NFL TRAINING CAMP NOTES

PITTSBURGH

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

NEW WRINKLES: With every practice, we see the new concepts the Steelers coaching staff is putting in place. On offense, it is all about creating a more diverse, balanced and rhythmic system that plays to the strengths of QB Ben Roethlisberger and his talented cast of skilled players. That includes making the tight end position part of the game plan. On defense, coordinator Keith Butler is continuing to shuffle roster spots, especially in the secondary. He’s creating a diverse web of sub packages designed to confuse offenses, shut down the pass and force teams to run.

ROOKIE WATCH

Jaylen Samuels, a fifth-round pick, was asked to do everything from running back to wide receiver to tight end at North Carolina State and that’s continuing in Steelers camp. His skills as a receiver are enticing to a team that leans heavily on RB Le’Veon Bell in the passing game. His hard-nosed attitude about the game fits perfectly with the Steelers

ARIZONA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

LITTLE COMING UP BIG: One of the biggest position battles in training camp for Arizona is at wide receiver. After Larry Fitzgerald, the position is completely up for grabs. While no one has really separated himself from the rest of the pack, an unexpected player is moving up and getting in the mix. Veteran Greg Little, a 2011 second-round pick of the Browns who hasn’t made an NFL team since 2014, has shone thus far. He has earned unprompted praise from coach Steve Wilk sand has even done enough to get some first-team reps in practice. Little has 161 catches for 1,890 yards and eight touchdowns in the NFL.

ROOKIE WATCH

Undrafted WR Trent Sherfield out of Vanderbilt is making a name for himself. The 6-1, 205-pounder is seen by some inside the organization as a diamond in the rough. He will remind fans of Jaron Brown, who spent five years with the team after making it as an undrafted rookie out of Clemson. He’s a player to watch in the Aug. 11 preseason opener vs. the Chargers.

ATLANTA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

THE FINAL PIECE: The Falcons roster has so few holes that any criticism is almost nitpicking, especially on offense. One area they could stand to improve is at tight end. Austin Hooper struggled at times last year, but he started working with 2016 MVP quarterback Matt Ryan as early as March, and it appears to be paying off. Logan Paulsen, Eric Saubert and Troy Mangen are competing for the spots on the depth chart behind Hooper. If the Falcons find a reliable contributor at this position, their offense could prove to be unstoppable.

ROOKIE WATCH

Atlanta already has one former Alabama superstar wide receiver on its roster in Julio Jones. The Falcons might have gotten another one in the first round with Calvin Ridley, who has already developed a solid rapport with Ryan. Ridley is also in the mix to replace Andre Roberts as the punt returner on special teams. In three seasons at Alabama, Ridley had 224 catches for 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns. He had only two punt returns and zero kick returns for the Crimson Tide.

BALTIMORE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

CRABTREE VS. TALIB 3: After defeating the Bears in the Hall of Fame game, the Ravens will welcome the Rams to their facility in Owings Mills, Maryland, for joint practices ahead of their game Aug. 9. This marks a reunion of Baltimore wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Rams cornerback Aqib Talib .The last time these two met in November, it resulted in dual ejections. Now they’ll line up across from each other every day in practice. The two also had an incident in 2016 when Talib ripped Crabtree’s chain off his neck on the sideline.

ROOKIE WATCH

The Ravens selected two tight ends in the draft and are finally getting a chance to see one of them. Mark Andrews, the No. 86 overall pick in April, returned to practice this week. He missed several training camp practices and the Hall of Fame game with a soft tissue injury. Andrews, a 6-5, 256pounder out of Oklahoma, is being counted on to act as a big-bodied slot receiver, something quarterback Joe Flacco loves to utilize.

BUFFALO

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

The wide receiver position became a glaring need during the first week of camp, so the Bills acquired Corey Coleman from the Browns for an undisclosed draft pick. “His speed, I remember scouting him in college,” general manager Brandon Beane said. At his pro day at Baylor, Coleman ran a 4.37 in the 40. Limited to 19 games by injury, Coleman has 56 catches for 718 yards and five touchdowns in his career. Not great numbers for the No. 15 overall pick of 2016. Beane said Coleman will have to earn his place:

ROOKIE WATCH

Starting MLB Tremaine Edmunds continues to impress teammates and coaches, who’ve praised his maturity at 20. Edmunds had two interceptions during team drills (on back-to-back days) to end the first week of camp. The already high bar keeps getting higher for the 16th overall pick in the draft.

