FBG Notes - Week 1 Training Camp Summary

Photo: USA Today Sports

One of the best and most comprehensive features we do every year is our Footballguys Training Camp Updates. Every week in August, our Bob Henry and his team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's incredible and frankly, probably worth the price of the Footballguys Season Long Pro subscription just by itself. Each edition is almost 40 pages long.

While I encourage you to read every word of every week, I also understand Life Happens. And one of the more valuable services Footballguys can add is saving you time. For this article, I had the idea of taking the comprehensive Training Camp Update and distilling it down into 80 proof shots of the Need-to-Know material. Some teams will have more news than others. Because that's how it works in real life. Much of it will be from the Camp Updates, some of it will be my takes but all of it will hopefully be useful to you. And make sure to jump on our Season Long Pro subscription to continue seeing this type of stuff all year long. And if this feature is helpful to you, shoot me an email at bryant@footballguys.com and let me know.

Let's get to it.

Arizona Cardinals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Cardinals offense plans on running at an even faster pace. This benefits Kyler Murray, Kenyan Drake, DeAndre Hopkins, and Christian Kirk.
• Running back Kenyan Drake is motivated as he is looking for a long-term contract.
• Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is impressed with Kyler Murray's arm strength.
• Tight end Dan Arnold is looking to lock up the starting tight end position and is a potential breakout candidate.
• Linebacker Chandler Jones has his sights set on the NFL single-season sack record.

Atlanta Falcons | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Todd Gurley will have his reps monitored so expect Brian Hill, who has impressed Dan Quinn and teammates alike, to earn a contributing role with responsibilities similar to Gurley.
• With Austin Hooper gone, expect Calvin Ridley to earn a bigger share of targets despite the addition of the athletic Hayden Hurst.
• Hurst is the most athletic tight end that Matt Ryan has played with but his blocking isn't on par with Hooper and could mean a slightly lower ceiling.
• Dante Fowler is shooting for a double-digit sack campaign after making a jump in 2019 with learning how to become a professional under the tutelage of Aaron Donald and Eric Weddle.
• A.J. Terrell has learned the defensive scheme well enough that he will see significant playing time in 2020.

Baltimore Ravens | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been focusing on out-breaking routes and deep ball accuracy this offseason.
• Running back Mark Ingram has taken fellow rusher, J.K. Dobbins, under his wing and been mentoring him despite the threat of competition from Dobbins.
• Wide receiver Marquise Brown added 23 pounds of muscle this offseason and has been working with Jackson in unofficial workouts.
• Tight end Mark Andrews remains committed to playing this season despite having Type 1 Diabetes. He did not opt out and will play this season.

Buffalo Bills | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• With a strong group around him, the Bills are hoping QB Josh Allen will improve further and establish himself as a long-term starter.
• Devin Singletary remains the lead running back but rookie Zack Moss also figures to play regularly in a complementary role.
• Stefon Diggs provides a huge upgrade outside and gives the Bills with one of the strongest receiver groups in the league.
• Dawson Knox is a fantasy sleeper who could be in for a breakout year if he can cut back on drops and inconsistency.
• The defense remains largely intact from last year and should finish among the best groups in the league.

Carolina Panthers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Teddy Bridgewater, though the definite starting quarterback, is out to show that he can be the franchise star, while Will Grier and P. J. Walker battle for the backup spot.
• Wide receiver D. J. Moore is focusing on building rapport with his new quarterback and building on the improvements Moore made last year.
• With Greg Olsen gone, the weight of responsibility in the tight end role falls on Ian Thomas, who has earned Bridgewater's respect.
• With so many players leaving the Panthers defense in free agency, there are quite a few battles to watch during the preseason, most notably at cornerback, defensive tackle, and safety.

Chicago Bears | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• The main storyline here will be the quarterback competition between Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles, with Trubisky likely having an early edge.
• The running game is a focus area after a dismal 2019 season, but David Montgomery has very little competition and should remain a feature back.
• At receiver, Allen Robison needs a contract extension while Anthony Miller remains a strong third-year breakout candidate.
• The tight end position was completely rebuilt as Jimmy Graham figures to provide a bridge option until rookie Cole Kmet is ready to take over.
• The defense lost several key starters but should get a boost from the addition of OLB Robert Quinn and return to health of DE Akiem Hicks.

