From 90 to 53. For a starting or rotation position, many candidates are there, for few chosen. Because competition means emulation, except for a few executives, NFL teams all experience battles during training camps. Today, the NFC East division.
Dallas Cowboys: Center
On the starting line: Cooper Beebe, Brock Hoffman
Historically, Dallas has been a stronghold on the offensive line. But the last two seasons have seen a major shift that will have to be absorbed. While Tyron Smith's departure was anticipated, Tyler Biadasz's departure to Washington leaves a void in the middle of the line.
And the least we can say is that the two candidates do not offer sufficient guarantees to designate a favorite. Brock Hoffman is the first candidate, he who joined the Cowboys in 2022 without being drafted. Slowly but surely, he made his place in the squad and even played 222 snaps in 2023.
While he didn't concede any sacks, he did often lose his duel, particularly in the running game where his impotence sometimes seemed irremediable. Does he have enough room for improvement to become a starter in the NFL? That's still a question.
The other candidate is a rookie, the experienced Cooper Beebe. A true star at Kansas State, Beebe is a specialist in the running game who has made great progress in 2023 for the pass. A guard by training, tackle when necessary, he could need some time to adapt to a new position, even if guard and center have things in common.
So it's basically two choices without any assurance, even if one player seems to have more potential than the other.
Prediction: Cooper Beebe
Also: Linebacker, Running Back, Safety
Washington Commanders: Left Tackle
On the starting line: Cornelius Lucas, Brandon Coleman
When a new star quarterback arrives on a team, he needs to be protected. The left tackle position is obviously the most important and the duel is open.
Cornelius Lucas is the most experienced profile, with more than 40 games as a starter and several years of experience. If he is structurally limited in the running game, he is much more comfortable in the passing game. Rather reassuring to protect a quarterback.
The other candidate is TCU's versatile player Brandon Coleman. While technically raw, he has some physical ability that makes him an intriguing prospect. Again, the question is: is it better to go for raw talent or the most reassuring player? In Washington's case, the risk is great, especially when your quarterback is a rookie.
Prediction: Cornelius Lucas
Also: Receiver, Cornerback, Safety
New York Giants: Right Tackle
On the starting line: Evan Neal, Jermaine Eluemenor
While the Giants' 2023 season overall was not a success, the offensive line specifically was a real disaster. While Andrew Thomas is a monster at left tackle when he is healthy, the rest of the line remains a work in progress. The most critical position being right tackle.
When Evan Neal was drafted with the 7e 2022 draft pick, the goal was to make him the undisputed starter for the position. The experience is very unconvincing at the moment. Absolutely catastrophic, he will have to either demonstrate crazy progress before the season, or consider trying his luck at guard, without this being a guarantee of success.
The other candidate is an outside recruit, Jermaine Eluemenor. The former Raider has been slow to develop, but he has become a solid starter in the NFL. While his development potential is limited, he remains a less risky option in the short term.
In this quagmire that is the Giants' line, it should be noted that the loser of this duel will be able to fight for a guard spot no matter what, proof that the task is immense.
Prediction: Jermaine Eluemenor
Also: Guard, Safety, Running Back
Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback
On the starting line: James Bradberry, Kelee Ringo, Quinyon Mitchell
On paper, the Eagles are paying two starting-level cornerbacks in Darius Slay and James Bradberry. The problem is that neither player has played at the level they did last year.
If Slay isn't threatened (for now), James Bradberry has two big competitors: Kelee Ringo and Quinyon Mitchell. He could have had three with Cooper Dejean, but he seems destined in his rookie year to play in the slot.
Kelee Ringo is a 4e round of the 2023 draft, expected higher but who fell in particular because of a lack of consistency and a football IQ not always there. During his first season, he showed good things against the run, helped by his solid physique. On the pass, he showed real progress and seems praised for his work.
Quinyon Mitchell is a first-round rookie from Toledo. And let's say it right away: in most franchises he would be the starter. But the Eagles have a huge tendency to be patient with rookies, or even not play them (Jalen Carter being the exception these last 5 years). If he has all the qualities of the modern cornerback, this patience is not necessarily a bad thing as Toledo's march towards the NFL is high.
The James Bradberry enigma remains. Fantastic in 2020 and 2022, ghostly in 2021 and 2023, we don't know which player will come on the field.
Prediction: Kelee Ringo
Also: Guard/Center, Linebacker, Safety
