Up until this week, off-season practices have been optional for teams across the NFL, meaning we don’t yet have a precise idea of what those clubs will be like when Week 1 begins in September. However, that is changing for nine teams this week as they will open a mandatory minicamp. This three-day period brings veterans and newcomers together as they continue to lay the groundwork for 2023.
There are of course some notable storylines worth watching as it all comes together in one square. Below, we profile the nine teams opening minicamps this week (click here to see when each team will be holding minicamps) and share one of their major storylines.
49ers: The QB Carousel
Brock Purdy could be the team’s starter in 2023, but the quarterback is recovering from right elbow surgery and has only recently returned to pitching. With that in mind, Purdy likely won’t see the lion’s share of the work at the minicamp, pushing either Trey Lance or Sam Darnold into the lead, which has been the case with all OTAs. If Lance can flash the talent that made him No. 3 overall pick just a few years ago, it will be interesting to see how that could set the stage for training camp, especially when Purdy is still not at 100%.
Dolphins: Is Dalvin Cook on the way?
Potential new signing Dalvin Cook takes center stage during this three-day mini-camp for the Dolphins. The star running back is currently a member of the Minnesota Vikings, but a divorce seems inevitable, according to the latest reports. If Cook is released, Miami are the main contender for the 27-year-old. The Dolphins currently have Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. as top-2 defensemen, along with rookie third-rounder Devon Achane. While it will be interesting to see how these three fare at minicamp as they continue to work out a pecking order, Cook could turn the backfield on its head.
Browns: What’s Jim Schwartz’s defense like?
Cleveland has hired veteran coach Jim Schwartz as their next defensive coordinator for this season off, and it looks like he’s remodeling the unit and making it his own. Specifically, Schwartz is implementing a new scheme along the defensive line that gives players like Myles Garrett the ability to tee off at opposing quarterbacks. With Garrett missing some OTAs along with Za’Darius Smtih and Dalvin Tomlinson, it will be important for Cleveland to bring them indoors to familiarize themselves with this new scheme so they can hit the ground running in training camp later this summer.
Titans: Can Treylon Burks make the leap into sophomore year?
Treylon Burks had a tumultuous rookie season. The wideout was put in a difficult position early on after Tennessee traded AJ Brown for the first-round pick to be used against Burks. So not only did he come into the first round with expectations, but he was also asked to replace a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Brown. Burks then struggled with injuries and was limited to 11 games during the regular season and only had 444 receiving yards. Now that he’s past those injury woes and has a year of experience under his belt, Burks will be looking to have a landmark sophomore season in 2023. He has reportedly put on a strong off-season so far, with reports from OTAs pointing to his strong chemistry with Ryan Tannehill.
Raiders: Jimmy Garoppolo’s left foot injury
Jimmy Garoppolo underwent left foot surgery after signing with the Raiders early in the off-season, so he won’t be ready for minicamp just yet. That leaves either Brian Hoyer, Aidan O’Connell, or Chase Garbers in the driver’s seat as primary quarterback during this time. It’s hard to imagine the Raiders finding an offensive identity during this period without their starting quarterback, but it was recently revealed that the organization could opt out of Garoppolo’s contract if that foot injury persists. With that in mind, getting valuable representatives can be beneficial for these backups.
Cowboys: The Tight End Room
The Cowboys saw Dalton Schultz depart as a free agent this offseason, but have enough playing strength to cushion the blow of his loss. The club drafted Luke Schoonmaker from Michigan in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he was reportedly struggling with a case of plantar fascia. This has limited him at OTAs and might also limit him during minicamp. With Schoonmaker restricted and/or absent, Jake Ferguson will likely carry a heavier workload along with Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon.
Commanders: Sam Howell rises to QB1
Not only do the Commanders have a new offensive coordinator in Eric Bieniemy, but the organization is preparing sophomore quarterback Sam Howell to become the team’s 2023 starter. Howell’s progress on Bieniemy’s offense will be the story to follow at the Commanders minicamp and will remain so throughout training camp later this summer. Despite being the likely starter, head coach Ron Rivera has gone on to point out that Howell must earn the job, which means he must beat veteran Jacoby Brissett. Howell has been praised by his teammates, including wideout Terry McLaurin, but it will be interesting to see how he fares as the competition at camp heats up. Howell started in Washington’s regular-season finale against Dallas, completing 11 of his 19 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown
Lions: The Rookie Class
Detroit caused quite a stir in the 2023 NFL Draft, particularly on Day 1 and Day 2 when they brought in several players they hope will make an immediate impact. First-round running back Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to be a key player in the backcourt, as will fellow first-rounder Jack Campbell on the defensive linebacker. The club also picked tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch in the second round and they are also looking for a sizeable role from the start so this is a crucial integration period with the full squad intact. While all of these rookies take the spotlight, Gibbs takes center stage. A pure runner and pass catcher, he’ll be able to show off his dual-threat ability that earned him 12th overall in Detroit.
Seahawks: Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seahawks had two first-round picks this year, opting for cornerback Devon Witherspoon at No. 5 overall and then wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 20. Their progress at minicamp will be worth tracking as both Reportedly during the OTAs were restricted with hamstring injuries. With those injuries, it would be wise for Seattle to make minicamp training easier for these two players, but they also need to strike a balance so they have enough time to acclimate before training camp. The Seahawks are a dark horse in the NFC, and if these two first-rounders can contribute in the first year, it will take a big step closer to their playoff ambitions.