Cincinnati Bengals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Joe Burrow has drawn early praise for his knowledge of the playbook, command of the huddle, and his arm strength.
• Joe Mixon may be nearing an extension. The Bengals coaches want to feed him as many touches as possible.
• A.J. Green is fully healthy and drawing raves for how explosive he looks.

Cleveland Browns | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been working hard to make necessary improvements and changes to footwork and mechanics.
• Running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are poised for big seasons in the new run-centric scheme.
• Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr is healthy and ready to play after offseason surgery.
• Wide receiver Jarvis Landry is off the PUP list and is on the probable side of questionable to play the season opener.
• Tight end Austin Hooper has replaced David Njoku as the starter and rookie Harrison Bryant could end up being a rookie surprise.

Dallas Cowboys | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• New head coach Mike McCarthy strongly endorsed incumbent coordinator Kellen Moore and has kept many of the core plays from last year's offense, as a result. McCarthy also assured the media that Ezekiel Elliott would continue getting a heavy workload despite the team's newfound wide receiver depth.
• The offensive line – a fixture during the Dak Prescott Era – has two open camp battles. Joe Looney and Tyler Biadasz are competing to replace Travis Frederick, who's irreplaceable. And at left guard, second-year Connor McGovern will be given every opportunity to dislodge Connor Williams.
• Star receiver Amari Cooper believes the Cowboys can have three 1,000-yard receivers this year between him, Michael Gallup, and rookie CeeDee Lamb.
• Third-year linebacker Leighton Vander Esch expects to move to middle linebacker this year, swapping places with fellow Pro Bowlers Jaylon Smith.
• Tight end Blake Jarwin needs to impress the coaches once padded practices start next week, otherwise, the front office may look to free agency to round out the position. Delanie Walker's name has surfaced as a possible addition.

Denver Broncos | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• QB Drew Lock has drawn raves for his maturity and progress throughout his first offseason as an NFL starter.
• RB Phillip Lindsay isn't going to disappear, but Melvin Gordon looks poised to serve as the meat of the Denver backfield.
• Rookie wideouts Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler will be counted on early - but third-year reserve DaeSean Hamilton may be fighting for a roster spot.
• The team added Albert Okwuegbunam - a teammate of Drew Lock's at Missouri - to its tight end room in the draft.

Detroit Lions | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Matthew Stafford was placed on the reserve/Covid-19 list in early August after a false-positive test, but he has since returned to the active roster.
• Running backs Kerryon Johnson and rookie DAndre Swift are going to work in a committee in the backfield this season, but there is clarity needed down the running back depth chart.
• Wide receiver Kenny Golladay is earning praise as a big-time player, but he was placed on the reserve/Covid-19 list in early August but has since been added to the active roster.
• Receivers Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay are the two starting outside receivers, and slot receiver Danny Amendola will play out of the slot with the trio being productive all over the field, but there is room for another receiver to emerge here with injuries likely becoming a factor.
• Tight end T.J. Hockenson has a chance to be productive in his second season, but he needs consistent volume to deliver on his talent, and that is something worth monitoring throughout camp.

Green Bay Packers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• First-round quarterback Jordan Love is likely to open the season as the third QB.
• Rookie A.J. Dillon could carve out a big 2020 role by displacing Jamaal Williams as the No. 2 back.
• With Devin Funchess opting out, Allen Lazard appears to have the second wideout job locked down over a few familiar names.
• Tight end Jace Sternberger looks like the team's best option in the slot, and he'll be counted on to make an impact.

Houston Texans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Deshaun Watson and the Texans may be nearing an agreement on a long-term contract extension.
• The Texans are talking about using formations to get David Johnson and Duke Johnson Jr on the field at the same time.
• Both Bill O'Brien and Deshaun Watson predict a huge season for Will Fuller.
• Brandin Cooks is healthy and says he has zero concerns about his past concussions.
• Kenny Stills opened camp on the Non-Football Injury list.

