2022 NFL coaching camp previews for all 32 groups

By admin Last updated Jul 25, 2022 1

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Thirty-one NFL coaching camps open this week after the Las Vegas Raiders bought an early begin final week, and there’s no scarcity of compelling storylines throughout the league.

There was loads of motion within the offseason, from quarterbacks akin to Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan to elite huge receivers akin to Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill.

The Chicago Bears and New York Giants are amongst 10 groups with new head coaches for the 2022 season.

Whether or not the modifications in personnel and training produce optimistic outcomes or frustration will begin to play out throughout camps.

NFL Nation reporters break down key storylines and predictions for all 32 groups.

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ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

AFC EAST

Camp prediction: Rookie working again James Cook would be the star of Payments camp. Whereas working again Devin Singletary is trending towards taking part in a lead position within the offense, Cook dinner has the kind of talent set as a pass-catcher to make a huge impact on offense in 2022 — particularly on third downs. He additionally had restricted taking part in time at Georgia — 230 carries and 67 receptions over 4 years — which might be helpful in holding him recent throughout a 17-game NFL season. Zack Moss, a third-round decide from the 2020 draft, shall be a participant to observe throughout camp as a result of he must show he deserves a task. With restricted contact throughout camp and Cook dinner’s talents, he’ll stand out, which suggests good issues for the Payments’ offense, irrespective of what number of snaps he performs.

— Alaina Getzenberg

Camp prediction: Left deal with Austin Jackson will shut coaching camp as a starter. Is it daring to foretell a two-year starter and former first-round decide will begin? Contemplate that Jackson struggled sufficient at left deal with final season that the Dolphins moved him to protect in Week 5. Many followers felt just like the workforce ought to transfer on, however the brand new teaching employees believes he has untapped potential. The third-year professional must battle with Larnel Coleman, Liam Eichenberg and Michael Deiter for 2 open jobs on the offensive line, however he’ll flash that potential in a significant means this summer time.

— Marcel Louis-Jacques

Camp prediction: Rookie cornerback Jack Jones shall be one of many standout performers in coaching camp, making a cost for a beginning spot, as his sticky protection and ball abilities will present up with a number of interceptions. By the tip of camp, no participant may have extra interceptions than Jones.

— Mike Reiss

Camp prediction: Receiver Denzel Mims shall be traded earlier than the common season. Regardless of an encouraging offseason, the 2020 second-round decide isn’t any higher than fourth on the depth chart amongst exterior receivers. As a result of he would not play particular groups, Mims would not have game-day worth except he is a part of the receiver rotation. Proper now, he isn’t. He’d in all probability be the odd man out on recreation day, barring accidents. So the query turns into: Do the Jets stash him on the roster as insurance coverage, which would not make him completely happy, or do they attempt to get one thing in a commerce? They in all probability would not get a lot; the Patriots bought a 2024 seventh-round decide for 2019 first rounder N’Keal Harry. Mims would deliver again greater than that as a result of he has two years left on his rookie contract, however in all probability not far more. The Jets will speak him up this summer time, hoping to boost his worth.

— Wealthy Cimini

AFC NORTH

Camp prediction: The Ravens get out of coaching camp wholesome. That is an especially daring prediction contemplating final 12 months was one of many workforce’s worst summers from an damage standpoint. From the beginning of camp to the beginning of the common season, Baltimore had 13 key gamers sidelined for at the very least per week by both an damage or by testing optimistic for COVID-19. There was a 19-day stretch by which the Ravens had 5 gamers maintain season-ending accidents, together with their high three working backs. Baltimore is not chalking it as much as dangerous luck (though this workforce is due for a change of fortune). The Ravens are tweaking their practices by implementing extra stretching throughout warm-ups and fewer reps throughout drills. It would not be shocking if quarterback Lamar Jackson and different star gamers sit out preseason video games. The Ravens know this workforce is usually a Tremendous Bowl contender if it will probably keep away from a run of accidents.

