NFL TRAINING CAMP NOTES

NFL TRAINING CAMP NOTES

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Too much talk: It seems off-field drama is still all anyone wants to talk about with the Steelers. This time, thanks to ex-Steelers and Patriots LB James Harrison and his retirement media tour, head coach Mike Tomlin’s discipline and philosophy have been called into question. (Harrison said last month on Fox Sports 1’s “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed” that Bill Belichick was “by far” a better coach than Tomlin. Harrison also said Tomlin needs to be more disciplined.) Center Maurkice Pouncey and DT Cameron Heyward admitted Tomlin plays favorites but defended their coach’s methods. Once the pads are donned and reps are broken down, attention should turn to the field.

Rookie watch: The Steelers’ rookie class has been quiet. However, last week, safety Morgan Burnett sat out with a hamstring injury that gave rookie Terrell Edmunds his first chance to run with the starters. Pittsburgh was likely being cautious with Burnett, but Edmunds, the 28th overall draft pick in 2018, is one step closer to playing time with every first-team rep.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Bradford at the helm: The Cardinals opened training camp, and two things are clear: quarterback Sam Bradford is healthy and is the starter. “My body’s in a good place and I think we’ll see the benefits of the plan we had throughout OTAs and throughout the spring. It’s definitely the best it’s felt since the injury last year,” he said, referring to the knee that limited him to two games in

Rookie watch: Rosen, the 10th overall draft pick, wants to push for the starter job, and a backup spot is all his.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Good day, Mr. Jones: The Falcons got Julio Jones to camp at the eleventh hour after a contract dispute that dragged out through organized team activities and minicamp. He got about $3 million in extra money in a cap-neutral move by general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Jones also has a commitment to renegotiate his deal after the season. Meanwhile, second-year linebacker Duke Riley might be under more pressure than any other player. He struggled as a rookie with missed tackles. Deion Jones and De’Vondre Campbell took big leaps in their second seasons. If Riley can do the same, Atlanta might have one of the top linebacker groups.

Rookie watch: First-round pick Calvin Ridley joins Jones and Mohamed Sanu in perhaps the NFL’s best wide receiver corps. Ridley, from Alabama, can become the speed/deep threat if he controls his drops.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Head start: While the rest of the NFL opened training camps, the Ravens have already been there. Thanks to the Aug. 2 Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears, Baltimore got a week head start. The HOF Game is likely to be a sloppy affair, but it will provide a good indication of how this team has changed in recent months. With the complete remodel of the wide receiver corps thanks to the addition of Michael Crabtree, John Brown and Willie Snead, the hope for Baltimore is a dramatic change is noticed on offense immediately. The drafting of former Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson has apparently lit a fire under Joe Flacco, and he’s been noticeably better and more consistent throughout OTAs and early training camp.

Rookie watch: WR Jordan Lasley, a fifth-round pick from UCLA, has been riveting to watch. Much like his college stat sheet, Lasley has produced electric catches yet also several drops. As his consistency improves, the coaching staff will be looking to see if he can continue to impress in game action.

BUFFALO BILLS

Storyline of the week

To trade or not to trade: That is the question when it comes to DE Shaq Lawson.

This offseason the Bills made big additions into their front seven. Rookie LB Tremaine Edmunds and DT Star Lotuelei shored up things down the middle. To generate more pass rush, DE Trent Murphy was brought in. Murphy has gotten the first-team reps over former first-round pick Lawson. Buffalo showed last season it’s not afraid to trade anybody. Will Lawson be the next to go?

Rookie watch: So far, so good for Edmunds in the: middle of Buffalo’s defense. Head coach Sean McDermott raved about the 20-year-old, saying he has the maturity of a seasoned vet. But any Bills’ rookie watch is all about quarterback Josh Allen. Early in camp, Nathan Peterman and AJ McCarron had rotated in as the first-team quarterback to start sessions. All three have gone through rotation during practices, which has allowed Allen to see reps with the starters. To this point, none have stood out.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Change in the air: Instead of previous owner Jerry Richardson scowling in his golf cart on the sidelines, there was new owner David Tepper, nodding his head and “dancing” to the beat of the music requested by QB Cam Newton. Speedy wide receiver Damiere Byrd was the standout of the first practice, making several highlight-reels worthy catches. However, RT Daryl Williams suffered a dislocated right patella and torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee over the weekend. On the other side of the ball, DE Julius Peppers began camp on the physically unable to perform list. Peppers’ reps went to Wes Horton, who rounded out an underrated and completely stacked front four also consisting of Kawann Short, Mario Addison and free agent pickup Dontari Poe.