Indianapolis Colts | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Philip Rivers' familiarity with the Colts coaching staff from his time in San Diego has allowed him to get up to speed quickly with plays and terminology.
• Early indications are running backs Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor will share backfield touches, with Nyheim Hines playing a role on passing downs.
• Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton was placed on the active/non-football injury list with a mild hamstring issue but came off the list Wednesday.
• Head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni are both gushing over veteran tight end Trey Burton, who they have tabbed to take over Eric Ebron's vacated role in the offense.
• The position battles to monitor on defense during camp are at linebacker, defensive end, and cornerback.

Jacksonville Jaguars | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Gardner Minshew looks to break out in Jay Gruden's West Coast-style offense.
• Running back Leonard Fournette has some competition behind him with Ryquell Armstead set to get more looks.
• Running back Ryquell Armstead remains on the COVID list.
• Wide receiver DJ Chark is taking on a leadership role and looking to build on the 2019 Pro Bowl season.
• Minshew is excited about the tight end position with Tyler Eifert, Josh Oliver, and James O'Shaughnessy.

Kansas City Chiefs | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Patrick Mahomes II is signed long term, and the No. 2 job will be fought for by a pair of 36-year-old journeymen.
• There will be some form of a committee in the backfield, though the door looks open for rookie runner Clyde Edwards-Helaire to lead the way.
• Following an uncertain offseason for both himself and the league, Sammy Watkins looks safe for now in his clear-cut No. 2 role.
• Mecole Hardman continues to tantalize but has his hands full in climbing a crowded WR ladder.

Las Vegas Raiders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Derek Carr organized and led summer practices with a big group of Raiders.
• The Raiders coaching staff asked Josh Jacobs to work on his route running and pass blocking in the offseason in anticipation of an expanded pass-catching role.
• Henry Ruggs is making early waves in practice and is expected to be a Week 1 starter across from Tyrell Williams. He is also repping in the slot.
• Bryan Edwards is earning rave reviews and comparisons to Davante Adams. He is expected to push for a starting job as a rookie.

Los Angeles Chargers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• No Chargers opted out of the season because of COVID-19 which creates stability in the post-Philip Rivers era.
• The Chargers lost Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon in the offseason.
• A major storyline to watch will be the starting quarterback position and the transition that creates in the offense.
• At present, expect Tyrod Taylor to start while the Chargers are competitive.

Los Angeles Rams | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• With an abbreviated offseason, Head Coach Sean McVay noted the Rams will be playing scrimmages to simulate game situations, particularly for players who would typically play in preseason games. McVay said, "With some of those guys that would typically be playing a lot of the reps in preseason games, we'll look in to maybe tackling and playing some full-speed football."
• The offseason will be a critical time to evaluate replacements for Todd Gurley and Brandin Cooks.

Miami Dolphins | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Ryan Fitzpatrick is embracing a mentorship role in helping get Tua Tagovailoa up to speed.
• The timetable for when Tagovailoa might take over for Fitzpatrick depends both on his health and how quickly he picks up the playbook.
• Preston Williams is making good progress in his return from ACL surgery and should be in line to start across from DeVante Parker.
• Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns opted out of the 2020 season, decimating the Dolphins depth at receiver.

Minnesota Vikings | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Kirk Cousins is confident in new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak and feels the transition has been smooth.
• Running back Dalvin Cook and Vikings management are still working to get a new contract.
• Wide receiver Adam Thielen is showing leadership and confidence in the wide receiver group.
• Tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith are looking to deliver in the loss of Stefon Diggs.

New England Patriots | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• QB Cam Newton is the consensus favorite to start Week 1 - but don't tell that to coach Bill Belichick, who's calling for an open competition.
• Sony Michel's ineffectiveness and recovery from foot surgery could clear the path for second-round runner Damien Harris to lead this backfield.
• The top three wideout positions are locked in, but there's still quite a bit to be decided down the depth chart.
• Rookie Devin Asiasi is penciled in as the top receiving option at tight end, though the team is sniffing around Delanie Walker.