— Jamison Hensley

Camp prediction: Kwamie Lassiter II retains making noise. The undrafted free agent huge receiver out of Kansas was one of many high risers throughout offseason exercises. He ultimately labored his means into the highest rotation and earned some reps with the first-team offense. It is a welcomed growth for a Bengals workforce that has restricted manufacturing exterior of the beginning trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. If Lassiter continues on this trajectory, he’ll make a robust case to make the workforce’s 53-man roster.

— Ben Child

Camp prediction: The Browns will commerce working again D’Ernest Johnson throughout coaching camp. Sure, Johnson is coming off a breakout season filling in for injured teammates Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and Johnson signed a one-year extension with the Browns through the offseason. However Cleveland additionally drafted one other working again in Jerome Ford, a fifth-round choice out of Cincinnati, who flashed a flexible talent set throughout OTAs and minicamp. With second-year playmaker Demetric Felton additionally returning, the Browns will transfer Johnson to a extra working back-needy workforce.

— Jake Trotter

Camp prediction: Kenny Pickett will end camp because the Steelers’ No. Three quarterback. Pickett, the Steelers’ first-round decide, took third-string reps all through minicamp and OTAs, and with Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph in entrance of him, there is a good probability he finishes coaching camp in the identical place. With two different veteran quarterbacks on the roster, the Steelers aren’t speeding Pickett’s growth. They’ll afford to be affected person with the rookie and put him ready to take over sooner or later by transferring him alongside slowly and intentionally in his first 12 months within the NFL. Trubisky has loads of beginning quarterback expertise and is already rising as a frontrunner — plus his talent set matches offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s choice for pre-snap movement and fast throws. Rudolph regarded regular in offseason coaching and was extra constant than Pickett.

— Brooke Pryor

AFC SOUTH

Camp prediction: Security Jalen Pitre shall be a dynamic pressure throughout coaching camp. The Texans’ second-round select of Baylor showcased premier playmaking abilities in faculty. In Pitre’s final season, he completed with 18.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 cross breakups and three pressured fumbles. Some within the NFL evaluate Pitre to Tyrann Mathieu, Quandre Diggs and Budda Baker. Making performs on the soccer is Pitre’s forte, and that matches into coach Lovie Smith’s protection. Pitre’s versatility ought to give him the flexibility to roam within the field and play deep center security. Anticipate to see loads of experiences of the No. 37 total decide being a disruptor heading into the season.

— D.J. Bien-Aime

Camp prediction: Third-round decide Bernhard Raimann from Central Michigan will emerge because the starter at left deal with. It is hardly a assure, however that is why that is thought-about a daring take. Although it is a large ask for a rookie to begin at such a crucial spot, Raimann has the perfect mixture of abilities and measurement of the candidates to tackle this position. Raimann, 6-foot-6 and 303 kilos, ought to anticipate stiff competitors from veterans Matt Pryor, Dennis Kelly and lately signed Jason Spriggs. However given the way in which Raimann strikes, he’s well-equipped to deal with the velocity that can confront whoever wins the job on quarterback Matt Ryan‘s blind facet.

— Stephen Holder

Camp prediction: The swap activates for outdoor linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, and he turns into a much bigger a part of the Jaguars’ plans. The 20th total decide in 2020 has two sacks in 31 profession video games, and he is just about the man nobody talks about on protection after the addition of linebackers Foyesade Oluokun, Travon Walker, Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma. Mike Caldwell’s protection retains the offense guessing by way of which gamers are coming after the quarterback, and Chaisson will make performs and be one of many shock successes in camp. There’s even much less depth at exterior linebacker after Jordan Smith went down with a season-ending knee damage.

