Naming one standout player during OTAs, mandatory minicamps for all 32 NFL teams
We're getting that much closer to football season. As of Monday, June 10, the vast majority of NFL teams have completed Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and some clubs have already completed their mandatory minicamps. Teams are permitted to carry out 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills during this phase of the offseason program, but live contact and […]
We're getting that much closer to football season.
As of Monday, June 10, the vast majority of NFL teams have completed Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and some clubs have already completed their mandatory minicamps. Teams are permitted to carry out 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills during this phase of the offseason program, but live contact and padded practices still aren't quite allowed. That doesn't mean these practices aren't vital for the upcoming season, though.
In many cases, the foundation for the upcoming NFL season starts in OTAs and mandatory minicamps. Teams begin to study opponents they'll face, and chemistry between new and old players starts to form. It's the first checkpoint in a year-long proving ground, and sometimes the standouts who emerge keep things rolling for the long haul. The key will be to keep the momentum going through the final break of the summer ahead of NFL training camps in July.
Our team at A to Z Sports has compiled one standout from this portion of the offseason for each of the 32 teams. Who has impressed the most during the final phase of the offseason workout program? Let's dive in and find out:
Arizona Cardinals: Greg Dortch, WR
When Kyler Murray told reporters that a wide receiver was “unguardable” at OTAs, they probably would have guessed he was talking about WR Marvin Harrison Jr., the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. Nope, he was talking about sixth-year NFL veteran Greg Dortch. Murray recently told reporters that Dortch would have been a top-5 pick in the NFL draft had he been 6-foot-3 and not 5-foot-7. He’s been a tough cover 1-on-1 at OTAs, but will it translate come the season? – Charles Goldman
Atlanta Falcons: Clark Phillips II, CB
Phillips was selected in the fourth round of last year's draft, starting five games and making little impact on the team. All signs point to that changing in 2024, as Phiilips is the unquestioned starter opposite A.J. Terrell and had one of the stronger OTAs in Atlanta as he looked healthy, fast, and more reminiscent of an NFL CB after questions about his physique in the pre-draft process. – Rob Gregson
Baltimore Ravens: Devontez Walker, WR
Walker was a fourth-round pick that could carve out a key role with the Ravens during his rookie season. During OTAs, he showed off his ability to be a downfield threat that can stretch the offense. When looking at the depth chart it appeared that Walker could be that fourth or fifth guy by default early on. With an impressive summer, it would not be a surprise to see Walker be the third option in the wide receiver room for Lamar Jackson. Zay Flowers is clearly the top wideout and Walker will compete with Nelson Agholor and Rashod Bateman to be an integral part of what the Ravens do on offense. – Brandon Little
Buffalo Bills: Curtis Samuel, WR
The Bills are trying to find answers in the passing offense after trading away Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and losing Gabe Davis in free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Curtis Samuel is not a volume receiver, but he might have an impactful role. During OTAs, he has shown the ability to be a solid underneath target, in addition to generating value as a runner. – Wendell Ferreira
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young, QB
Everything is about Bryce Young after a disastrous rookie season. The Panthers added weapons around him, and new head coach Dave Canales’ main job is to maximize last year’s first overall pick. In OTAs, Canales prioritized rebuilding Young’s footwork, and that has brought more confidence to the young quarterback. It’s yet to be seen if Bryce Young will improve as much as the Panthers need him to, but at least there are promising signs early in the process. – Wendell Ferreira
Chicago Bears: Gervon Dexter, DT
Chicago’s second-year defensive tackle showed back up to camp looking much leaner and quicker during OTAs. Dexter’s improvement has led to direct compliments from head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Eric Washington. For a player who struggled with his get-off speed and positional mechanics during his rookie season, these are promising words to hear from the coaching staff. With more work and development this summer, Dexter could be in for a much more productive sophomore campaign in Chicago. – Kole Noble
Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR
Cincinnati’s rookie wide receiver has very much looked the part in his first practices with the Bengals. He’s not only caught everything thrown his way, but he’s aggressively plucking accurate passes from Joe Burrow instead of letting the spirals come to him. He’s already gaining insight into how Burrow wants him to finish his routes, and their connection has also occurred well down the field on deeper concepts. He’s positioning himself for a notable role as a rookie. – John Sheeran
Cleveland Browns: Maurice Hurst Jr, DT
Hurst is coming off of another season-ending injury — but he is ready to bounce back once again — which has been the theme of his NFL career. Hurst has been an early standout this offseason and has had first-team reps with the defense during OTAs. While the Browns get Mike Hall Jr. up to speed as a rookie, Hurst will be a heavy part of the interior rotation. When he is on the field he is a valuable piece that is underrated, but the availability has always been concerning. – Brandon Little
Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Brooks, WR
It’s an easy answer. We didn’t hear much from Cowboys’ OTAs and minicamp, but everyone agreed that Brooks is set to fight for WR3, a role projected to belong to Jalen Tolbert all along. Brooks turned heads in spring practice and proved he’s ready to take a sophomore leap. He’ll battle for the starting role in training camp. – Mauricio Rodriguez