New Orleans Saints | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• The team keeps talking up Taysom Hill as a true quarterback, but Jameis Winston looks like the clear-cut backup and heir apparent.
• Alvin Kamara claims he's 100% after a 2019 season that saw him fight back, knee, and ankle injuries.
• Veteran receiver Emmanuel Sanders brings a bundle of skill and versatility that the Saints have lacked across from Michael Thomas.
• Third-year man Tre'Quan Smith leads a host of intriguing youngsters battling for the No. 3 wideout role.

New York Giants | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Veteran tackle Nate Solder opted out of the season under the Covid-19 protocols. Although Solder didn't play particularly well last year, his opt will test the offensive line depth. Rookie first-round pick Andrew Thomas will now be asked to start immediately at left tackle instead of right tackle. That means veteran free agent Cameron Fleming must pan out as the right tackle unless lunchpail Nick Gates impresses.
• Offensive cornerstone Saquon Barkley is thrilled with his new coaches and believes the team is "steps ahead" of last year despite having to do most activities virtually thus far.
• New head coach Joe Judge plans to run multiple intra-squad scrimmages to help offset the lack of preseason games. He believes it's vital to evaluate the roster properly.
• The Giants signed placekicker Chandler Catanzaro to replace Aldrick Rosas. Catanzaro retired after the 2018 season but agreed to return to play in New York.
• DeAndre Baker's arrest and placement on the Commissioner's Exempt list, coupled with veteran Sam Beal opting out due to Covid-19 concerns, leaves the Giants with serious depth concerns opposite free agent James Bradberry.

New York Jets | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Head coach Adam Gase still has not had a back carry the ball 260 or more times, and with Frank Gore in the mix, it's hard to see LeVeon Bell as a huge fantasy factor.
• On the surface, it's exciting to have Chris Herndon back, but he hasn't had a ton of games with Sam Darnold, and this disrupted offseason may put them on the back foot in continuing to develop their chemistry.
• The offensive line has been upgraded, which should help both the passing and rushing offense be more consistent.
• Former Jet Bart Scott said on the NYC radio show he does with Alan Hahn that he feels Marcus Maye is a more complete, and therefore more effective, safety than Jamal Adams.

Philadelphia Eagles | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Eagles head coach Doug Pederson is quarantining at home following a positive Covid-19 test, but he's feeling well and on track to rejoin the team after his mandatory stay. Assistant head coach Duce Staley is running the team in Pederson's absence.
• Veteran Jason Peters was brought back in an unfamiliar role, to replace All-Pro Brandon Brooks inside at right guard. Can the perennial Pro Bowl tackle make the smooth transition to guard at 38 years old?
• Marquise Goodwin, acquired in a trade this offseason, is opting out of the season. His absence increases the pressure on DeSean Jackson staying healthy, or hitting an early lottery ticket in rookie speedsters Quez Watkins and John Hightower.
• Linebacker Jatavis Brown unexpectedly retired this week, leaving a questionable linebacking corps even thinner. The team's most experienced player is Nathan Gerry, with 15 career starts. The seven linebackers on the roster have a combined 35 career starts and 245 combined tackles.
• The Eagles' new secondary coach, Marquand Manuel, is getting rave reviews from veterans Rodney McLeod and Jalen Mills. They're both excited about Manuel's ability to teach the system, which is vital given Mills' transition to safety, and the additions of new starters Darius Slay and Nickell Robey-Coleman.

