From 90 to 53. For a permanent or rotational position, there are many candidates, for few elected. Because competition means emulation, apart from a few executives, NFL staff all experience battles during training camps.
Atlanta Falcons: Running Back
On the starting line: Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson, Bijan Robinson
Despite his great 2022 rookie season at more than 1,000 yards, Tyler Allgeier sees his rise threatened by the selection in the 1st round of Bijan Robinson.
We’re going to have a hard time understanding if the rookie doesn’t take the majority of snaps behind the quarterback. Unless Arthur Smith has a plan with him to use him more as a receiver than a runner, and thus make room for Allgeier for plays that require running.
Cordarrelle Patterson can still bring his experience, but should be more useful as a kick returner. Youth and speed should be the priorities of a struggling ground game for many years at the Falcons.
Prediction (hierarchy): Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Cordarrelle Patterson
Also: Quarterback, Pass Rusher
Carolina Panthers: Receiver
On the starting line: DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Laviska Shenault Jr., Adam Thielen
Who will become Bryce Young’s new best friend at receiver? DJ Moore gone, it will therefore be necessary to find this receiver who will be able to unlock difficult situations for the former Alabama.
The receiving squad has been revised as a whole.
Author of a good season in 2022, Terrace Marshall Jr. will have to be more regular. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark have the experience factor going for them. The first is at the end of his career, but remains a reliable target (6 touchdowns in 2022). The second still can’t find his level of 2019. Since his great rookie season, Laviska Shenault Jr. has never confirmed, and should only be a rotation player.
Drafted in the 2nd round in 2023, Jonathan Mingo is the big odds of this training camp for this position. If he shows himself thanks to his physical and athletic qualities, he has a chance to start, and to be a good complement to Thielen and Marshall Jr.
Prediction (hierarchy): Adam Thielen, Terrace Marshall Jr., Jonathan Mingo, DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault Jr.
Also: Safety, Quarterback
New Orleans Saints: Cornerback
On the starting line: Paulson Adebo, Bradley Roby, Alontae Taylor
Who will start opposite Marshon Lattimore as the No. 2 cornerback? Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor start with an advantage over Bradley Roby. The 2 have similar qualities, in addition to the same physique.
Alontae Taylor has the advantage of having had snaps in place of nickel cornerback. His qualities could be better exploited in a position in the slot. Adebo had a disappointing 2022 season after a productive 2021 season (2 steals). He has the advantage of having an additional year of experience, and of knowing the position better. What is certain is that this confrontation delights Dennis Allen:
“Both are fully capable of starting and playing at a high level, but we’ll see how this battle unfolds. »
Prediction (hierarchy): Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo, Bradley Roby
Also: Tight End, Edge Rusher
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Quarterback
On the starting line: Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
Who will succeed Tom Brady? After retiring, the future Hall of Famer leaves the place vacant for the most important position in this sport. This season, we do not expect much from this position on the Tampa side. However, we will have to name a holder.
Baker Mayfield signed for 1 year but his career so far resembles that of a journeyman (technically competent but unable to excel). He leaves with the experience of having already been number 1 quarterback, but he has never been unanimous.
Already in his 3rd year, Kyle Trask was overtaken by Blaine Gabbert last year for the number 2 quarterback spot. The former Florida player has been struggling since joining the NFL. Still, learning from Tom Brady should help him develop better.
The competition will rage between two quarterbacks with two different career goals: raise it for Mayfield, throw it for Trask.
Prediction (hierarchy): Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
Also: Running back, Right tackle
