camp and OTAs, however the Saints clearly like his versatility as each a security and slot nook within the nickel. The 5-foot-11, 210-pounder from Florida has blended in at occasions with the first-string nickel protection — and coach Sean Payton talked about him as being in that blend for enjoying time with veteran nickel backs comparable to Patrick Robinson and P.J. Williams. — Mike Triplett
• Shock offseason standout for all 32 groups
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• Gurley stays greatest query for Rams
• Lamar Jackson: ‘A star within the making’
• Daniel Jones impresses, Eli nonetheless No. 1
Bucs rookie DBs
The Bucs used a second-round draft decide on cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting and third-round picks on cornerback Jamel Dean and security Mike Edwards, and all three gamers have notched interceptions towards first-teamers in exercises. These three are dealing with the transition from school to the professionals very nicely. “I do not give a s— in the event that they’re rookies, these guys can play. They’re getting their fingers on a whole lot of balls. They’re doing issues that veterans do, as a result of they hear and so they’re sensible,” coach Bruce Arians mentioned. The staff really feels that cornerback is now a place of depth, which it has not had in a really very long time. “I do not fear about our younger corners,” Arians mentioned. “Someone requested me about Julio Jones — nicely, they need to cowl Mike Evans day by day. That is a reasonably good cost. If they will cowl him a bit of bit, we’ll be OK.” — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
WR Kevin White
The seventh total decide within the 2015 NFL draft has been trying extra just like the receiver that Kliff Kingsbury coached towards within the Large 12 than the one who has performed in solely 14 video games over 4 professional seasons. White has been given an opportunity by Kingsbury to resurrect a disappointing profession and is profiting from it in a crowded huge receiver room. He has a lot to show and has began the method of doing simply that by OTAs and minicamp. “He is large, quick, you possibly can see all of the attributes that made him a top-10 decide,” Kingsbury mentioned. “[He] had some unlucky accidents there in Chicago and [he’s] making an attempt to type of reestablish himself. [This is] actually type of like his rookie yr.”– Josh Weinfuss
TE Gerald Everett
A second-round decide in 2017, Everett has had a couple of standout moments in his younger profession, together with a 39-yard catch within the NFC Championship Recreation, however he has not been persistently referred to as upon in coach Sean McVay’s offense. Via the offseason program, Everett was a transparent standout as a goal for quarterback Jared Goff. “The sport is slowing down for him,” McVay mentioned. “He is simply persevering with to progress and take steps.” Everett will compete in a gaggle that additionally consists of fourth-year tight finish Tyler Higbee. — Lindsey Thiry
WR Trent Taylor
Perhaps it should not be considered a shock contemplating the success Taylor had with QB Jimmy Garoppolo on the finish of 2017, when he caught 17 of the ultimate 20 passes thrown his method. However a again damage slowed Taylor in 2018 and his manufacturing was reduce in half. Now he is one other yr faraway from the again concern and appears wholesome, however he faces extra competitors for the slot receiver job. With new receivers coach Wes Welker displaying him the ropes, do not be shocked if Taylor regains his rookie kind and takes a step ahead into an expanded function in 2019. — Nick Wagoner
LB Cody Barton
The rookie third-round decide from Utah has benefited from Bobby Wagner’s contract scenario. Wagner has been current for offseason work however is not training, which has allowed Barton to take priceless first-team reps whereas additionally absorbing data from an All-Professional. The guide on Barton is that he has a excessive soccer IQ and he has been displaying it. Veteran Ok.J. Wright mentioned he hasn’t seen rookie linebackers rise up to hurry in Seattle’s protection as shortly as Barton and fifth-round decide Ben Burr-Kirven have. — Brady Henderson