Caleb Harris
2024 NFL the offseason continues with rookie minicamp as the newest members of the NFL the family is adapting to their new teams and getting on the practice field.
Many rookie minicamps began on Friday, May 10th. We have JJ McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. throwing footballs for the first time with their new clubs, Rome Odunze catching passes from Caleb Williams and JC Latham pushing a 380-pound sled.
Games are not being won and lost in the month of May, but players who will win games for their franchises in the future are being created. Here are some notable insights from around the league during Saturday’s practices. To see some of the best highlights from Day 1 of rookie minicamp, Click here.
Drake Maye ‘has a lot to work on’
The New England Patriots hope they have found the quarterback of the future in North Carolina’s Drake Maye, but the transition to quarterbacks at the next level is complicated. When first-year head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about his first impressions of the third overall pick from rookie minicamp, he said the 21-year-old is a work in progress.
“He’s got a lot to work on. A lot to work on,” Mayo said, via ESPN. “But I have no doubt he’ll put in the time. He’s been here all night trying to get on the same page as everyone else.”
This quote shouldn’t raise any red flags for Pats fans. Every new quarterback has a lot to work on. Maye’s new teammate, fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk, noticed Maye’s arm talent and leadership qualities.
“The guy can shoot, man,” Polk said. “He’s very confident. He’s a leader, very vocal; he’s setting the tone in practice, trying to get guys moving and operating at a high level.”
The Detroit Lions found a new cornerback in the 2024 first round NFL Draft, selecting Alabama’s Terrion Arnold at No. 24 overall. Some viewed him as the best cornerback in this class, and he is expected to make an immediate impact in Detroit.
On Saturday, Arnold continued to make his presence known and made his first interception with the Lions.
Caleb Williams building chemistry with wideouts
This year’s first overall pick continued his Bears rookie minicamp on Saturday, and the signal-caller is working hard alongside the other new Bears. Here he is working on some deeper throws down the sideline.
Former Illinois defensive back Johnny Newton drops to 36th overall in 2024 NFL Draft potentially due to foot surgery. Now he needs another procedure on his feet. Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn told reporters that Newton has an injury to his other foot and will have a procedure next week, via NBC4Sports.
Apparently it’s the same injury to the other foot, a Jones fracture. Newton was seen with a boot on his left foot on Friday.
“Giving no time frame on this,” Quinn said.
Rome Odunze is ruled out with hamstring tightness
After practicing on Friday, Odunze will not practice on Saturday for the Chicago Bears as he is dealing with a tight hamstring, by NBC Sports Chicago. It is unclear when Odunze suffered this injury, but the decision to keep him sidelined was reportedly a precautionary measure.
