Analysis
8/2/23
18 min read
32 Teams, 32 Players: Intriguing Players for 2023 NFL Training Camp
All 32 NFL teams have officially reported to training camp, and padded practices are underway. Here’s one intriguing player from each team to keep an eye on as things ramp back up around the league:
Training Camp Players to Watch
Arizona Cardinals: LB Kyzir White
New Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon remained relatively inactive during their first free agency. However, they made one notable addition by signing Kyzir White to a two-year, $10 million contract.
White played for Gannon in Philadelphia last season, and he will have a crucial role in the Cardinals’ defense this season. He’ll likely wear the green dot and assume play-calling responsibility. Gannon has high expectations for White's impact beyond his on-field performance. He believes White also will play a crucial role in helping build culture.
Atlanta Falcons: LB Kaden Elliss
A 2019 seventh-round pick, Kaden Elliss was thrust into a starting role last season with the New Orleans Saints and finished with 78 total tackles, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, 10 quarterback hits and seven sacks. The Atlanta Falcons pried him away in free agency on a three-year, $21.5 million contract.
The transition has been seamless for Elliss, thanks to new Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who also moved from New Orleans, where he served as the defensive line coach and co-defensive coordinator.
Elliss can rush the passer and drop back in coverage. Atlanta has high hopes for him, anticipating Elliss as a valuable jack of all trades for their defense. His former teammate, Demario Davis, recognized his talent as the "best-kept secret'' in New Orleans.
Baltimore Ravens: TE Isaiah Likely
Isaiah Likely was a standout during training camp and preseason in his rookie season. He went on to have a decent year, recording 36 receptions for 373 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
It feels as if he’s been lost in the shuffle by the general public after the Baltimore Ravens added WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers, but people shouldn’t count him out as an essential part of the offense.
Likely has continued to build rapport with Lamar Jackson, and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken plans to use two tight-end sets.
"At Georgia, he used a two tight-end offense with (Darnell) Washington and (Brock) Bowers," Likely said last week. "Georgia had great receivers, too. Here, we have great receivers, and you still have Mark (Andrews) and me and Charlie (Kolar) in the offense. Having that many people that can hurt a defense can really do wonders."
Buffalo Bills: LB Tyrel Dodson
The Buffalo Bills lost Tremaine Edmunds to Chicago in free agency, and Tyrel Dodson is the front-runner to replace him in the middle of Buffalo's defense.
A former undrafted free agent, Dodson has spent the past three years with Buffalo and started twice last season when Edmunds was out with an injury. He led the team in tackles in both games.
General manager Brandon Beane reiterated it's impossible to pay everyone in a sport with a salary cap, and keeping Edmunds was not feasible due to the contract he got from Chicago. Dodson will have some big shoes to fill, and he'll need to prove himself throughout training camp.
Carolina Panthers: OT Ikem Ekwonu
Ikem Ekwonu was the first offensive tackle selected in last year's draft, and he improved as his rookie season progressed. He ended up leading the team in offensive snaps, and despite a rotating door at quarterback, he allowed one or zero pressures in nine games.
His emergence as a premier left tackle will be crucial in addressing concerns about Bryce Young's ability to maneuver the pocket because of his slight build.
Chicago Bears: LB T.J. Edwards
Coach Matt Eberflus, a former longtime linebackers coach, oversaw a significant overhaul of the position group after the team traded Roquan Smith last November. The team made two notable free agent additions in T.J. Edwards and Edmunds, who will be tasked with bolstering one of the league's worst defenses from a season ago.
Edwards' versatility in run defense, coverage and pass rush is perfect for what Eberflus seeks in his linebackers.
Cincinnati Bengals: TE Irv Smith Jr.
Irv Smith Jr. signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Cincinnati Bengals after a somewhat average four-year stint in Minnesota. In the Joe Burrow-led offense, he has a clear opportunity to become the top tight end – and here's the most appealing aspect: During the past two offseasons, the Bengals' top tight end has received lucrative contracts in free agency.
C.J. Uzomah secured a three-year, $24 million deal with the Jets in 2022; this offseason, Hayden Hurst signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Panthers. Smith will have a chance to be in that position next offseason.
Cleveland Browns: Edge Za’Darius Smith
The Cleveland Browns have prioritized getting a second top-tier potential pass-rusher alongside Myles Garrett, using the likes of Olivier Vernon and Jadeveon Clowney during the last several years.
