20) The Panthers won’t give No. 6 overall pick Ikem Ekwonu a starting job. Sophomore Brady Christensen has surpassed him in pass protection, according to The Athletic’s Joe Person, although Ekwonu in the left tackle with Christensen in left guard is still the most sensible setup.
21) A stripped down Mekhi Becton, who worked out every day while transitioning to proper tackle, was a big win for the Jets for a few weeks. He was then spotted wearing a knee brace on Friday and left training on Monday with an apparent leg problem. (Shortly before the release, Jets coach Robert Saleh said “It doesn’t seem like a big deal.”) Becton could be the X-factor to the overall offense, and the right tackle is a natural fit for the Mauler.
The Jets had veteran free agent Duane Brown at their facility on Saturday and are discussing a potential contract with him. My guess is that Brown would only sign to start.
22) The Ravens need a receiver or two to move up this season. In camp so far it has been James Proche, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec. Proche and Devin Duvernay are the top contenders to start alongside Rashod Bateman. A later addition of a camp veteran cannot be ruled out.
23) Tampa Bay traded Shaq Mason to free-agent departure Alex Cappa at right, but that’s not the only change to the Bucs’ inside offensive line. Robert Hainsey has taken over from Ryan Jensen in the middle after the injury, while there is a four-way battle on the left. According to the Pewter Report, Aaron Stinnie was essentially benched after blocking Bucs defenseman Logan Hall on Jensen, causing the Pro Bowl pivot injury.
24) Another interesting early development in Buc’s practices: Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has replaced Sean Murphy-Bunting as the team’s slot defender.
25) Drew Lock began scrimmaging the Seahawks He hit his first 10 passes on two touchdown drives, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Lock reportedly outplayed Geno Smith throughout the scrimmage, mostly against Seattle’s starting defense. Geno was solid if unspectacular, which is similar to most of his camp reviews. I thought Lock would get more first-team representatives in the future, but it didn’t happen on Sunday.
26) If the season started today, the Cowboys’ top three wideouts would likely be CeeDee Lamb, rookie Jalen Tolbert and Noah Brown. An undrafted rookie named Dennis Houston has been spending some time with the Ones!
27) The Falcons benched guard Jalen Mayfield in favor of veteran Elijah Wilkinson. Mayfield, selected in the third round last year, struggled as a rookie.
28) As the Cardinals take 2021 first-round Zaven Collins off the field on passing downs and talk about his learning curve, they create a new “star” position for Isaiah Simmons. The whole idea of Simmons and Collins playing side-by-side at Inside Linebacker appears to have been scrapped as the team is confident in Simmons’ versatile star power while doubting Collins’ progression.
29) Philadelphia’s defensive line is so deep that Brandon Graham, the stalwart pass rusher, is lining up for backups — and he doesn’t seem to mind that he’s excited to be the best roleplayer he can be.
30) Eagles coach Nick Sirianni noted that 2020 first-round pick Jalen Reagor is just “fighting for a spot on the team.” He might just get it. According to The Athletic’s Bo Wulf, Reagor is enjoying his most consistent camp.
31) Kellen Mond was touted as a potential competitor for Kirk Cousins a year ago in Minnesota. Now there’s talk of him not being a ban on the team.
32) Jonas Griffith appears alongside Josey Jewell in Denver’s second-ranked linebacker. Griffith has reportedly even snapped some snaps as a lone linebacker on the field in certain formations.
33) Through practices and scrimmage between teams on Sunday, it looks pretty clear Joshua Palmer is the Chargers’ third receiver. Jalen Guyton is said to be a major No. 4 threat. Meanwhile, the fight to support running back Austin Ekeler appears wide open between Larry Rountree, Joshua Kelley and rookie Isaiah Spiller.