CAROLINA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Derek Anderson has served as Cam Newton’s main backup at quarterback since he was drafted in 2011. Now, there’s a three-way battle to decide who will replace him. Garrett Gilbert seems to be the favorite. He’s competing against Taylor Heinicke and undrafted rookie Kyle Allen. Heinicke is the only one among them with NFL game experience (one game). Another major position battle is at left guard, where veteran Amini Silatolu leads a number of contenders to replace former star Andrew Norwell, who joined the Jaguars in free agency.

ROOKIE WATCH

With CB Ross Cockrell ruled out for the season due to a devastating leg injury (two broken bones that will require surgery), Carolina’s second-round NFL draft pick Donte Jackson is benefiting from extra opportunities. Jackson’s speed is already well known; as he ran the fastest 40-yard time at the NFL scouting combine this year. His ball skills are making an impression as well. Jackson played in 35 games over three seasons at LSU.

CHICAGO

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER: A versatile collection of players gives head coach Matt Nagy a lot of flexibility to get creative. WR Taylor Gabriel and RB Tarik Cohen make up for their lack of height with game-breaking speed, which allows Nagy to line them up anywhere in the formation to maximize their matchups. TE Trey Burton also provides a movable piece who should spend more time at slot receiver than his listed position. Add in Allen Robinson as the bona fide No. 1 receiver, though he’s coming off a torn ACL last season. Provided Robinson is healthy, second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky should have many more options.

ROOKIE WATCH

Seventh-round pick Javon Wims was the star of the Hall of Fame game. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver led his offense with seven catches for 89 yards in his pursuit of a spot on the 53-man roster. The deciding factor could be his special teams contributions, something he had little experience with at Georgia.

CINCINNATI

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

PRICEY MISTAKES: The Bengals have looked like a rusty team trying to weave in new faces along the offensive line and at wide receiver. First-round center Billy Price struggled with snap issues in each practice leading up to a “mock game” at Paul Brown Stadium, where he had a handful more. 2017 first rounder John Ross is the clear-cut No. 2 guy on the outside opposite A.J. Green, but he’s had drop issues as well. Both will need to clean up the mistakes quickly before preseason exhibitions get underway.

ROOKIE WATCH

Third-round pick Sam Hubbard out of Ohio State has shown some impressive burst off the edge already. While he has a huge mountain to climb when it comes to earning snaps on a defensive line as deep as the Geno Atkins- led unit, his continued strong play could make it tough for veterans such as Michael Johnson to avoid being cut. The team was more than willing to show WR Brandon LaFell (more than 1,400 receiving yards the past two seasons) the door at an equally deep position.

CLEVEL AND

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

‘Plan Z?’ Coach Hue Jackson pulled the plug on Shon Coleman at left tackle, moving veteran LG Joel Bitonio to the first-team unit. Bitonio had previously resisted the move and offensive line coach Bob Wylie had referred to him as “Plan Z” one day earlier. There are other options to fill the big shoes of perennial all-pro Joe Thomas, who retired after 11 seasons. Newcomer Greg Robinson, who has played in four NFL seasons, is an option, as is Chris Hubbard, who has taken over at right tackle. Second-round pick Austin Corbett, like Bitonio, was a tackle at Nevada before joining the Browns.

ROOKIE WATCH

WR Antonio Callaway was a fourth round pick despite off-field issues that stunted his career at Florida. He has made plays throughout camp and has a chance to carve out a significant role, particularly if Josh Gordon remains away from the team. Callaway has developed good chemistry with QB Baker Mayfield with the second team.

DALLAS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

BIG D IN BIG D? Are the Cowboys finally ready to roll out an impactful defense again? This camp is showing Dallas should be able to create pressure in waves. The defensive linemen have been able to consistently succeed against the best offensive line in football. Brian Price has been a revelation at nose tackle, winning his share of matchups against all-pro center Travis Frederick.

