{"id":83142,"date":"2025-07-22T12:14:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-22T12:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/83142\/"},"modified":"2025-07-22T12:14:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T12:14:11","slug":"one-player-to-watch-at-every-nfl-training-camp-shedeur-sanders-travis-kelce-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/83142\/","title":{"rendered":"One player to watch at every NFL training camp: Shedeur Sanders, Travis Kelce and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2025 NFL training camps<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Enough sloshing through summer in the NFL<\/a>. Real football (sort of) is here as training camps kick off in earnest across the league this week.<\/p>\n

And with that comes a myriad of storylines and tidbits to follow for the next few weeks. However, it\u2019s often easiest to follow the players. So, The Athletic\u2019s NFL writers made it easy and picked one to watch as training camp commences.<\/p>\n

Is it the exciting free-agent addition who could make all the difference in 2025? Could it be the highly anticipated rookie quarterback set to change the franchise\u2019s fortunes? Or could it be a backup having to step in for an injured All-Pro?<\/p>\n

Read more below to find out.<\/p>\n

Arizona CardinalsOLB Josh Sweat<\/p>\n

In need of pass-rushing help, the Cardinals made one of the offseason\u2019s bigger moves, signing Sweat to a four-year, $76.4 million contract<\/a>. He\u2019s exactly what they needed, someone who can disrupt the quarterback, perhaps Arizona\u2019s biggest weakness under head coach Jonathan Gannon. Expectations are high for the 28-year-old Sweat. He was a force in last season\u2019s Super Bowl, producing 2 1\/2 sacks in Philadelphia\u2019s win over Kansas City. Over seven seasons with the Eagles, he had 43 sacks, including 11 in 2022. This season, he could help turn a decent Arizona defense into a strong one, helping the Cardinals return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season. \u2014 Doug Haller<\/p>\n

Atlanta FalconsQB Michael Penix Jr.<\/p>\n

This is not a subtle pick, but Atlanta\u2019s hopes this season rest almost entirely on the young quarterback, specifically his connection with his wide receiving corps. Penix was impressive in spots in the three games he started in 2024, but his completion percentage (58 percent) ranked 29th in the league in that span. Falcons coaches said most of his misses were the result of unfamiliarity with his pass catchers. That\u2019s something that should have been addressed in Penix\u2019s first offseason as the starting quarterback. If the connection looks strong in training camp, that\u2019s a good sign for Atlanta\u2019s offense. If not, it\u2019ll be a red flag. \u2014 Josh Kendall<\/p>\n

Baltimore RavensCB Jaire Alexander<\/p>\n

The Ravens\u2019 one-year deal with Alexander<\/a> received a lot of fanfare and praise. For the hype to be justified, Alexander needs to stay healthy. The 28-year-old has missed 20 of 34 regular-season games over the past two years. If he\u2019s anywhere close to his pre-injury form, the Ravens have a steal and perhaps the best secondary in football. Being able to match up in the secondary with Alexander, fellow corners Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins, and versatile safeties Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks could take Baltimore\u2019s defense to another level. However, a big part of that is Alexander staying healthy and fitting in with his new team. \u2014 Jeff Zrebiec<\/p>\n

Buffalo BillsDE Joey Bosa<\/p>\n

The Bills took a calculated risk in free agency by signing Bosa to a one-year deal worth $12.6 million<\/a> to try to improve their pass rush in 2025. Bosa\u2019s best years may be behind him, but he remained an effective pass rusher who could be a big upgrade to what they had in A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller and Dawuane Smoot last year. The big question is whether Bosa can stay healthy in the run-up to the season and how they\u2019ll manage his practice reps to ensure it happens. He already had a calf injury that cost him all of the spring practices. Bosa is one of the players who can provide a true big swing one way or another to their results this year, and his overall health and effectiveness in camp will dictate a lot of it. \u2014 Joe Buscaglia<\/p>\n

Carolina PanthersDE Derrick Brown<\/p>\n

The Panthers were cautious with Brown in the spring, and for good reason. When he went down with a torn meniscus in Week 1, it was the start of a long year for the defense. The former Auburn standout won\u2019t fix everything for Carolina\u2019s league-worst defense. But he\u2019ll clean up many of the run-stopping issues that plagued the Panthers in 2024, when they became the third team in league history to allow 3,000 rushing yards. Brown\u2019s 103 tackles during his 2023 Pro Bowl season were the most ever by a NFL defensive lineman. Getting Brown back will be big. \u2014 Joseph Person<\/p>\n

Chicago BearsQB Caleb Williams<\/p>\n

Sure, the left tackle battle between Braxton Jones and rookie Ozzy Trapilo will be a storyline. We\u2019ll watch how wide receiver Rome Odunze looks in Year 2, and how rookies Colston Loveland and Luther Burden step in after missing OTAs. But it\u2019s all about Williams. Over the years, we hear \u2014 and, in fairness, echo \u2014 the narratives, \u201cWell it\u2019s a veteran defense against a young group learning a new scheme.\u201d At some point, the franchise should see its quarterback dominate camp practices. Maybe there will be understandable growing pains, but everything is supposed to be in place for Williams to thrive. \u2014 Kevin Fishbain<\/p>\n

