NFC North
Chicago Bears – Justin Fields – Did Justin Fields improve enough as a passer this offseason? That’s what I’m watching. He’ll have plenty of time in Training Camp to prove this because he won’t be scrambling much. I think he takes a huge step forward this year and the Bears will be very exciting to watch on offense.
Detroit Lions – Jahmyr Gibbs – I love Jahmyr Gibbs. I don’t think this will be anything like the D’Andre Swift situation in Detroit. I see Gibbs getting a lot of touches. You don’t take a running back in the top 15 and not use him. Gibbs will be a star in Detroit, so I’ll be tracking him all Training Camp. Honorable mention: Sam LaPorta
Green Bay Packers – Jordan Love – A new era in Green Bay. I honestly have no idea what to expect from Jordan Love this year, which is why I’m so excited to watch him in his first Training Camp as THE GUY. The Packers offense will be very balanced, so it’ll be Love’s job not to turn the ball over, but I hope they don’t treat him like a rookie.
Minnesota Vikings – Jordan Addison – I could have chosen Mattison but we know he’s the starter. It’ll only be a matter of time before Jordan Addison is the #2 receiver on this team, but I’ll bet he starts off as the #3. I’m interested to see how long it’ll take him to surpass KJ Osborn. This is all assuming he stops driving 140 mph in his lambo.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys – Brandin Cooks – Brandin Cooks was the biggest, low key signing of the offseason. I don’t know if many people realize how much a guy like Cooks will bring to this offense and help Dak Prescott. Last year, Cowboys receivers had the least amount of separation in the league. Cooks will change that and Michael Gallup can move back to his more natural #3 role.
New York Giants – Darren Waller – I guess the Giants are signing all these slot receivers because they can use Darren Waller like a wide out? Waller gives the Giants something they desperately need. He has to stay healthy, though. It’ll be interesting to see how much work he puts in during Training Camp and whether or not the coaches make him take it easy.
Philadelphia Eagles – Swift/Penny – Who will emerge as the #1 running back between D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny? Both are uber talented. Neither can stay healthy. This might not even be a question that gets answered during Camp, but I’ll be counting starter reps daily.
Washington Commanders – Sam Howell – There is, surprisingly, quite a bit of hype around Sam Howell. There was a time when people were talking about him being a #1 overall pick when he was at UNC. He will start Camp as the starting quarterback and the coaches would like for that to stick. His practice reports will be interesting to watch.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals – Michael Wilson – I think we are about to find out very soon how good Michael Wilson might be. Especially in a very questionable receiving room. I’ll put my money on him being a Training Camp star. I just hope it turns into regular season success as well. Honorable mention: Trey McBride. Really interested to watch him during Camp.
Los Angeles Rams – Cam Akers – What a weird year for Cam Akers last year. From presumed starter to doghouse to finishing the season with 3 straight 100 yard games. It’s so hard for a running back to come back from an achilles tear, but maybe Akers did? The Rams only invested a late draft pick in Zach Evans this offseason, which bodes well for Akers.
San Francisco 49ers – Trey Lance – Brock Purdy might not even participate much in Training Camp, if at all. But there is no doubt he is the 49ers starter, when healthy, in my opinion. Trey Lance will have his chance to show his improvement early in Camp and really throughout Camp. He’ll have to prove he’s capable of running Kyle Shanahan’s offense to have any hope of wrestling away the starting job.
Seattle Seahawks – JSN – I love Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Not many wide receivers can put up a season like he did for Ohio State in 2021. The big question is whether Geno Smith can support 3 receivers. The Seahawks offense will be fun to watch during camp between JSN and Zach Charbonnet.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons – Bijan Robinson – This one was a tough call between Bijan, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Bijan will be featured heavily in this offense, which cannot be said about London and Pitts.
Carolina Panthers – Bryce Young – Bryce Young is another player I love. I don’t know if you’d find anyone higher on Bryce than me. He just seems to have “it”. As long as he can see over his offensive line, he’ll succeed.
New Orleans Saints – Derek Carr – Derek Carr in black and gold feels right. I’ll be watching to see if last year was a fluke or if he’s heading into that still too good to retire but mostly washed phase. Hopefully he provides more than what Andy Dalton provided. Obviously watching Michael Thomas here too. He says he’ll be healthy for Camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Baker Mayfield/Kyle Trask – Kind of gross, but I’m watching the Quarterback battle in Tampa Bay. Hard to believe either of these guys are the quarterback of the future for the Bucs, but someone has to start this year.
There are plenty of other camp battles to follow and we’ll be tracking them all on Twitter at @32beatwriters