However, Clowney was a disappointment last season, and Cleveland now looks to Za'Darius Smith as the answer. Smith is coming off a Pro Bowl season in Minnesota, where he totaled 9.5 sacks, 17 QB hits, 14 tackles for loss and 29 tackles in just the first nine games.
New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will rotate guys in and out, and Smith will be used along with Ogbo Okoronkwo.
Dallas Cowboys: RB Deuce Vaughn
The Dallas Cowboys used a sixth-round pick on the 5-foot-5 Deuce Vaughn. Vaughn has drawn numerous comparisons to former NFL running back Darren Sproles, who also attended Kansas State and shares a similar height at 5- foot-6.
The Cowboys will utilize Tony Pollard more than ever this season with the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, but who gets used behind Pollard will be something to watch. Vaughn could be that sneaky option out of the backfield.
Denver Broncos: TE Greg Dulcich
Greg Dulcich struggled with injuries in his rookie season, missing five games at the beginning of the year and two games at the end. When he was on the field, he showed flashes as a reliable pass-catcher, ranking sixth among tight ends in receiving yards from Weeks 7-13.
The tight end position is vital to new coach Sean Payton's offensive scheme, and Dulcich could be utilized in many different ways.
Detroit Lions: S Kerby Joseph
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has done a great job finding talent in the draft, and Kerby Joseph is another player who seems like a big hit.
The Illinois product played all 17 games in his rookie season, totaling 82 tackles, four interceptions, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. The Lions made some significant additions to the secondary this offseason, but Joseph’s spot is solidified. He is a player who could enter "star" territory in 2023.
Green Bay Packers: WR Samori Toure
The Green Bay Packers' receiver room after Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs is unclear, but Samori Toure is a name to watch throughout camp.
A seventh-round pick last year, Toure gained eight to 10 pounds during the offseason and has been playing faster and more confidently, according to receivers coach Jason Vrable. The Packers did not sign any veteran receivers in free agency, so it will be a complete youth movement in Green Bay at receiver.
Houston Texans: CB Derek Stingley Jr.
Derek Stingley Jr. was the top corner taken in last year's draft, but he got lost in the shuffle after Sauce Gardner and Tariq Woolen had outstanding rookie seasons. Folks in Houston say he looks physically improved, which was evident throughout the spring.
He showed progress at the end of his rookie season, allowing just eight receptions in his final four games, but the Houston Texans want to see him turn into the standout corner he was projected to be. Adding a young defensive-minded head coach in DeMeco Ryans should only help Stingley’s development.
Indianapolis Colts: OT Bernhard Raimann
During the 2022 draft process, some scouts liked Bernhard Raimann, a prospect with starting left tackle potential, but they acknowledged he needed time to develop.
The Indianapolis Colts, however, were forced to put him on the field early, and, as projected, he struggled. He started to settle in as the season went on.
The Colts opted not to sign any veteran competition during free agency, creating an opportunity for Raimann to secure the starting position and become the blindside protector for Anthony Richardson.
Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Tank Bigsby
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Tank Bigsby in the third round, and they expect him to literally live up to his name with his combination of power, size and explosiveness.
Travis Etienne still will be the lead back in Jacksonville, but it wouldn't be a surprise if the Jaguars gave Bigsby reps in certain short-yardage situations. That’s a part of the offense they felt was missing last year.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Justyn Ross
Justyn Ross was regarded as a potential first-round prospect after catching 112 passes for 1,865 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first two years at Clemson. However, doctors diagnosed him with a congenital fusion in his spine in the summer of 2020. He also dealt with stress fractures in his foot in 2021, which put his football future in question.
As a result, he went undrafted last year, and the Kansas City Chiefs decided to scoop him up and stash him on injured reserve as he recovered from his injuries. Ross remained in the building and was around the team last season.
Now fully healthy, Ross has earned considerable praise from Patrick Mahomes, and he has made several highlight catches in minicamp and training camp. The Chiefs have many receiver options on their roster, and Ross is vying for a spot.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Nate Hobbs
Not having a solid secondary is not ideal in a division like the AFC West and a conference like the AFC. The Las Vegas Raiders are banking on third-year cornerback Nate Hobbs, who primarily lined up inside as a rookie but played more on the outside last season.
Hobbs had more success in the slot than he did on the outside, and where he ends up playing will likely be determined in camp.
