One thing to watch for every NFL team hosting 2024 mandatory minicamp: Browns, Steelers QB reps are key

Majority NFL teams are back on the field this week for the continuation and conclusion of spring training. Some have already ended mandatory minicamp and are releasing players for the summer with a final round of organized team activities (OTAs). However, twenty-two different clubs are only now starting the mandatory sessions, which are taking place this week.

Here’s a major story for each of this week’s teams at minicamp:

The renewed corps of wide receivers. Greg Dortch remains a surefire holdover, but how is Kyler Murray’s chemistry with Marvin Harrison Jr. going? Arizona is putting a lot on the shoulders of this duo as its roster remains in rebuilding mode.

Competition for WR3 roles. Drake London and rookie Darnell Mooney are alongside tight end Kyle Pitts as Kirk Cousins’ top targets. But Rondale Moore, KhaDarel Hodge and even Ray-Ray McCloud III are in contention for a secondary role.

The revamped offensive line. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson will have three new starting blockers in the trenches after an exodus of interior guys. Rookie Roger Rosengarten is perhaps the most important name to watch, with a chance to make a big impact early on in the attack.

Rasul Douglas’ contractual situation. The former Green Bay Packers cornerback is entering a contract year after a hawkish half-season with Buffalo in 2023. After skipping voluntary workouts, Douglas may need a rich stretch as the face of the secondary.

The development of Bryce Young. It’s difficult to fully separate the quarterback’s growth (or lack thereof) from the revamped receiving corps, now with Diontae Johnson and rookie Xavier Legette. But nothing is more important than Young making strides under new coach Dave Canales.

Joe Burrow availability. The star quarterback was a surprise absence during OTAs, resting while returning from the wrist injury that sidelined him for much of 2023. Coach Zac Taylor downplayed the issue, but Burrow’s rehab is critical to this team’s success.

The breakdown of quarterback reps. Deshaun Watson is obviously “the guy,” mostly for financial reasons. But the polarizing signal-caller didn’t follow a daily throwing schedule this offseason while returning from injury. Jameis Winston is next in line as the No. 2 veteran.

Sean Payton’s three-man quarterback run. Rookie Bo Nix has received high praise since his arrival, but reports indicate that former New York Jets castoff Zach Wilson is also in contention for the starting job. And then there’s Jarrett Stidham. Perhaps a favorite will emerge soon.

Green Bay Packers

The development of ‘no-No. 1’ wide receivers. Jordan Love made the headlines by declaring that Green Bay’s lack of a “true No. 1” actually benefits the offense. Let’s see how the crop of Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks really stacks up on the depth chart.

Trevor Lawrence’s revised receiving corps. Calvin Ridley was essentially traded for Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. A year after Lawrence struggled to stay on the same page as Ridley, improving connection with pass catchers could be key.

The entire offensive hierarchy. We know that Travis Kelce is considered Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted communication channel. Isiah Pacheco is safe in defense. But there are plenty of names to choose from, from Marquise Brown to Rashee Rice to Kadarius Toney.

The Antonio Pierce effect. Yes, they have a quarterback competition, but the reality is the Raiders are in a strange middle ground between rebuilding and competing. The overall focus should be on how Pierce’s message and strategy reshapes this team.

Jim Harbaugh’s old school philosophy. The new coach rebuilt Justin Herbert’s supporting cast and prioritized the trenches this offseason. Battles are raging at the front and everywhere. Let’s see how the changes continue to impact internal expectations.

The new secondary look. Sean McVay’s offense is always can’t be missed, but cornerback and safety got an even bigger overhaul this offseason, with Darious Williams returning, Tre’Davious White arriving and Kamren Curl leading the new safety duo.

Drake Maye’s progress. The rookie first-round pick appears to be firmly behind veteran Jacoby Brissett in the early stages of the team’s quarterback competition, opening OTAs as the No. 3 pick. But if his physical gifts become even clearer as training camp approaches, a A prominent position may still be his.

The backup quarterback battle. Derek Carr has battled multiple injuries in 2023, so the second spot is vital here, and both Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler are inexperienced competing for that role. The former appeared to have a more stable start to the off-season.

Health from Daniel Jones. The veteran quarterback has been working to return from an ACL injury throughout the off-season. He also has a troubling history of neck problems. But he will need to stay on the field and be alert to avoid further speculation about a possible acquisition of Drew Lock in the Big Apple.

New York Jets

Haason Reddick’s contract status. Besides the obvious points of interest – Aaron Rodgers, the new offensive line, etc. — it will be a potentially huge blow to Robert Saleh’s pass rush group if rookie Haason Reddick, an OTA absentee, extends his holdout or appears disappointed.

The Russell Wilson-Justin Fields competition. Fields has been adamant that he is in contention for the QB1 job, but Wilson is the smarter, more experienced option for a team that seemingly wants to compete now. How will the first team representatives be divided in Steel City now?

The deepest receiving body. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are still top-notch weapons, but second-year pass-catcher Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having a hot start to the spring. And now freestyle sprinter Robbie Chosen (formerly Robbie Anderson) is in town for a test run.

Baker Mayfield’s Comfort with Liam Coen. The quarterback has a history with the new offensive coordinator dating back to his Rams days. Mayfield’s supporting cast has remained largely intact this offseason, so his growth in the new system is the main offensive storyline.

The fight to protect Jayden Daniels. The lanky rookie quarterback is the X-factor for Washington this year, but so is left tackle, where Cornelius Lucas and rookie Brandon Coleman are among those competing for the primary blindside blocking job.