Cincinnati BengalsOG Dylan Fairchild<\/p>\n

Pressure will be high and eyeballs will be fixated on the Bengals\u2019 guard battles all camp. At the center of that is this third-round pick for whom the team has cleared the path to assume the starting left guard role. Will he be up to the test? Or will putting him out to protect Joe Burrow on Sept. 10 feel like organizational malpractice? There are three veteran options around Fairchild and we\u2019ll learn how tough his transition to the NFL will be and if the Bengals will still have more questions than answers at the problematic guard spot. \u2014 Paul Dehner Jr.<\/p>\n

Cleveland BrownsQB Shedeur Sanders<\/p>\n

The one Browns player much of the outside world is watching makes for a fascinating evaluation internally, too. After all 32 teams decided Sanders wasn\u2019t worthy of being drafted for nearly 5 1\/2 rounds, the Browns traded up to take him despite having selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel 50 picks earlier. Sanders showed in the spring that he\u2019s capable of throwing with touch and accuracy. In a wide-open, four-man quarterback competition this summer, Sanders will have to show he\u2019s capable of commanding the huddle, mastering the playbook and avoiding some of the mistakes against pressure that evaluators didn\u2019t like from his college tape. The Browns aren\u2019t counting on Sanders to be ready right away, but their quarterback competition could go a dozen ways \u2014 and Sanders could eventually find himself on the field as a rookie if he performs well this summer. \u2014 Zac Jackson<\/p>\n

Dallas CowboysWR George Pickens<\/p>\n

Finally getting to see the offensive line and running backs in full pads will be high on the list because of all the questions with Dallas\u2019 running game, but that\u2019s not close to Pickens. Trading for him<\/a> was the most notable move the Cowboys have made since adding Amari Cooper during the 2018 season. In that situation, Cooper was at least able to play two weeks later. Pickens was at all of the organized team activities and minicamp, but that\u2019s nothing compared to seeing what he can do with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb while everyone is going live in full pads. The expectations for the passing game should be highlight plays just about every day in Oxnard, Calif. \u2014 Jon Machota<\/p>\n

\n

Cowboys WR George Pickens on why this is the right place for him: \u201cJust the guys and the team speed. The team speed applies to the scheme too. If you got a lot of fast guys, you\u2019re gonna definitely have a different scheme.\u201d <\/p>\n

Pickens said this is the most speed he\u2019s played with\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/m5PbNQed0s<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 11, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Denver BroncosLB Dre Greenlaw<\/p>\n

The Broncos believe they can produce one of the NFL\u2019s best defenses in 2025, and signing Greenlaw in free agency was a move to improve the \u201cspine\u201d of that unit. If Greenlaw plays at a level that approaches his peak in San Francisco, the Broncos should be dangerous at every level of the defense, which includes a terrorizing front (league-high 63 sacks last season) and a secondary starting Defensive Player of the Year honoree Pat Surtain II. The big question is whether Greenlaw, who missed the spring with a quad injury, can get to the season healthy. \u2014 Nick Kosmider<\/p>\n

Detroit LionsG\/C Tate Ratledge<\/p>\n

Frank Ragnow\u2019s retirement<\/a> changes the outlook for the Lions offensively, in part, because he was such a constant. He could be left on an island against the top interior defensive linemen in the league and win with regularity. Replacing him is no small task, but one player to keep an eye on is Ratledge, a second-round pick. He almost exclusively played right guard at Georgia, but he cross-trained at center during OTAs. Whether he winds up there now or later depends on how quickly he catches on, but Ratledge has the goods. He\u2019s smart, detail-oriented, prepared, instinctive and moves well for his size. Graham Glasgow remains the favorite at center in 2025, but Ratledge could seize the job with a strong training camp. \u2014 Colton Pouncy<\/p>\n

Green Bay PackersMatthew Golden, WR<\/p>\n

Every catch the first-round pick makes at Ray Nitschke Field in training camp will draw oohs and ahhs from the crowd. There\u2019s simply more of a spotlight on you when you\u2019re a wide receiver drafted that early in Green Bay. Will Golden and his stick \u2019em hands and blazing speed surpass any of the returning receivers on quarterback Jordan Love\u2019s preference list before the season starts? We couldn\u2019t deduce much from pad-less workouts this offseason, but it\u2019ll be intriguing to see just how big a part of the offense Golden is once football starts to count this summer. \u2014 Matt Schneidman<\/p>\n

Houston TexansQB C.J. Stroud<\/p>\n

The Texans have been on a mission this offseason to upgrade their young quarterback\u2019s supporting cast. They overhauled the offensive line, brought in veteran and rookie talent at wide receiver and hired a new offensive coordinator. Stroud, in turn, must find comfort with the new pieces around him and take steps forward after a sophomore season that saw both he and the offense regress. New play caller Nick Caley runs a similar system, so the concepts will not be entirely foreign for Stroud, but the two must figure out how to remain a step ahead of defenses, who now have good familiarity with the rising star\u2019s strengths and weaknesses. \u2014 Mike Jones<\/p>\n