Acquired via trade during the draft, Jihad Ward has shown an array of rush moves, and Datone Jones picked up in midseason 2017, has flashed as well. The down-line DEs such as rookie Dorance Armstrong and third-year pro Charles Tapper are showing well. With Randy Gregory activated, there is depth behind DeMarcus Lawrence, David Irving and Tyrone Crawford.

ROOKIE WATCH

Armstrong, a fourth-round pick, is making a mockery of third-string tackles and is getting work against Cameron Fleming and Chaz Green without any drop-off. Tests against Tyron Smith and La’el Collins are coming.

DENVER

STORY LINE OF THE WEEK

Sutton shines: After scouting potential No. 3 wide receivers to complement Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, general manager John Elway was delighted when SMU wideout Courtland Sutton fell to the Broncos in the second round of the draft. At training camp, Sutton has looked like a first round talent, leaping up to haul in a spectacular catch nearly every practice. He’s drawn praise from many of his teammates, including NT Domata Peko. “He kind of reminds me of A.J. Green, where he can get up there and catch those balls,” Peko said during an appearance on Orange & Blue 760, the team’s radio station.

ROOKIE WATCH

Denver used a fourth-round pick on speedster DaeSean Hamilton, who ran an unofficial 4.47-second 40-yard dash at Penn State’s pro day. Sutton and Hamilton eventually might replace Thomas (30) and Sanders (31), making them players to watch during preseason.

DETROIT

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

CB FIGHT: The battle for the starting cornerback job opposite all-pro Darius Slay is heating up. Former Seahawk DeShawn Shead has showed an ability to make plays on the ball and use his length to disrupt timing on routes. He’s locked in a battle with holdovers Nevin Lawson and Teez Tabor .Lawson can play both outside and in the slot. Tabor the team’s 2017 second-round pick, is seeing a lot of action with the first team and is acquitting himself nicely after barely playing as a rookie from Florida. All four will have roles in new coach Matt Patricia’s mix-and-match defense, which is based upon personnel packages and game situations.

ROOKIE WATCH

The Lions traded their 2019 third round pick to jump back into the fourth round in the draft to select Alabama DT Da’Shawn Hand. Hand was sidelined for the first part of training camp. His ability to generate pressure from the inside in a variety of alignment schemes is critical for a Lions pass rush that struggled mightily in 2017.

GREEN BAY

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

BULAGA RETURNS: Starting RT Bryan Bulaga passed his physical and was activated off the physically unable to perform list. He practiced for the first time roughly nine months after tearing his ACL against the Lions in November. When healthy, Bulaga teams with David Bakhtiari to form one of the NFL’s best offensive tackle combinations. (Bakhtiari sprained an ankle last week but isn’t expected to miss significant time.) The Packers are still easing the ninth-year veteran back into action, but coach Mike McCarthy said he is expecting Bulaga to start in Week 1. Justin McCray, who made eight total starts at three positions last season, is the early favorite at right guard.

ROOKIE WATCH

The season-ending knee injury to starting LB Jake Ryan gave an opportunity to third-round pick Oren Burks , now a favorite to start alongside Blake Martinez . The Vanderbilt product has flashed potential in a coverage role. The Packers now need him to be a three down player.

HOUSTON

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

Following the leaders: Tyrann Mathieu could be an immediate, vocal leader in the Texans secondary. However, the all-pro safety has been “following the right guys” and leaning on established locker room cornerstones including DE J.J. Watt and Johnathan Joseph. Mathieu, who signed a one-year, $7 million deal, has held new teammates accountable, which is one of the ways secondary Coach Anthony Midget says Mathieu displays his natural leadership skills. If the Texans get the same level of play he showed in Arizona, the Texans defense should return to a top-five level this season.

ROOKIE WATCH

Sixth-round pick Jordan Thomas from Mississippi State has impressed coach Bill O’Brien with his blocking skills. The 6-5, 280-pounder has good hands, too. If Thomas’ blocking skills are further along than the coaches anticipated and he continues to catch passes, the Texans might have an option to replace veteran TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, who retired after numerous concussions.