— Mike DiRocco

Camp prediction: Tight finish Chigoziem Okonkwo will solidify a task as considered one of quarterback Ryan Tannehill‘s favourite pass-catchers. Okonkwo’s playmaking capacity flashed throughout minicamp when he caught 4 landing passes in two days of pink zone seven-on-seven work. The Titans’ teaching employees likes Okonkwo’s versatile talent set. Okonkwo’s 4.5-second time within the 40-yard sprint was the quickest amongst tight ends on the scouting mix. His velocity matches up favorably towards linebackers and safeties, making him a viable menace within the passing recreation. At 6-foot-3, 238-pounds, he has drawn comparisons to former Titans tight finish Jonnu Smith. Tannehill likes what he has seen from Okonkwo: “Simply bodily, to see his measurement, his power, his velocity, how he is in a position to play by way of contact, he undoubtedly offers us one other weapon.”

— Turron Davenport

AFC WEST

Camp prediction: Rookie pass-rusher Nik Bonitto, a second-round decide by the Broncos this previous April, will present why some personnel executives within the league imagine he was one of many largest steals of the draft’s first two days. The Broncos plan for Randy Gregory and Bradley Chubb to be one of many league’s finest pass-rush duos, however Bonitto’s work in coaching camp and the preseason will pressure defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to get inventive and discover methods to get Bonitto on the sphere. Through the workforce’s offseason program, Bonitto confirmed an explosive first step with an already mature number of pass-rush strikes. That’s the recipe for a pass-rusher to contribute shortly.

— Jeff Legwold

Camp prediction: Trent McDuffie will go away coaching camp because the Chiefs’ rising star within the secondary. The Chiefs requested numerous McDuffie in offseason apply as he labored at each exterior cornerback and in slot protection. He dealt with all of it effectively, leaving the Chiefs inspired he might have a giant rookie season. McDuffie regarded extra like a veteran as he was hardly ever caught out of place. The Chiefs want a giant season from McDuffie after dropping longtime starter Charvarius Ward in free company. One other robust candidate for enjoying time at cornerback, Rashad Fenton, missed all of offseason apply whereas rehabbing from a shoulder process.

— Adam Teicher

Camp prediction: Dylan Parham, the primary draft decide of this Raiders regime, will win a beginning job on Las Vegas’ beleaguered and rebuilt offensive line. Left guard appears to be the touchdown spot for Parham, a third-round decide, though John Simpson began all 17 video games there final season. However the appropriate facet is in additional flux, with 2021 first-rounder Alex Leatherwood maybe transferring from proper guard to proper deal with, and former beginning proper guard Denzelle Good coming back from a torn ACL in his left knee.

— Paul Gutierrez

NFC EAST

Camp prediction: Sam Williams will declare the beginning defensive finish spot reverse DeMarcus Lawrence as Randy Gregory‘s alternative. The Cowboys’ second-round decide has the entire pass-rushing instruments defensive coordinator Dan Quinn likes to work with — velocity across the edge, the flexibility to bend, strong arms. Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. have extra NFL know-how, and whereas being a “starter” might be overrated since Quinn likes to rotate his defensive linemen, Williams’ expertise will get him on the sphere early. Search for him to come back near matching Gregory’s six sacks from 2022.

— Todd Archer

Camp prediction: The Giants’ protection will look actually good this summer time. Yep, a unit with main questions at three of the 5 beginning spots within the secondary (together with nickel cornerback) goes to dominate coaching camp. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has some rushers in his aggressive scheme that can check a new-look offensive line and have an effect on the quarterback. First-round decide Kayvon Thibodeaux shall be again after lacking the spring with a minor damage. His first step shall be noticeable. With the Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones nonetheless engaged on timing of their new offense, will probably be a bonus to the protection all summer time lengthy, simply because it was in 2014 when Eli Manning was throwing interceptions left and proper (typically a number of per day) studying Ben McAdoo’s offense earlier than having a robust season.

— Jordan Raanan

Camp prediction: Britain Covey makes the workforce. The 25-year-old undrafted rookie receiver out of Utah created some buzz this spring. At 5-foot-8, 170 kilos, he would not precisely have a measurement benefit, however that did not cease him from wreaking havoc final 12 months for the Utes, together with on particular groups as he returned two punts and a kickoff for touchdowns. Competitors for roster spots ought to be fierce at receiver, with Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward and John Hightower amongst these vying to make the squad together with A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Zach Pascal and Quez Watkins. However the coaches like what they’ve seen out of Covey to date, and a robust summer time might persuade them to maintain him round.

