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 North division.
Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback
On the starting line: Sam Darnold, JJ McCarthy
Arriving during the free agency period on a one-year contract, Sam Darnold knew that a rookie quarterback would be selected very high. However, during the first practices, Sam Darnold would have impressed the Vikings staff. Despite his selection in the first round, JJ McCarthy will therefore have to be patient.
“Yeah, I would say Sam would be the guy I would look at based on the spring training he's had, and really seeing where he's at in his career,” Kevin O'Connell told ESPN in June.
The Vikings' plan is simple: keep JJ McCarthy, a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, warm until better comes. The rookie knows he must first improve, before facing Sam Darnold for the starting job. In addition to the former Jets, the former Michigan player will have Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall as competitors for the backup job.
While we wait to see him play (maybe) during the season, Sam Darnold has a good chance of having the starting spot in Week 1.
Prediction: Sam Darnold
Also: cornerback, defensive tackle
Detroit Lions: Linebacker
On the starting line: Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes
Who will start alongside Alex Anzalone at middle linebacker? Aaron Glenn needs to find his future defensive brain. He has two players who posted nearly the same numbers last year.
Derrick Barnes will play his fourth year. The former big tackle at Purdue University became a starter last season, posting 81 tackles. Highly watched since his first-round selection in 2023, Jack Campbell has gradually taken over the starting role after Brian Branch's injury. The linebacker posted 95 tackles and 2 sacks last season.
In any case, Dan Campbell will be spoiled for choice. But, after strengthening the second curtain during the offseason, it would be a shame to hesitate on the identity of the second linebacker. Derrick Barnes has very interesting skills against the run, but still has some flaws in coverage. Everything will therefore depend on Jack Campbell's production during these camps. If the latter shows all the potential seen during the Draft, he should logically become the starter.
Prediction: Jack Campbell
Also: kicker, number 2 quarterback
Green Bay Packers: Cornerback
On the starting line: Eric Stokes, Carrington Vallentine
On one side, we have Jaime Alexander, an undisputed starter despite an average season in 2023. But, for a few years, Green Bay has had trouble identifying its 2nd cornerback. They may have found it last year with Carrington Valentine.
The former Kentucky player had an amazing season with 9 passes defended and a fumble recovery. Enough to question Eric Stokes' position on the roster? Maybe. The 25-year-old has only played 12 games over the last 2 seasons, and therefore has a fragile reputation with the Packers' staff.
The consequence is logical. Selected in the 1st round, Eric Stokes did not see his 5th year activated. He will therefore have to work hard if he wants to continue his NFL career, and avoid injuries. Despite his good season, Carrington Valentine will start the 2024 season at the same level as Eric Stokes since the Packers hired a new defensive coordinator during the offseason. If the former University of Georgia player has experience on his side, Valentine has arguments, but he will have to show aggression, and consistency according to his new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley if he wants to have a starting spot.
Prediction: Eric Stokes
Also: right guard, linebacker
Chicago Bears: Center
On the starting line: Ryan Bates, Coleman Shelton
Versatility or specialist? In any case, the starting center position is open on the Bears side to protect their future rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. An urgent need to find a starter after the failed experiments of Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick.
Ryan Bates has just arrived from the Bills. General manager Ryan Poles tried to bring him in 2 years ago, without success. With his arrival, he will bring his experience to an offensive line that badly needs it.
His main competitor is also a player who arrived during the offseason. After 5 seasons with the Rams, Coleman Shelton arrives for 1 year, and started 17 games as a starter last year. A player who is also experienced, and has already won a Super Bowl as a starter.
Ryan Bates has the advantage of being versatile. He could switch to guard, while Shelton would take the center spot. The problem is that the players occupying the guard position are veterans, with Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis. Shelton has only played at that position since the beginning of his professional career, and could take advantage of his connection with new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, formerly the offensive coordinator of the … Rams, to beat him in camp.
Prediction: Ryan Bates
Also: Running back number 2, pass rusher