Denver Broncos: Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
The Denver Broncos grabbed one of the best UDFA running backs last offseason in Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin's college career is nothing short of impressive. As the NCAA's all-time leading rusher from any division, he played at Youngstown State and amassed a staggering 8,166 rushing yards and 79 rushing touchdowns. These numbers speak for themselves and demonstrate his potential to impact the NFL significantly. He played a bit last season, but his showing up to practice an hour earlier than everyone and leaving after everyone shows that he is standing out at OTAs. – Justin Churchill
Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, WR
Williams has been the talk of the town since Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell came out and said that he was the most improved player of the spring and that he was a man on a mission out there. Williams is expected to play a very large role in the Lions offense in 2024 and so far he’s on the right track. The big question is how he will handle drops. They’ve been a problem in the past. So far the reports out of OTAs is that there’s still some here and there. – Mike Payton
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OT
It’s difficult to measure the level of play for offensive linemen during unpadded practices, but first-round pick Jordan Morgan showed during OTAs exactly what made the Packers draft him so early: Positional versatility. Morgan had played at left tackle in the rookie minicamp, so OTAs were useful for Morgan to play elsewhere — he had first-team reps at right tackle in the first week and at left guard in the second, when Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins, respectively, couldn’t participate. To finish it up, Morgan worked at both tackle spots earlier this week. – Wendell Ferreira
Houston Texans: Kamari Lassiter, CB
Despite lacking the speed and size that teams covet from modern CBs, (5-11, 186, 4.6 40) Lassiter lasted only 10 picks into the second round back in April, and it's for one reason: Technique. Lassiter proved his day-one starter ability in OTAs, even going viral for his reps against star WR Stefon Diggs. He and Derek Stingley could be one of the best young CB tandems in the league this season. – Rob Gregson
Indianapolis Colts: Jelani Woods TE
Jelani Woods missed his entire second season in the NFL due to a hamstring injury he suffered before Training Camp. This means the Colt's new offensive staff under Shane Steichen hasn't really got to see Woods’ ability up close yet. He's back this season and believes that pesky hamstring injury is in the rearview mirror. He's showcased his ability as a pass catcher throughout OTAs and you just know Steichen's innovative offensive mind is full of ideas of how to utilize a massive weapon with Woods’ next-level athletic traits. – Destin Adams
Jacksonville Jaguars: Parker Washington, WR
Buried on the depth chart beneath players like Calvin Ridley, Zay Jones, and Christian Kirk, the rookie from Penn State wasn’t allocated a ton of reps, but he made the most of the ones he received in 2023. Heading into his second year in the offense, Washington has already been featured more in the passing attack and has shown up with noticeable intensity during public sessions. Add in the new kickoff rules, and the explosive returner figures to be a staple playmaker in Jacksonville. – Rob Gregson
Kansas City Chiefs: Nikko Remigio, WR
A second-year undrafted free agent out of Fresno State, Remigio has put in the work since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in training camp last August. His offseason work with Patrick Mahomes in Texas has led to a newfound chemistry during OTAs, which has been on full display with Xavier Worthy sidelined with injury and Kadarius Toney absent from voluntary work. He’s drawn praise from OC Matt Nagy and backup QB Carson Wentz, who both note his consistency day in and day out of practice. – Charles Goldman
Las Vegas Raiders: Tyree Wilson, DL
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Tyree Wilson last offseason with the seventh overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It took nearly the entire season to get him to an expected production output, but that is largely because he dealt with an injury during the offseason and didn't really have a training camp. During OTAs, he has been more than a standout. After spending the entire offseason working and dieting with Maxx Crosby, he not only physically looks the part, but you can also see a huge difference during some of the drills he is doing too. Wilson is expected to be a force in that EDGE 3 spot behind Malcolm Koonce and, occasionally, Maxx Crosby. The Raiders will also move him inside from time to time on obvious passing downs. – Justin Churchill
Los Angeles Chargers: Zach Heins, TE
A sleeper in the 2024 NFL draft, Heins is proving during Chargers OTAs that South Dakota State is the real “Tight End University.” Listed at 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds, Heins has become a favorite target of QB Justin Herbert’s during the offseason thus far. The two have already connected for a number of catches, including a sweet touchdown grab in between multiple defenders last week. – Charles Goldman
Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, DE
The thought behind the Rams’ draft was that you can’t replace Aaron Donald with a single player. That’s why they snagged several interior defensive linemen and edge rushers. Verse is a part of that plan and seems to be the player standing out most the earliest. Byron Young had perhaps the best things to say about the rookie, telling reporters that his get-off is insane, he’s listening and he’s hungry. – Charles Goldman
Miami Dolphins: Jaylen Waddle, WR
There have been a number of players earning positive feedback, including Tua Tagovailoa and De’Von Achane, but Waddle continues to flash his explosive playmaking ability and has been a player who’s appeared to have had a strong showing in OTAs. Not a name that’s going to surprise, given his productivity over the first three years, but it appears he’s still hungry after signing his big new contract extension last week. – Craig Smith
Minnesota Vikings: Dwight McGlothern, CB
