Teams that opted out of mandatory minicamps this week are the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers.
Teams already have been going through organized team activities, but this marks the first time that many veterans will take the field since the end of the 2020 season.
So what do you need to know about this week’s activities? We asked our NFL Nation reporters to preview this week’s minicamps and tell us the biggest thing they are watching from all 18 camps.
The Ravens drafted Rashod Bateman in the first round and signed Sammy Watkins in free agency to help boost the NFL’s 32nd-ranked passing attack.
How improved is Buffalo’s defensive line? It was clearly a point of emphasis for the Bills after drafting defensive ends with their first two picks in this year’s draft.
How will QB Sam Darnold perform after a month of practicing Joe Brady’s system? Participation-wise, Carolina has had close to 100% throughout OTAs, so what happens in mandatory minicamp won’t be that much different from what we’ve seen.
Bears coach Matt Nagy already announced that veteran Andy Dalton will take the first-team reps until further notice, but Fields is penciled in as the No.
What kind of progress will Joe Burrow continue to make? During the three OTAs available to the media, Burrow took small strides as he looks to recover from a devastating knee injury.
The Browns added as many as eight new defensive starters in the offseason through free agency and the draft, bolstering the talent around star pass-rusher Myles Garrett and Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward.
And coach Vic Fangio has said what happens in training camp and preseason games later this summer will be the bulk of the evaluation when the team makes the decision, but he also has said that 11-on-11 work in practice matters plenty.
How much is Trevor Lawrence progressing? He’s not facing limitations as he recovers from left shoulder surgery, but he is having the normal ups and downs all rookie QBs have.
Patrick Mahomes seems well ahead of schedule in rehabbing from February toe surgery, so the bigger immediate issue is who is playing where on the offensive line.
Not much can be told when the guys are in shorts and helmets, right? But Gus Bradley was brought in to fix a defense that cost Las Vegas dearly in late losses to the Chiefs, Chargers and Dolphins last year, costing the Raiders a shot at the playoffs.
Is Justin Herbert rusty or ready? Will he have the second-year blues, or does he look strong and prepared? Based on his history, we’re guessing ready, strong and prepared.
How does Tua Tagovailoa look with his new offensive weapons? The buzz around the Dolphins’ headquarters all offseason has been about building around a more comfortable, confident Tagovailoa headed into Year 2.
Will Danielle Hunter show up? The Pro Bowl defensive end is the only Vikings veteran who skipped out on the entirety of OTAs while speculation over possible dissatisfaction with his contract continues to swirl.
The veteran linebacker and longtime captain has not been attending voluntary organized team activities after opting out of the 2020 season, but players and coaches have said they look forward to his return.
The presumptive starter, Wilson has been getting every first-team rep, but he still hasn’t had a chance to work with WR Jamison Crowder, who is staying away because of a contract squabble.
How is Ben Roethlisberger adapting to Matt Canada’s offense? The Steelers have been slowly installing Canada’s scheme during OTAs, and minicamp with the full Steelers offense will be another measuring stick for the quarterback and his comfort in the new concepts.
What should we expect regarding Jamal Adams’ participation? The Pro Bowl strong safety was among the Seahawks’ veterans who stayed away for the start of the voluntary offseason program, but he didn’t report at the start of the final week of OTAs like many others did.
How much will Ryan Tannehill and Julio Jones work on chemistry? The newly acquired Jones will play a key role in the Titans’ passing game but is playing with a new quarterback for the first time in his 10-year career.