Rookie watch; Another receiver vying for playing time is the team’s first-round pick, DJ Moore , who will have to earn his reps with the starters. Rookies Donte Jackson and Rashaan Gaulden saw some time with the starters in the secondary.

CHICAGO BEARS

Trubisky’s trials: Early on during camp, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky hasn’t been afraid to make mistakes. He threw interceptions in each of the first four padded practices as he pushed himself to attempt more difficult throws downfield. The result was big plays and turnovers. New head coach Matt Nagy understands that this is the time of year when players should go outside of their comfort zone to grow. Each interception is a learning opportunity for the young quarterback. Nagy is emphasizing a “next-play” mentality and isn’t concerned, but Trubisky will need to start honing in before too long. Last season, Trubisky threw seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions in 12 games. He completed 196 of 330 passes for 2,193 yards and a 77.5 passer rating.

Rookie watch: Sixth-round pick Kylie Fitts has an opportunity to earn playing time in an outside linebacker rotation that lacks proven pass rushers. He impressed last week with his motor and energy, and his untapped potential might be developing.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Rockin’ receivers: The wideouts seem unstoppable. While the Bengals didn’t don pads until July 28, the first two days of camp were a fireworks show. A.J. Green was A.J. Green, obviously, but Tyler Boyd impressed out of the slot with quick moves and sure hands. John Ross, coming off a disappointing rookie season, is as fast as advertised and made big plays 40 or more yards down the field while beating CB Dre Kirkpatrick. Green, Boyd and Ross could start Week 1, which would leave veteran Brandon LaFell and last year’s fourth-round rookie Josh Malone in tough spots.

Rookie watch: Center Billy Price is medically cleared after the chest muscle injury he suffered at the NFL scouting combine. Those expecting the first-round pick (21st overall) to seamlessly enter the NFL must be patient; lining up against 6-1, 300-pound DT Geno Atkins, a six-time Pro Bowler, isn’t easy. The 6-4, 305-pound Price, a two-time All-American from Ohio State, has plenty of time to become starter material, but he’s undergoing a trial by fire.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Taylor made to start: Tyrod Taylor led a plethora of talent upgrades onto the practice field. The veteran quarterback continues to lead No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield in the race to be the new starter, and his leadership is winning over teammates and coaches. WR Josh Gordon’s absence to seek more treatment for anxiety issues also has emerged as a storyline. Gordon needs more time to deal with his newfound sobriety, and the Browns are supportive. The NFL’s most productive receiver in his last full season in 2013, Gordon leaves a hole nobody else can come close to filling as a receiving option. There is no timetable for “Flash” to return other than an ambiguous “soon” from Gijon Dorsey.

Rookie watch: No. 4 overall pick Denzel Ward is expected to start right away at cornerback. The Ohio State product and Cleveland-area native signed his rookie deal and immediately began reps with the first team. His rapid development is a key to the Browns overhauled secondary. At Ohio State, he had24 pass breakups in 38 games

DALLAS COWBOYS

Overhauled receiving corps: The Cowboys revamped their wide receiver and tight ends rooms, both players and position coaches. The attempted evolution of the Cowboys offense has begun, from practice drills to schemes to route assignments. Dallas is searching for ways to best take advantage of the respect the opposition pays to the running game. Dallas is allowing diminutive receivers Cole Beasley and Tavon Austin to escape the confinements of slot duty. Young TEs Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz look primed to compete for Jason Witten’s vacated targets.

Rookie watch: Does Kam Kelly have the inside track on being 2018’s undrafted darling? Every camp has one, and the San Diego State product has a great opportunity to find a roster spot with the defensive backs. Kelly’s addition provides a clay mold for new passing game coordinator Kris Richard’s brand of Seahawks’ defending. Kelly spent full seasons at corner and safety playing a physical brand of pass defense.

DENVER BRONCOS

Rush week: For the first time in three years, the Broncos won’t have a quarterback competition during training camp. Case Keenum was named the starter after he signed a two-year, $36 million contract in March. Denver will have a competition at running back, though. GM John Elway released C.J. Anderson before the draft, a move that will save the team $9 million in salary cap space over the next two seasons. This summer, Devontae Booker, Royce Freeman and De’Angelo Henderson will compete to replace Anderson. (The competition) will all play out. That will be something interesting to watch.” As the most experienced running back on the roster, Booker might be the early favorite, but Freeman could surpass him with a strong summer. Henderson is a long shot.