Per reports, the UDFA rookie cornerback had a really strong minicamp and was even running with the 1's, at one point. His development, along with the ascension of Shaquill Griffin can give the Vikings what they need to move Byron Murphy Jr. inside when they run subpackages. – Evan Winter
New England Patriots: Javon Baker, WR
After getting drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round, new Patriots receiver Javon Baker made sure to let everyone know that he thought it took too long and that he was going to prove every other team wrong. So far, he is off to a good start and had a stellar day in front of the media at OTAs at the end of May. He reminded me of DeMario Douglas at this time last year, showing his quickness and ability to make contested catches. Hopefully, he keeps this up. – Sophie Weller
New Orleans Saints: Demario Davis, LB
No shocker here. One of the top linebackers in football continues to impress. Davis has been on or around the field for every two during OTAs and has made life difficult on the offense when he’s playing. The veteran has challenged other veteran teammates to get involved during OTAs and once again, proven his impressive leadership for the defense. Expect big things from him again in 2024. – Adam Holt
New York Giant: Malik Nabers, WR
The Giants desperately need to become more explosive and consistent on the perimeter, and they plan to do that with rookie WR Malik Nabers. Early returns are positive on the dynamic wideout from LSU, who by all accounts was one of the most dominant players on the field during public practices at Giants OTAs. New York’s DB room leaves something to be desired outside of Deonte Banks, but Nabers is the one looking like a vet at this point of the ramp-up period. – Rob Gregson
New York Jets: Qwan'tez Stiggers, CB
Jets’ rookie fifth-round pick Qwan’tez Stiggers keeps impressing in coverage and he might be the most loved player on the defense. Every time he makes a play, the entire unit celebrates and goes crazy. Rodgers went after Stiggers during the final 11-on-11 drill when he saw him matched up on Lazard and Stiggers won the battle. Two plays later, Stiggers lined up against Garrett Wilson and blanketed him, forcing Rodgers to throw another incompletion. Everyone is really excited to see him continue to develop. – Mike Antoniou
Philadelphia Eagles: Isaiah Rodgers, CB
It’s been more than 365 days since cornerback Isaiah Rodgers has played football following his year-long gambling suspension, but you wouldn’t know it considering how well his offseason is going so far. For many of his practice reps through OTAs and minicamps, Rodgers ran with the first-team defense and he made his presence felt with shout-outs from wide receiver A.J. Brown and fellow cornerback Darius Slay. The competition runs deep at corner, but if Rodgers keeps this momentum up through training camp, he could earn a spot on the 53-man roster. – Kelsey Kramer
Pittsburgh Steelers: Darius Rush, CB
The second-year corner from South Carolina struggled to find his footing as a rookie, playing for three teams after being released by Indianapolis following training camp and signing to Kansas City’s practice squad before being poached by Pittsburgh. While explosive and long, Rush needed to develop his technique and become more comfortable within the scheme. Early returns are positive in that regard, with Rush making multiple plays on the ball through OTAs and displaying a level of confidence that was foreign to his 2023 demeanor. – Rob Gregson
San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall, WR
Any concerns the 49ers might have reached to add to their already stacked receiver corps have quickly been allayed by a fast start from Pearsall on the practice field. The former Florida wideout has received consistent praise, with Brock Purdy and Deebo Samuel both lauding his efforts as a route-runner and in quickly learning the offense. His success in the latter regard has allowed Pearsall to rapidly form an impressive rapport with Purdy, with Shanahan’s assessment of their connection to this point an ominous one for the 49ers’ NFC rivals who may now have to contend with yet another dynamic weapon on this juggernaut offense. – Nicholas McGee
Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR
This second-year wide receiver has been stealing the show at Seahawks OTAs. After a disappointing rookie campaign, the former Ohio State product looks to be quite comfortable with new OC Ryan Grubb’s scheme. He’s also boasting much better chemistry with Geno Smith, emerging as his top wide receiver when Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf have not been at practice last week. – Charles Goldman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving, RB
It's tough to evaluate the running game this time of year, but Irving has shown the vision and cutting ability to be a big factor in Liam Coen's zone scheme. Keep an eye on him when the pads come on during training camp. – Evan Winter
Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT
The Titans’ first-round pick is soaking up all of the knowledge from legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan. He’s stayed after practice to work on his technique and was even dragged off the field by GM Ran Carthon while a storm was rolling in. Making the switch to the left side will require an improvement in technique and so far all signs indicate Latham is picking things up at a rapid rate. – Jack Gentry
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB
I hate to go chalk, here, in a sense, but the word out of Commanders OTAs thus far is that Daniels is showing an impressive command (no pun intended) of the offense. He's also been very good in two-minute drills, per Dan Quinn. For it to be "mental season", it sounds like Daniels is definitely looking the part, in that regard. – Evan Winter
Breaking: DeVante Parker, Maurice Jones-Drew join Motley Crue rock star in ownership of European pro football team
A to Z Sports has learned that former NFL playmakers Maurice Jones-Drew and DeVante Parker, rock star Vince Neil of Motley Crue, and a group of investors from Nashville, Tennessee have decided to buy a team in the European League of Football (EFL). The six-time Czech League of American Football champions, Prague Lions, recently decided […]