— Tim McManus

Camp prediction: Operating again Antonio Gibson emerges because the most-talked-about offensive participant in camp. There shall be numerous consideration on quarterback Carson Wentz, so maybe this ought to be the participant most mentioned after the brand new quarterback. It is typically onerous for working backs to face out in camp as a result of there is not stay tackling. However Gibson will emerge due to the work he put on this offseason, reducing his physique fats from 18% to lower than 12, he stated, which ought to add extra explosiveness. Gibson will remind everybody about his potential primarily based on what he has completed the earlier six months.

— John Keim

NFC NORTH

Camp prediction: The Bears’ high draft decide, Kyler Gordon, shall be higher than marketed. No participant will notch extra interceptions in coaching camp than the cornerback from Washington. I am going to even take it a step additional and mission that Gordon will carry his momentum from coaching camp into the season and lead the Bears in interceptions, turning into the third rookie to attain that feat in franchise historical past.

— Courtney Cronin

Camp prediction: No. 2 total decide Aidan Hutchinson will stay as much as the hype. There’s clearly excessive expectations for the Plymouth, Michigan, native coming into his first coaching camp, however all through the offseason, the teaching employees and his teammates have been impressed along with his work ethic and skill to regulate to the brand new environment. Hutchinson was an All-American at Michigan, however the Wolverines’ protection struggled on the nationwide stage within the Orange Bowl towards Georgia. Can he grow to be an elite expertise within the NFL ranks? Detroit might’ve gone in various completely different instructions in a draft that includes a number of high quality pass-rushers, however the feeling right here is Hutchinson will meet — or exceed — expectations.

— Eric Woodyard

Camp prediction: Jordan Love excels. If it should occur for the third-year quarterback, it ought to be now. Behind him are the COVID-19 12 months that wrecked his rookie offseason and coaching camp (he had no preseason recreation motion), and his first NFL begin — the disastrous loss at Kansas Metropolis. It was in Yr Three when Aaron Rodgers confirmed his potential, and there is not any excuse for Love to not comply with swimsuit — except, in fact, he isn’t the reply to the query of who will succeed Rodgers. With Rodgers nearly sure to sit down out preseason video games, as has been the case in recent times, that is one other alternative for Love.

— Rob Demovsky

Camp prediction: Rookie cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. will emerge as a starter. The Vikings have been raving about Sales space since buying and selling as much as draft him within the second spherical, and he joins a place group that’s ripe for newcomers. Strictly from a talent and playmaking perspective, Sales space was among the many finest cornerbacks within the draft. His damage historical past pushed him into the second spherical, however he believes that surgical procedure to restore a hernia in March has put him on the street to everlasting restoration. If that is the case, and he goes by way of coaching camp wholesome, he’ll show ok to begin reverse Patrick Peterson — or on the very least within the nickel package deal that the Vikings will use incessantly.

— Kevin Seifert

NFC SOUTH

Camp prediction: Tyler Allgeier wins at the very least a part of the working again position. Now this won’t be the boldest prediction on the earth, however the rookie out of BYU goes to get each probability to win the early-down working again position — particularly if Atlanta plans to maintain utilizing veteran Cordarrelle Patterson as a multifaceted offensive possibility. Allgeier will want work in cross safety, however his bruising, fall-forward, loving-contact working fashion will endear him to teach Arthur Smith and offensive coordinator Dave Ragone, making him a day one participant for a younger Falcons roster.

— Michael Rothstein

Camp prediction: Baker Mayfield will not be the beginning quarterback, at the very least initially. This may come as a shock to the 91.6% on my casual Twitter ballot who predicted Mayfield can be the Week 1 starter. However Sam Darnold has a whole offseason studying Ben McAdoo’s system and the terminology to his benefit. Darnold can be wholesome whereas Mayfield is about six months faraway from surgical procedure to restore a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He is on monitor to a full restoration, however that is nonetheless an impediment to beat. Darnold has nothing to lose for the primary time in his NFL profession, so he has much less stress than the highest decide of the 2018 draft.