Rookie watch: Freeman averaged 5.9 yards per carry in four seasons at Oregon, but can he carry such success over to the pros?

DETROIT LIONS

New patriarch Patricia: All eyes are on the former Patriots defensive coordinator and new Lions head coach and how he handles being a rookie in charge of a team with a lot of talent but many legitimate questions. Players and onlookers are learning how Patricia handles practices and drills. The Lions are changing defensive schemes, and it’s incumbent on the new coach to put the players in the proper position to thrive. With top pass rusher Ezekiel Ansah sidelined on the physically unable to perform list, his work with the defensive front, the team’s weak point in the 9-7 record a season ago, is under scrutiny. How Patricia blends the talent and mixes up the alignments with several new faces will be critical to Detroit’s success.

Rookie watch: Second-round pick Kerryon Johnson has every opportunity to win the starting running back job. His ability in the passing game will be a key in seizing the gig from veteran newcomer LeGarrette Blount and last year’s underwhelming starter, Ameer Abdullah 

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Early indications are ominous regarding Jake Ryan, who injured his knee in a July 30 practice. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, fellow LB Blake Martinez described Ryan, who was carted off, as “devastated” after speaking with his teammate. Ryan was, at one point, was screaming in pain as teammates huddled around him. Ryan, a fourth-year linebacker from Michigan, started 12 games at inside linebacker for the Packers last season. He tallied 81 tackles and a sack. Martinez indicated the team’s young ILBS (such as Oren Burks, Ahmad Thomas, Greer Martini, Marcus Porter) should be ready. It’s possible the Packers will entertain the idea of signing a veteran if Ryan is seriously hurt.

Rookie watch: Fourth-round WR J’Mon Moore is earning chances with the first team. Moore caught a few passes from Aaron Rodgers early on and will likely receive more chances in camp. Its possible Moore could challenge Geronimo Allison for snaps alongside Davante Adams and Randall Cobb.

HOUSTON TEX ANS

Clowney contract: GM Brian Gaine said Week 1 would be the deadline for negotiating a new contract with edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. “My policy on that is once the season starts, I don’t want to get into any negotiations,” Gaine said. “I want the players to focus solely on the field.” The club will also factor in the two-time Pro Bowler’s injury history into contract negotiations as Clowney spent the entire offseason rehabbing from knee surgery. Relations between the two sides are amicable. Houston picked up the fifth year option on Clowney, and the No. 1 overall pick from the 2014 NFL draft will cost the Texans $14 million in salary cap space this season.

Rookie watch: Justin Reid, a third round pick, used to watch pro game tape with his older brother, ex-49ers safety Eric Reid, when Justin was at Stanford. The first team all-Pac-12 member is challenging veteran Kareem Jackson at free safety after Andre Hal’s Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis. Either would pair with strong safety Tyrann Mathieu.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Brissett breaking through? Through the first week of training camp, most of the noise has been surrounding Quandre Luck and his return to the field, but backup Jacoby Brissett has been quietly making progress. After being thrown to the wolves in 2017, learning an offense as the season went on, Brissett finally had the entire offseason to learn the new offense brought along by Frank Reich. The Colts love what Brissett can bring to the table. They’ve even declined a few trade offers for the third-year quarterback throughout the offseason. Brissett has made some nice plays in camp, one of which included a 60yard touchdown to WR Chester Rogers. The Colts are comfortable knowing they have Brissett if something happens to Luck.

Rookie watch: Following a strong spring, WR and sixth-round pick Deon Cain has made play after play since the beginning of training camp and should make a case for a solid role in the offense. Cain played 40 games over three seasons at Clemson.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Comfort zone: Blake Bortles made several highlight throws on Day 1, and he appeared comfortable with Nathaniel Hackett’s offense. Bortles said it helped that the receivers around him are now more experienced after adjusting to a new system in 2017. He appears to be especially in sync with Donte Moncrief, Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook and Rashad Greene. RB Leonard Fournette came into camp at 223 pounds, and his newfound quickness has been obvious.