INDIANAPOLIS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

HOOKER RETURNS TO PRACTICE: Malik Hooker, a 2017 first-round draft pick, was restored from the physically unable to perform list to the active roster. Hooker proved he can be a cornerstone of the secondary after recording three interceptions through the first seven games. However, a torn ACL cut his rookie season short, and the surgery to repair the injury caused Hooker to miss spring workouts. The Colts are hoping Hooker can play in a preseason game. Along with Hooker, the Colts restored fellow safety and projected starter Clayton Geathers (knee) from the PUP list, giving the secondary a nice boost in depth. Geathers also missed all but five games dealing with a neck injury last season.

ROOKIE WATCH

After a quiet spring, RB Jordan Wilkins is turning heads. The fifth-round pick has shown a no-fear demeanor as he looks to carve out a role in a backfield that is up for grabs. Wilkins rushed 155 times for 1,011 yards and nine touchdowns in 2017 at Mississippi.

JACKSONVILLE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

RAMSEY RETURNS: After missing the first four days of training camp because of the birth of his first child, Jaguars all pro CB Jalen Ramsey returned to the practice field on Day 5. Ramsey will be counted on again to lead the league’s top passing defense from a season ago. He will be eligible for a contract extension in 2019, which provides extra incentive for the third-year veteran to keep improving.

ROOKIE WATCH

Seventh-round pick Leon Jacobs, who was impressive earlier during the offseason, was inserted into the starting strongside linebacker spot at the start of training camp and hasn’t looked back. The position had been held by Myles Jack in 2017, but with inside linebacker Paul Posluszny announcing his retirement in March, Jack had to move into that spot. Jacobs, who’s 6-1, 246, played some strongside linebacker at Wisconsin, and that appeared to have given him the upper hand to win the job over second-year player Blair Brown.

KANSAS CITUY

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

CHIEFS DEFENSE TURNS HEADS: Lost in the hysteria surrounding starting QB Patrick Mahomes’ interception troubles is that the revamped defense is having an incredible training camp. Many thought this unit could hold back an otherwise solid Chiefs team in 2018, but the group has already surpassed last year’s interception totals through seven practices’ worth of team drills. The most impressive players might be those from the Chiefs’ 2017 draft class. Second-year OLB Tanoh Kpassagnon has been a standout player after making next to no impact during his rookie season. The same goes for S Leon McQuay III and LB Ukeme Eligwe.

ROOKIE WATCH

Undrafted free agent Ben Niemann has been filling in for starting LB Reggie Ragland, who is sidelined with a non-football injury. Niemann has shown good chemistry with starting LB Anthony Hitchens, possibly because both players are former Iowa Hawkeyes.

MINNESOTA

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

CONCERNS ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE: The offensive line is already beat up. That isn’t a great sign for a unit with the most question marks heading into the season for the Vikings. Projected starting RG Mike Remmers hurt his left ankle and will miss some time during camp. Second-year center Pat Elflein (shoulder, ankle) is still on the physically unable to perform list. Rashod Hill, who is fighting for the right tackle spot, has already missed time with a stomach illness.

ROOKIE WATCH

The big news among receivers was Stefon Diggs’ five-year contract extension, set to pay him about $14 million annually, according to the “Star Tribune.” But there could be one spot up for grabs behind Diggs, Adam Thielen, Laquon Treadwell and Kendall Wright. Second- year WR Stacy Coley might be the favorite to win it, but keep an eye on Minnesota native Brandon Zylstra. He led the Canadian Football League in receiving yards (1,687) last season.

NEW ENGL AND

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

RECEIVER TURNOVER: The Patriots have a puzzle to solve at pass catcher. Brandin Cooks was traded, and Danny Amendola left in free agency. Julian Edelman will serve a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance enhancing drug policy. Rob Gronkowski will be a mainstay on offense, but beyond him and WR Chris Hogan, QB Tom Brady will have to develop a rapport with less familiar targets Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett, Cordarrelle Patterson and Eric Decker. Keep an eye on young slot receivers Braxton Berrios and Riley McCarron. Perhaps one can follow the long line of slot receivers to emerge in New England’s offense behind Edelman, Wes Welker and Troy Brown. The release of Malcolm Mitchell Aug. 6 may increase their roster chances.