— David Newton

Camp prediction: The Jameis Winston–Chris Olave duo will generate some buzz. Michael Thomas will nonetheless be the Saints’ No. 1 receiver when wholesome — and all indications are that Thomas’ restoration is on monitor. However I additionally understand how “buzz” works in coaching camp and the preseason, when it takes just a few large highlights to generate pleasure. And Olave has the kind of velocity and big-play capacity to catch a few of these residence run balls that Winston likes to throw. Olave, who was drafted with the 11th decide, won’t have the identical goal quantity as different rookies this 12 months as a result of he is in a crowded group, however we must always begin to see glimpses of his future No. 1 capacity like we did with Thomas in his rookie camp — when former coach Sean Payton famously prompt, “I do not comply with fantasy soccer, however, shoot, I would attempt to have him.”

— Mike Triplett

Camp prediction: The Bucs will signal an outdoor linebacker earlier than the beginning of the common season. The Bucs have Professional Bowler Shaq Barrett whereas Joe Tryon-Shoyinka takes over for Jason Pierre-Paul, who stays unsigned, and Anthony Nelson will serve in a rotational capability. However past these three, they’re skinny and unproven with Cam Gill being the one participant having regular-season recreation expertise. The checklist of quarterbacks they will face this season is downright absurd. Carl Nassib, Anthony Barr and Ryan Kerrigan are amongst some intriguing names nonetheless accessible.

— Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Camp prediction: Kyler Murray exhibits as much as camp with a management mentality and places the Cardinals on his shoulders. A few of coach Kliff Kingsbury’s last phrases earlier than the summer time break had been about his concern that Murray won’t be at camp on Day 1 due to a contract squabble. With a new deal in place, he’ll present up as a quarterback able to show he is definitely worth the cash. He nonetheless is not used to dropping, and he lastly has the teammate he is wished since 2018 in Marquise Brown. Murray will really feel empowered along with his contract and can begin to present his management on the sphere and all through the group.

— Josh Weinfuss

Camp prediction: Tutu Atwell ends camp because the No. Three receiver. Each quarterback Matthew Stafford and huge receiver Cooper Kupp identified Atwell’s enchancment through the spring. Atwell, the Rams’ second-round decide in 2021, performed 10 offensive snaps final season however had a task on particular groups earlier than injuring a shoulder and being positioned on injured reserve in November. The Rams have a robust trio of Kupp, Allen Robinson II and Van Jefferson, however a robust camp from Atwell will give him a much bigger alternative coming into the common season.

— Sarah Barshop

Camp prediction: Rookie defensive finish Drake Jackson wins the beginning defensive finish position reverse Nick Bosa. Jackson, a second-round decide this spring, impressed teammates and coaches alike throughout offseason practices. Samson Ebukam completed robust in 2021, however Jackson has the dimensions and talent to play a bigger-than-expected position immediately. A method or one other, Jackson will carve out a big position with a robust debut camp.

— Nick Wagoner

Camp prediction: Coby Bryant shall be a Week 1 starter at cornerback. Seattle’s rookie nook has greater than a well-known identify. He additionally has a ton of faculty expertise (53 profession video games) and a few critical ball abilities (the perfect of any defender on this 12 months’s draft, when you ask him). These traits might make him extra NFL-ready than most rookie corners drafted within the fourth spherical. It additionally helps that the place is huge open. Sidney Jones IV appears like a favourite to begin at one of many spots, however nobody is entrenched. Tre Flowers gained a beginning job at nook as a rookie in 2018 — whilst a transformed security. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is not afraid to belief younger gamers at that place. For that matter, fifth-round rookie Tariq Woolen might issue into the competitors together with Tre Brown and Artie Burns.

— Brady Henderson

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