Los Angeles Chargers: G Zion Johnson
A first-round pick last year, Zion Johnson started all 17 games in his rookie season at right guard. He will switch back to left guard this season, the position he played in college. Johnson will suit up next to Rashawn Slater, who missed most of last season with a biceps injury.
The Boston College product had ups and downs last season, allowing five sacks and seven quarterback hits. The team expects him to settle in at his natural position with the move to left guard.
Los Angeles Rams: WR Demarcus Robinson
The Los Angeles Rams primarily focused on unloading veteran players rather than adding, but they did make one late addition in wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson on a one-year contract.
The Rams' receiving group beyond Cooper Kupp remains a big question mark, and Robinson has shown promise early in training camp as a player who could make an impact in Sean McVay's offense.
Miami Dolphins: S Jevon Holland
The Miami Dolphins hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, and safeties have historically had great success in his scheme.
Dashon Goldson, Donte Whitner, Antoine Bethea, Eric Reid, Eddie Jackson and Justin Simmons all had Pro Bowl seasons under Fangio. His scheme allows safeties to play deep, which plays into what made Holland a Pro Bowler as a rookie.
However, several injuries last season, notably to fellow starting safety Brandon Jones, forced Jevon Holland to play closer to the line of scrimmage. Fangio will move Holland back to where he belongs, and he could be bound for a big season.
Minnesota Vikings: Alexander Mattison
Alexander Mattison re-signed this offseason on a two-year, $7 million contract and is set to be the lead back after the team parted ways with Dalvin Cook. Mattison has filled in for Cook in the past.
In five starts in 2021, Mattison had 107 carries for 451 yards and added 22 receptions for 212 yards with five total touchdowns. This season will be the first time in Mattison's career he'll have the same play caller (Kevin O'Connell) and offensive coordinator (Wes Phillips) for consecutive seasons.
O'Connell confirmed how highly they think of Mattison when he told reporters: "It’s been really good to see Alex take a few more reps and really show that all three-down kinda ownership that he’s been capable of for a long time."
New England Patriots: QB Mac Jones
Mac Jones was put in an unfair position last season, going from having Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator to dealing with a combination of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge.
The New England Patriots hired Bill O’Brien, who previously was with the organization from 2007-11, to be their new offensive coordinator.
As one front office member told me earlier this offseason: “Patricia to O’Brien for Mac Jones will be what Urban Meyer to Doug Pederson was for Trevor Lawrence. It’s that big of a difference.”
New Orleans Saints: WR Rashid Shaheed
A former undrafted free agent, Rashid Shaheed came out of nowhere last year and had 488 receiving yards and three total touchdowns. Shaheed continued to impress throughout the spring and has been working with new quarterback Derek Carr.
The New Orleans Saints are hopeful to have Michael Thomas healthy this season alongside Chris Olave. Add Shaheed and his big-play ability into that mix, and New Orleans has a nice blend of receivers.
New York Giants: TE Darren Waller
Health will be critical, but it seems like the New York Giants have big plans for Darren Waller in Brian Daboll’s offense. General manager Joe Schoen entered the offseason intending to acquire a big-play wide receiver, but the options were somewhat limited.
He shifted his focus to Waller, who is officially a tight end but can contribute in various ways. Financially, Waller is also a less expensive option than what top receivers are currently going for.
“[Waller] has great hands, can run routes like a regular wideout, can run all the routes,’’ safety Xavier McKinney said. “Pretty much he can do everything. Being as big as he is, you don’t see guys that big that can move like that. So, it makes him special. It makes him a tough cover every time.”
It only took a few practices for Daniel Jones to make Waller his top target, and he’s been borderline unstoppable. Waller had a 107-catch, 1,196-yard, nine-touchdown season the last time he had a fully healthy season. The Giants feel like they’ve seen that version of him so far.
New York Jets: WR Jason Brownlee
The New York Jets have a crowded receiver room with Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb.
Jason Brownlee, an undrafted free agent from Southern Miss, has been making a strong case to join that group. Brownlee has stood out early in training camp, consistently making plays and impressing the coaching staff and teammates.
Personnel departments take pride in having players claimed on waivers as it's a sign of roster depth. The Jets have had to make some tough cuts, leading the league with an astounding 11 players claimed off their roster in August of last year. Brownlee will be one player the Jets will have to consider keeping if his impressive play continues.
