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.
Denver Broncos: Receiver
On the starting line: Marquez Callaway, Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Mims Jr., Tim Patrick, Courtland Sutton
In addition to straightening Russell Wilson, Sean Payton has another goal: to find a reliable No. 1 receiver. For this purpose, the front office of the Broncos decided to give themselves the means, or rack their brains.
By selecting a receiver with their first choice of the 2023 NFL Draft, Sean Payton therefore does not seem satisfied with the main targets he has before the event.
Revelation in 2019, Courtland Sutton has never confirmed this impression and seems to be stagnating. Irregular, Jerry Jeudy had 3 different offensive coordinators. Difficult to progress in these conditions despite a 2022 season where he approached 1000 yards (972). Tim Patrick did not play last season.
All these misfortunes and irregularities could therefore benefit rookie Marvin Mims Jr. and Marquez Callaway, whom Sean Payton knows well for having had him under his orders at the Saints. The rookie is the player to follow during this camp. His small profile combined with his speed has the advantage of being totally different from Denver receivers.
Prediction (hierarchy): Jerry Jeudy, Marvin Mims Jr., Courtland Sutton, Marquez Callaway, Tim Patrick
Also: linebacker, center
Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Rusher
On the starting line: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu
In 2022, George Karlaftis was a big help for Chris Jones when it came to sacking the quarterback. Author of 6 sacks, and effective in putting pressure (10.4%), he should hold one of the 2 edge rusher positions.
On the other hand, for the 2nd, Frank Clark gone, there will be a place to take to replace him. Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna are the same age and experience. Mike Danna has the advantage of knowing Steve Spagnuolo’s systems well, but has never been an indisputable starter.
Charles Omenihu shone in the 49ers rotation behind Nick Bosa, but will have to learn a new system. His athleticism and power should suit Spagnuolo, who should use him in several schemes.
Big odds is Kansas State rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Pure pass rusher, he recorded 9 sacks in 2022 in university. If he improves in the running game and gains speed, he can impose himself quickly and thus follow Karlaftis’ trajectory.
Prediction (hierarchy): Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Mike Danna
Also: receiver, defensive tackle
Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback
On the starting line: Brian Hoyer, Aidan O’Connell
Jimmy Garoppolo has signed a big deal to become the Raiders’ new starting quarterback. But, there is a possibility that the latter may not be able to honor his commitments.
In the event of injury during the season or non-approval of Jimmy Garoppolo’s contract, who will take over to throw the ball to receivers like Davantae Adams or Hunter Renfrow?
Brian Hoyer leaves with the advantage of knowing the offensive system of Josh McDaniels since he knew the Patriots. But, two problems: he is at an advanced age (37) and he has only played 7 games in the last 3 seasons.
And there’s 24-year-old rookie Aidan O’Connell. The Purdue alum had a convincing 2022 season with 22 touchdown passes thrown. His average game reading and imprecision can harm him (13 interceptions).
Everything will depend on the health of Jimmy Garoppolo. If a place of understudy is to be taken, Brian Hoyer has the advantage of bringing his experience and his complicity. If it’s a starting spot, Aidan O’Connell could be thrown into the deep end. This will depend on his ability to quickly assimilate the attacking patterns of his new coach.
In any case, if this scenario occurs, it will be hard for the Raiders not to try their rookie for the whole of next season.
Prediction (hierarchy): Aidan O’Connell, Brian Hoyer
Also: tight end, interior offensive line
Los Angeles Chargers: Receiver
On the starting line: Derius Davis, Jalen Guyton, Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer
It’s almost an anomaly to see the Chargers only 13th in NFL attacking standings with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Two totally different profiles, but which are starting to reach their ceiling. The former missed ten games in 2022, settling for just 4 touchdowns.
The second had left to make a new big season. But he was injured just before the big deadlines. The Chargers must solve this problem to give their quarterback other targets.
The solution can be provided in several stages: the first was made with the arrival of Kellen Moore, new offensive coordinator, from the Cowboys.
The second step will be brought during training camps, where Justin Herbert will have to find other targets than Allen and Williams.
Joshua Palmer had a decent season in 2022 with 769 yards and 3 touchdowns. Its potential is yet to be proven, but it is on the right path. It’s the opposite for Jalen Guyton. His close threat/deep threat profile may be of interest to Kellen Moore. But first you will have to recover from a ruptured cruciate ligament.
Then it will be necessary to turn to the 2 rookies from TCU. Quentin Johnston had a monstrous season in 2022 and was selected in the 1st round. He is more athletic than Mike Williams, but he has the same faults as the latter (hands, separation). Despite this, Justin Herbert has already dubbed him.
” It’s a playmaker. He’s going to make a lot of games for us. He did a good job when it came to being the central point of attack. He is young, but he has something special. It’s fun to watch him play. »
Derius Davis presents a gimmicky profile that could diversify the Chargers’ offensive schemes. The problem is that Moore doesn’t use this kind of schema very much in motion. So he could just use Davis as a deep threat to Herbert’s big arm.
Prediction (hierarchy): Joshua Palmer, Quantin Johnston, Derius Davis, Jalen Guyton
Also: kicker, right guard, cornerback