ROOKIE WATCH

In the preseason opener against the Redskins, New England likely will make heavy use of Duke Dawson, a second round pick out of Florida. Dawson is in competition to take over a starting role as slot cornerback.

NEW ORLEANS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

QB Drew Brees was still trying to wrap his head around a beautiful interception made by second-year safety Marcus Williams, and he had only one comparable talent in mind: Ravens great Ed Reed. “If you’ve ever played against Ed Reed ... try and get him leaning one way and still you throw a ball and be like, ‘How did he get there?’ Marcus makes some of those plays,” Brees said, according to NFL Network. Williams, 21, has been a ball hawk all throughout training camp, flying around the field and making life difficult for quarterbacks and receivers. He might be having the team’s best camp.

ROOKIE WATCH

First-rounder Marcus Davenport has dealt with multiple injuries, but he’s still in line to be the opening-day starter at defensive end. After missing time in the spring because of thumb surgery, Davenport has been held out for about a week with an undisclosed injury. Alex Okafor was playing well in his stead. At some point, the missed work could impact Davenport’s season

NEW YORK GIANTS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED: A season ago, the Giants were plagued by injuries, inconsistency and sloppy play. To rectify that, first-year coach Pat Shurmur has introduced new practice drills to help alleviate some of the issues that led to a franchise-worst 3-13 record in 2017. Among them are one-handed catching drills and poor shotgun snap drills aimed at getting players accustomed to rare ingame situations. Shurmur and the coaching staff have also worked on swiping techniques to help drum up forced fumbles. Additionally, Shurmur often has players take practice reps out of position to add a versatility and experience to their games. Shurmur is also starting to reduce the workloads of his key players, such as RB Saquon Barkley, so as to not wear them out.

ROOKIE WATCH

Third-round DT B.J. Hill, who played alongside Bradley Chubb at North Carolina State, has dominated camp and could earn a starting job. DT Damon Harrison called him the team’s most athletic defensive lineman.

NEW YORK JETS

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

INJURIES MOUNT: Every team deals with injuries in training camp, but the Jets already find themselves down two key contributors. RB Elijah McGuire went down with a broken foot during the first practice. He’ll be out for 3 to 6 weeks after having surgery. While McGuire was destined to be New York’s third-string running back, the plan was for him to see plenty of snaps in 2018. Another notable name on the sideline is WR Quincy Enunwa, out for 1 to 2 weeks with a sore thumb. Enunwa missed the 2017 season with a neck injury, so the Jets will surely be cautious as their offensive jack of all trades works his way back.

ROOKIE WATCH

McGuire’s absence is a golden opportunity for sixth-round pick Trenton Cannon. It originally looked like the 5-11; 185-pound speedster from Virginia State’s only chance of making the team was as a return man. Now, he has a chance to impress in the backfield with the No. 3 spot on the depth chart wide open.

OAKLAND

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

NELSON IMPRESSES: New Raiders WR Jordy Nelson has been drawing rave reviews from teammates and coaches. QB Derek Carr said Nelson, 33; “looks like he’s in his 20s” while Raiders coach Jon Gruden complimented the former Packers receiver on his impressive speed. Nelson signed a two-year, $15 million deal and is attempting to replace Michael Crabtree, whom the team released in March, as the team’s No. 2 receiver opposite Amari Cooper. So far, that move seems to be working out for Oakland.

ROOKIE WATCH

Second-round pick P.J. Hall has returned to practice (chest injury) after being placed on the physically unable to perform list before camp. The 306pound nose tackle is an athletic marvel and ran a 4.76 40-yard dash during his pro day. However, Hall is trying to make the tough transition from Football Championship Subdivision School Sam Houston State to the NFL. He is competing for a starting job at nose tackle with Justin Ellis, a four-year NFL veteran who started 14 games last season.

SAN FRANCISCO

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

MCGLINCHEY IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Aug. 9 preseason opener against the Cowboys will allow second-year coach Kyle Shanahan to see his No. 9 overall pick Mike McGlinchey in game action for the first time. McGlinchey will start at right tackle. The Notre Dame alumnus has had an up-and-down training camp, particularly in pass protection. On the defensive side, CB Richard Sherman returned to the practice field for the first time following November’s Achilles tendon tear but will not play against the Cowboys. WR Marquise Goodwin has built off a strong finish to 2017 with multiple highlight plays in practice, hauling in a slew of deep passes from Jimmy Garoppolo.