Philadelphia Eagles: G/C Cam Jurgens
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Cam Jurgens in the second round last year, intending to groom him as Jason Kelce's eventual replacement. However, a year later, Kelce is still with the team, and starting right guard Isaac Seumalo left in free agency, creating a different vacancy on the offensive line.
Jurgens is naturally a center, and some have speculated he may lack the size to play guard. He is considered the front-runner for the position, but Philadelphia won't simply hand it to him. Third-round rookie Tyler Steen will compete with him for the spot.
Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Allen Robinson
The Pittsburgh Steelers saw acquiring Allen Robinson from the Rams as a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. They are utilizing Robinson both inside and out during the early portion of training camp, and he has developed a connection with Kenny Pickett.
Historically, the Steelers have been successful with their receivers, and they hope to replicate that success with Robinson.
San Francisco 49ers: QB Trey Lance
The San Francisco 49ers' quarterback situation is fascinating, and frankly, no one knows what will happen. Brock Purdy has been ahead of schedule in his recovery from elbow surgery, but it will take time for him to regain his rhythm.
Sam Darnold has support from people in the building, and they gave him a contract that could be worth up to $11.5 million if he plays. Fourth-stringer Brandon Allen has received praise from Kyle Shanahan.
Then there's Trey Lance, who was involved in some trade chatter this offseason.
Lance’s play in camp and preseason will be under a microscope because he was a former No. 3 pick, and the 49ers gave up three first-round picks to move up and pick him. There is a sense the 49ers will do whatever is best for the organization, putting draft history and other factors aside.
For Lance, putting together a solid month of consistent play to showcase his abilities and potential will be crucial. Remember: The last time Lance started and played two full games in a row was in 2019.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Michael Jackson Sr.
Michael Jackson played more than 1,000 snaps last season, tallying 12 passes defensed and one interception in his first year as a starter after bouncing around a few teams. The Seattle Seahawks are excited about him. He has capitalized on opportunities while Tariq Woolen (knee) is sidelined and Devon Witherspoon (contract) was absent for a couple of practices.
Coach Pete Carroll praised Jackson's performance, stating he had the "best camp" of anyone during June's minicamp. People in Seattle say Jackson has carried that impressive form into the early stages of training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OT Tristan Wirfs
Tristan Wirfs flipping from right tackle to left tackle has been an under-discussed story this entire offseason. There is a belief offensive linemen can effortlessly switch from right to left or vice versa, but it's not that straightforward.
Offensive line analyst Brandon Thorn explained it to me recently:
"It's easier for some guys compared to others, but generally speaking, that's something that takes time. You need reps, especially live reps. Doing it on air is one thing, but doing it in a high-stress game situation is another. Some guys can do it, and some guys can never do it. The best and most basic way to describe it is if you write right-handed and have to switch to using your left hand. Imagine how awkward that feels because you're using your non-dominant side. These offensive tackles establish muscle memory and habits, creating a dominant side. So, to switch it, that takes time."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the post-Tom Brady era and will be led by either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask. Wirfs is outstanding at right tackle, but his transition to left tackle and how he adapts will be interesting to follow.
Tennessee Titans: WR Treylon Burks
The Tennessee Titans were concerned with Treylon Burks’ conditioning during OTAs and minicamp last season. He ended up playing in just 11 games, catching 33 passes for 444 yards and one touchdown.
Folks in the Titans organization have seen a “different” Burks entering Year 2, and he’s in “much better shape.” There’s greater confidence he could be a genuine big-play threat alongside newly acquired DeAndre Hopkins.
“My biggest thing was not repeating what I did last year coming into the offseason,” Burks told the team website in May. “I have been here the whole offseason and didn’t go train at the beach or anything. I stayed here and wanted to stay around the facility and bond, make a connection with the coaches, but also get ahead on the things that I know I am going to be doing.”
Washington Commanders: DE Chase Young
Chase Young had his fifth-year option declined this offseason, which means he is scheduled to be a free agent next offseason. Despite some trade speculation, other teams have not received any indication he was ever available for trade.
The ACL tear Young suffered in 2021 was far more severe than most people realize. It was not your average ACL tear; consequently, he missed most of last season. In the three games he played, his performance was nowhere near what he’s capable of.
This season is crucial for Young, and there is an internal belief he's feeling much better. Young earned the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 with 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Washington hopes to have that type of player back in action.