Rookie watch: Despite investing heavily in the wide receiver position during free agency, the Jaguars decided to draft one early in second-round pick D.J. Chark. In the early stages of camp, fans can see why. As a rookie trying to climb the depth chart, Chark has seen a lot of time on the field with backup quarterback Cody Kessler. It appears the two have picked up where they left off from a chemistry standpoint. Though Chark will likely end up the Jags’ No. 4 receiver, fans should be excited about his flashes.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Mahomes’ mixed bag: In his first several practices as starting quarterback, Patrick Mahomes showed flashes of brilliance and momentary struggles. Training camp has become a testing ground for what he can get away with. With each hiccup he’s experienced, Mahomes has bounced back, indicating he doesn’t repeat mistakes. Mahomes’ deep passes and throws outside the numbers still seem to be his best asset. However, he’s getting proficient throwing across the middle of the field as well. The receiver he had connected the most with through the first week of practice is Tyreek Hill, the team’s leading receiver last season with 1,183 yards. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said Mahomes built confidence in Week 17 of the 2017 season against the Broncos, when he threw for 284 yards.

Rookie watch Keep an eye on cornerback and return specialist Tremon Smith. He looks to be the most explosive return man on the roster and could make his way up the cornerback depth chart.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Time to shine: With the loss of TE Hunter Henry to an injury, the Chargers need second-year WR Mike Williams to step up in a big way. QB Philip Rivers needs as many options as possible, and he had some intriguing words after Day 2 of training camp. “He has shown some flashes and has the team excited,” Rivers said of Williams, who can dispel the early bust whispers by simply showing out in 2018 and becoming the player GM Tom Telesco thought he was one year ago when the Chargers made him the seventh overall pick out of Clemson. Williams dealt with back issues last season and he started one game.

Rookie watch: CB Brandon Facyson is an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech with a chance to make the team after the Achilles tendon injury to Jason Verrett. Facyson is a long press-man coverage cornerback, which makes him an ideal scheme fit. He has good length and playmaking ability. In 51 college games, he had 131 tackles (91 solo), 39 passes defensed, nine tackles for loss and five interceptions.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Donald ducks camp: Every player but one was in attendance and accounted for at the start of the week, and that one absence is undoubtedly the biggest storyline of camp. Tackle Aaron Donald, arguably the best defensive lineman in the NFL, has continued his holdout as he seeks an upgraded contract. With $6.9 million coming his way in 2018, Donald is underpaid compared to other elite defensive linemen in the league and is presumably looking to become the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. His absence will be a talking point until he arrives.

Rookie watch: Coach Sean McVay mentioned OL Joseph Noteboom as a potential replacement for Jamon Brown, who is suspended for the first two games of the season for violating the NFL’s policy for substances of abuse. Noteboom primarily played tackle at TCU but is comfortable at any of the five offensive line positions. He’ll battle Austin Blythe and Jamil Demby at right guard throughout camp in what’s sure to be a close competition.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Brace yourself: As the Dolphins began training camp; something was different about quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

He was sporting a brace on his left knee that said “Tannehill 2.0.” While he downplayed the label on his brace, Tannehill appeared more confident than ever on the field and off it. Tannehill posted Instagram videos of him working out with his receivers during the offseason. The video takes a bit of a shot at departed wideout Jarvis Landry, who said Tannehill was never interested in doing offseason work with his receivers. After not selecting a quarterback in the draft, the Dolphins are hoping Tannehill can regain his 2016 form when he posted a passer rating of 100.1 during the last eight games. Tannehill injured his knee in the first week of training camp in 2017 and missed the season.

Rookie watch: Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, the 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft, has been practicing with the second-team defense. It appears only a matter of time before he is in a starting spot.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Sparano death casts pall: How will the team bounce back from the death of offensive line coach Tony Sparano? Sparano died unexpectedly of heart disease at 56 on June 22. Sparano was a player’s coach. Vikings GM Rick Spielman and Coach Mike Zimmer said that it’s too soon to talk about possible replacements, but it’s something that will need to be addressed at some point. Tight ends coach Clancy Barone has been doing most of the offensive line coaching thus far, and it’s a unit that has question marks. Mike Remmers likely will slide to right guard for the retired Joe Berger, and the right tackle spot could become a competition between rookie Brian O’Neill and third year player Rashod Hill. Center Pat Elflein (shoulder, ankle) started training camp on the PUP list.

Rookie watch: First-round pick Mike Hughes has noted that the playbook has been one of the biggest challenges for him. If he can figure that out, he’ll likely be the team’s starting nickel corner ahead of Mackensie Alexander.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Brady, Belichick at odds? Training camp news always seems to take place off the field with the Patriots. This year the drama surrounds the relationship between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

There have been news reports of disagreements over Brady’s contract and his body coach Alex Guerrero, who is also Brady’s business partner at The TB12 Sports Therapy Center. Brady cut a news conference short July 28 when asked whether it was fair to connect Guerrero to Julian Edelman’s four game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Edelman and Guerrero were working together during the receiver’s rehab from an ACL injury. The Patriots have players on the rise such as DEs Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise and TE Jacob Hollister.