ROOKIE WATCH

Second-round pick and WR Dante Pettis has stood out early in camp, making several impressive catches with the first-team offense. He figures to have a role in Shanahan’s rotation of receivers and is the favorite to return punts after setting an NCAA record with nine punt-return touchdowns.

SEATTLE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

THE MARSHALL/WILSON HOOKUP: The Seahawks added a playmaker to their wide receiver corps this offseason by signing Brandon Marshall. He got on the field for his first extended practice as a Seahawk after rehabbing from toe, ankle and hamstring injuries. “Yeah, there’s some things that we got to clean up and there’s some things that we got to see,” he said. “There’s some mistakes that we’ve got to make and correct, but the good thing about Russ (QB Russell Wilson) is he loves ball and he loves talking ball.” Marshall and Wilson have a combined18 seasons in the NFL and are tenacious competitors. With Doug Baldwin sidelined because of a knee injury, Marshall will get his fair share of looks from Wilson this preseason.

ROOKIE WATCH

Keep an eye out for fifth-round draft selection Tre Flowers as he continues his transition from college safety to NFL cornerback. Seahawks defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. referred to Flowers as a “natural” and said “there’s no limit as to how good he can be.”

TAMPA BAY

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

PRAISE FOR GODWIN: After the 2017 NFL draft, the Buccaneers were lauded for stealing TEO.J. Howard at No. 19 overall, but it’s their third-round pick from that class who is looking like the biggest bargain. Chris Godwin has been a constant highlight reel in his second NFL training camp, consistently beating defenders and making big plays all over the field. While Mike Evans is entrenched as the team’s No. 1 receiver, Godwin is making it clear he’s ready to take over the No. 2 spot. De-Sean Jackson has more experience and production (not to mention salary), but Godwin appears to have a more complete skill set. Look for him to keep impressing on the practice field.

ROOKIE WATCH

Second-round pick Ronald Jones has garnered attention, but another rookie runner has been turning heads, too. An undrafted free agent out of Duke, Shaun Wilson might face an uphill battle on Tampa Bay’s depth chart. He’s undersized but explosive and versatile.

TENNESSEE

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

INJURIES TEST DEPTH: Injuries have been a theme for key starters. WR Rishard Matthews missed the first two weeks of camp with an undisclosed injury. LBs Brian Orakpo and Rashaan Evans missed the second week of camp with injuries, and the team lost starting S Johnathan Cyprien for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Titans added free agent Kenny Vaccaro to take over for Cyprien, but they’re not adding players at any other spots. General manager Jon Robinson used only four picks in this year’s draft because he was confident in his team’s depth. Now they’re taking advantage of that depth with decent results early on in camp.

ROOKIE WATCH

DB Dane Cruikshank was one of the players pushed into the spotlight by Cyprian’s injury. It didn’t look early on as if Cruikshank would see additional playing time, but he quickly worked his way up the depth chart to snag heavy first team reps while the team waits on Vaccaro to get up to speed.

WASHINGTON

STORYLINE OF THE WEEK

PASSING TO THE TOP: Could a passing game that Coach Jay Gruden has led to 4,000-plus yards in three of his four seasons exceed expectations? QB Alex Smith has developed a strong rapport with free agent signee Paul Richardson as well as Josh Doctson, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2016. That bond should only continue to get stronger with time and familiarity. Slot receiver Jamison Crowder has carved out a name as one of the best at his position and could be in for a big year with Smith spreading the ball around.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Gruden spoke highly of fifth-round DL Tim Settle. “He’s got good strength, lower body strength is excellent, and he’s got a pretty good get-off for a big man, which is good to see,” Gruden said. Settle is one of a few linemen vying for attention in wake of first-round pick Daron Payne’s ankle injury, which is expected to sideline him until mid-August. “For these young guys, they have to wait their turn, and when they do get their reps, their opportunity rises, they have to take advantage of it,” Gruden said.