Pittsburgh Steelers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Pittsburgh is one of three NFL teams (L.A. Chargers and Atlanta) to have zero players opt out of the 2020 season.
• Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is throwing more than in a typical offseason, which is an encouraging sign that he is on the way to full recovery from his elbow injury.
• Running back James Conner will play this season despite rumors that he might opt out due to COVID-19. Conner is playing for a new contract and is the most versatile player in a deep position group.
• Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster reported to team practices fully healthy and in great physical condition. A more experienced receivers group should allow Smith-Schuster to return to the slot, where he excelled in his first two seasons.
• Wide receiver Diontae Johnson excelled last season despite playing with a sports hernia injury. He should be a lock to start on the outside.
• James Washington and Chase Claypool are competing to be the team's third receiver, which would be a perimeter player with Smith-Schuster in the slot.
• Tight ends Vance McDonald and Eric Ebron are excited at the prospect of being on the field at the same to provide matchup problems for opposing defenses.

San Francisco 49ers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• The team added TE Jordan Reed to add depth to the offense.
• TE George Kittle is expected to sign a contract extension. There was talk it was a done deal but Kittle said Wednesday it wasn't done yet.
• WR Deebo Samuel is recovering from a foot injury and his status is uncertain for the start of the season.
• Raheem Mostert is the leading candidate for the starting running back job, but Jerick McKinnon has returned to training camp after missing 2019.

Seattle Seahawks | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Chris Carson is the lead back, but Carlos Hyde is talented enough to be more than an occasional back, and could steal carries.
• Greg Olsen still has something left in the tank, seems to have gotten over his ankle issues from years past and is the obvious top tight end, but there are a lot of receivers who will get targets here, capping his value.
• Russell Wilson had only one more interception during the 2018/2019 seasons (12) combined than he did in 2017 alone (11). He has thrown 100 touchdowns compared to 23 interceptions during those three years.
• Jimmy Graham was the last tight end to break 900 yards, with 923 yards in 2016. Graham then had 520 in 2017, with no tight end topping 350 in 2018 and 2019.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• New QB Tom Brady seems to be fitting in well and has naturally assumed leadership.
• Although this doesn't apply to any specific rookie, Bruce Arians led off a press conference praising his veterans for their training and preparation to arrive in shape while making a general statement that, with some exceptions, most of the rookies didn't know how to train and arrived at camp as if this was minicamp immediately after the NFL Draft.
• Arians specifically stated that Ronald Jones II will carry the load and the other backs are competing for spots to play when "Jones gets tired." He praised Jones' work in the screen game last year and cited that Jones' work on his hands this offseason has been easy to see.
• The screen game for running backs and wide receivers will remain a large staple of the offense and Chris Godwin was the best receiver at this part of the offense.
• The Buccaneers were 13th in the NFL last year with its frequency of two-tight-end sets. Expect that frequency to rise as well as three tight-end sets—like in the red zone, which could benefit O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate.

Tennessee Titans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is ready to deal with the pressure of being the franchise quarterback.
• Running back Derrick Henry remains the centerpiece of the team's offensive gameplan.
• A.J. Brown has taken the number one receiver role and Corey Davis will have to fight to earn his second contract with the team.
• Jonnu Smith feels he is up to the task of filling the departed Delanie Walker's shoes.
• Vic Beasley Jr reported late to camp and it is unclear if the team is actively pursuing Jadeveon Clowney.

Washington Football Team | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Veteran quarterback Alex Smith has been cleared for football activities, and coach Ron Rivera said Smith could be in the throes of the QB competition if healthy.
• Incumbent starter Dwayne Haskins dropped nearly 20 pounds and cut his body fat to 7% this offseason, and has expressed excitement and confidence in new play-caller Scott Turner's passing system.
• Derrius Guice's release makes the running back corps a must-watch in camp. Adrian Peterson is the probable starter since he stepped in for Guice in 2018 and 2019, but a rebuilding team may be better off giving Bryce Love and Antonio Gibson long auditions.
• The receiving corps is completely wide open, and unproven, beyond Terry McLaurin. Can rookie Antonio Gandy-Golden do enough in a truncated camp to win the job?
• The tight end position is discouraging; it's hard to find anyone with a viable path to fantasy relevance.

And that's that for this week. Let me know if you found this type of thing useful by shooting an email to bryant@footballguys.com. And keep up with me on Twitter by clicking the follow button below.

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