Yet Belichick and Brady get the headlines.

Rookie watch: J.C. Jackson, an undrafted free agent cornerback out of Maryland, could be the next no-name defensive back to flourish under Belichick.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Eyes on additions: Early in camp, the focus was on new faces. Sean Payton’s group came off three consecutive losing seasons to become Super Bowl contenders. GM Mickey Loomis has filled in remaining roster holes. Now the job is to integrate them. Demario Davis, who will play in his seventh NFL season, is the new linebacker leader, and the Saints have a new safety presence in Kurt Coleman. Cornerback Patrick Robinson returns after three seasons elsewhere. Receiver Cameron Meredith, who caught 66 passes for 888 yards for the Bears in 2017, is a wideout addition meant to round out the position opposite Michael Thomas.

Rookie watch: The Saints had the best rookie class in recent memory in 2017, led by RB Alvin Kamara and CB Marshon Lattimore.

The 2018 class isn’t well regarded, but early training camp is crucial for RB Boston Scott, a sixth-round pick from Louisiana Tech who could be the receiving back in a Darren Sproles mold. Kamara, though, says he needs to be less tentative.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Beckham’s big splash: Entering training camp, the Giants were full of interesting storylines, from Pat Shurmur’s early days as head coach to GM

Dave Gettleman’s cancer battle to a talented rookie class. Then there is Odell Beckham Jr., who is returning from a broken ankle that ended his 2017 season and amid a contract battle with the Giants. Beckham passed on holding out and arrived in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and almost immediately put on a show. Beckham’s teammates claimed he looked better, faster and more motivated then before his injury.

Rookie watch: Eyes will be on running back Saquon Barkley, the No. 2 pick in the draft. Like Beckham, he’s an elite talent, but as the pads come on, OT Will Hernandez is also worth watching. Playing alongside veteran Nate Solder, Hernandez is tasked with helping to turn around a lacking Giants ground game and his development will be key. He’s a bit of a mauler, so don’t be surprised to see him get into it with several defensive players.

NEW YORK JETS

Competent quarterbacks: Another quarterback competition is underway in Florham Park, New Jersey. It’s a yearly tradition, but the battle has serious contenders this year. Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold have a legitimate shot at the starting job. McCown, who had a career year in 2017 with 2,926 passing yards and 18 TDs, is the favorite. Given his familiarity and experience, it’s safe to say he has the edge over Darnold and Bridgewater, who essentially missed the last two seasons with a knee injury. If fully recovered, Bridgewater could offer a more dynamic skill set than McCown under center, but the ex-Viking is more likely to be used as trade bait.

Rookie watch: Either way, the two veteran quarterbacks are merely be placeholders until Darnold is ready. The No. 3 overall pick from Southern California missed early camp time because of a contract stalemate but agreed to a deal July 30. He’s expected to start at some point this season, but maybe not Week 1 because he faces a steep learning curve.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Missing Mack: The biggest storyline was who wasn’t participating. Star pass-rusher Khalil Mack was still holding out because he wants a new deal. He is currently slated to play on the fifth-year option that was exercised by the Raiders last offseason. Mack is looking to be the league’s highest-paid defensive player ever. Aside from Mack, starting left tackle Donald Penn is also missing as he was placed on the physically unable to perform list before camp and isn’t expected to return anytime soon. Rookie defensive tackle P.J. Hall also joined the PUP list with a chest muscle strain.

Rookie watch: Penn’s absence put first-round pick Kolton Miller onto the first-team at left tackle. Miller is a fantastic athlete who gained weight in preparation for camp, but he needs a lot of work with his technique. Miller’s play and growth throughout camp and the preseason will be one of the most important developments for the Raiders. If Miller can continue to have a strong camp, he might take hold of the left tackle job for good.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Wentz making strides: Quarterback Carson Wentz made another step in his rehab process by taking part in 11on-11 drills in practice. Wentz showed he is well on his way back to being the mobile passer he was before his knee injury in December. Wentz showed off his strong arm on some deep passes and moved within the pocket against a live pass rush. The possibility of making a Week 1 debut is within reach. “I thought he did a nice job operating in there,” offensive coordinator Mike Groh said, according to

Rookie watch: Losing backup TE Trey Burton might have been a blessing in disguise for Philadelphia. Rookie Dallas Goedert seems to be fitting in nicely. The Eagles are using a lot of two tight end packages that allow Goedert to work in tandem with Zach Ertz. Goedert already has made highlight catches on seam and corner routes.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Garoppolo generates buzz: The 49ers are suddenly a team burdened with expectations following QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s splashy debut to end 2017. Garoppolo helped San Francisco finish 610 after losing its first nine games. He parlayed that first impression into a five-year, $137.5 million contract. He has made the 49ers a trendy playoff pick in the crowded NFC. The 49ers have added new pieces on both sides of the ball, including CB Richard Sherman, RB Jerick McKinnon and center Weston Richburg, who are expected to provide significant upgrades at their positions. “I felt we worked our tails off last year, and I think we’re working even harder this year, which I didn’t know was possible,” Coach Kyle Shananhan said.

Rookie watch: LB Fred Warner, a third-round draft pick from BYU, has been praised by the coaching staff for his intelligence and athleticism. Warner (6-3, 236 pounds) is competing with veteran Brock Coyle to replace Reuben Foster during his two-game suspension.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seahawks hungry for a rebound: With a roster and coaching staff overhaul that started this offseason, training camp will offer a first glimpse at the new look Seahawks. Seattle missed the postseason in 2017 for the first time in six seasons. The team is eager to end that streak at one. “I think we’ve sensed it the whole time,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “I think we’ve sensed it since the last game of the season.” But things have changed dramatically, and many familiar faces are now with new teams. Still missing to start the week was safety Earl Thomas, who was holding out while trying to negotiate contract.

Rookie watch: First-round RB Rashaad Penny is competing with second-year rusher Chris Carson for the starting nod. Penny is only the third running back picked in the first round by the Seahawks, following Curt Warner and Shaun Alexander. Penny rushed for 2,248 yards last season at San Diego State, tops in the country. His 7.78 rush yards per carry ranked sixth. Carroll has also praised Penny’s pass protection.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Fitz fits: There’s an obvious absence when Tampa Bay’s first-team offense takes the field during training camp practices, as a healthy Jameis Winston remains on the sideline while veteran journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick commands the starters’ huddle. With Winston set to begin the season with a three-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, the Bucs are forced to prepare with Fitzpatrick at the helm. In relief of an injured Winston last year, Fitzpatrick won two of three starts. Things will be more challenging this time, as instead of a midseason trio of opponents that include the Jets and Dolphins, Fitzpatrick must face the Saints, Eagles and Steelers.

Rookie watch: A second-round pick out of North Carolina, M.J. Stewart is making waves for a Bucs team desperate for cornerback depth. With Vernon Hargreaves missing practice time with a leg injury, Stewart was getting valuable reps as the starting slot corner. His versatile skill set will allow him to play inside or out.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Corey Davis connection: It didn’t take long for the chemistry between Marcus Mariota and Corey Davis to develop. The two have connected on several big plays in team drills during the first portion of training camp, and it’s becoming apparent that Davis has all the tools to be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver. His rookie year was plagued by injuries, and there wasn’t time for Davis and his quarterback to get on the same page. Mariota spent time with Davis and other receivers this offseason and it’s paying off. The Titans defense started off strong in camp with the secondary pushing around the receiving corps. The offense is catching up quickly in large part because of Mariota and Davis. Tennessee will deploy a strong group of cornerbacks this season, and Davis has found success against all of them.

Rookie watch: OLB Harold Landry, a second-round pick from Boston College, is getting a heavy dose of first-team reps while Brian Orakpo nurses a shoulder injury.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Crank up the competition: The Redskins can see a new tone to their practices. Early indications are positive, with highly competitive and spirited workouts. Younger players have come in and embraced competition with the veterans, all players taking a businesslike approach without the drama that has engulfed the team in years past. There are no contract disputes or major injuries keeping top-tier players from practicing. In fact, the top players coming back from injuries (LT Trent Williams, RT Morgan Moses, TE Jordan Reed and RB Chris Thompson) have participated in practices.

Rookie watch: When the Redskins drafted DL Daron Payne in the first round this year, they envisioned an anchor in the middle of their defense for the foreseeable future. Payne has impressed over the early going in training camp. He missed Day 3 with an ankle sprain and might sit out the next week or so, but his presence can’t be overlooked. While Payne is out, keep an eye on rookie DT Tim Settle, who has made nice plays in camp.