Indianapolis ColtsQB Anthony Richardson<\/p>\n

Richardson was shut down May 29 due to what Colts coach Shane Steichen labeled as \u201caggravation\u201d to the surgically repaired AC joint in Richardson\u2019s throwing shoulder. The quarterback has resumed throwing<\/a>, a league source told The Athletic, and it now appears Richardson will be available when the Colts begin training camp. Richardson\u2019s injury history, though, is a big reason the Colts signed Daniel Jones to challenge him for the QB1 title. If Richardson plans to keep his job and start over Jones in Week 1, he can\u2019t afford to miss many more practice reps. He also must show marked improvement with his accuracy. \u2014 James Boyd<\/p>\n

Jacksonville JaguarsWR\/CB Travis Hunter<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not overthink this one. Hunter is going to be one of the most exciting players in the league for the foreseeable future, and there\u2019s so much intrigue over his usage. The Jaguars traded a significant package of assets to move up for Hunter because they love his offensive ability, but a good chunk of the league viewed him as a full-time corner with plenty of value as a scheme receiver. However the Jaguars use Hunter, expect there to be a lot of it. He has all the necessary talent to be a star, and he has the backing of an organization that\u2019s motivated to help him get there. \u2014 Jeff Howe<\/p>\n

Kansas City ChiefsTE Travis Kelce<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll turn 36 in October. He regressed last season and was a non-factor in the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. He thought about walking away. He has about as busy a schedule away from football as any other player in the game. But Travis Kelce is back, invigorated by the sour taste in his mouth from that game in February. \u201cI feel like I failed my guys,\u201d he said in June. He\u2019s dropped some weight, looking to rediscover some speed and become, once again, the lethal weapon across the middle of the field he\u2019s been for so much of his career. But will he? In Year 13? Coach Andy Reid has vowed to keep a close eye on Kelce in training camp, guarding against overuse. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t know he\u2019s getting older, but I do,\u201d Reid said. \u201cI can be the bad guy in some cases there, if needed.\u201d Kelce\u2019s role \u2014 whether he\u2019s revived or regressing \u2014 remains paramount to the Chiefs\u2019 success. \u2014 Zak Keefer<\/p>\n

Las Vegas RaidersQB Geno Smith<\/p>\n

Smith has plenty of familiarity with coach Pete Carroll and multiple assistants on staff, but he\u2019s still a newcomer working to learn offensive coordinator Chip Kelly\u2019s system and ingratiate himself with his teammates. The Raiders have had a revolving door at quarterback for a few years and made a significant commitment to Smith with the belief that he\u2019s the answer. The offense surrounding him isn\u2019t anything to write home about \u2014 there are big question marks at offensive line and receiver \u2014 which puts a lot of pressure on him to be at his best. Training camp isn\u2019t the end all be all, but fans will start to get restless if he doesn\u2019t have a strong one. \u2014 Tashan Reed<\/p>\n

Los Angeles ChargersRB Omarion Hampton<\/p>\n

Hampton was already poised to have a big offensive role after the Chargers selected him No. 22 in April. He now has a chance to carve out a larger role even sooner because of running back Najee Harris\u2019 uncertain status. Harris injured his eye in a July 4 fireworks accident. He was placed on the non-football injury list<\/a>. Hampton was the clear lead back on the field as the Chargers opened training camp July 17. He has game-changing talent, and that should come to life in the weeks ahead. The Chargers were happy with how Hampton looked during spring practices, when the team was not in pads. \u201cI think he\u2019s going to be even better in pads,\u201d coach Jim Harbaugh said. \u2014 Daniel Popper<\/p>\n

Los Angeles RamsBackup tackles<\/p>\n

Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein was recovering from two shoulder procedures (non-repair) this spring and missed OTAs, while starting left tackle Alaric Jackson is managing blood clots and has no status update for camp just yet. The Rams signed D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry in the late stages of free agency this spring, and have been hoping that third-year player Warren McClendon or second-year player K.T. Leveston can develop into reliable swing backup tackles. The Rams have been meticulous and resource-forward in rebuilding their offensive line for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford over the last two seasons, and he will go as they do \u2014 and hope that if healthy starters aren\u2019t available, the backups are up to par. \u2014 Jourdan Rodrigue<\/p>\n

Miami DolphinsLT Patrick Paul<\/p>\n

The Dolphins drafted Paul in the second round in 2024, knowing Terron Armstead\u2019s days in the NFL were numbered. It was a wise course of action; now it just has to work. Paul didn\u2019t play much in his rookie year, but in his limited exposure, he also didn\u2019t provide much reason for optimism. PFF charged him with allowing 15 pressures and three sacks on just 210 pass block snaps and ended up rating him 78th out of 81 qualified offensive tackles in 2024. It\u2019s a small sample size to be sure, but if the Dolphins offense is going to recapture its former glory, it\u2019s going to need a lot more from Paul than he showed last season. \u2014 Jim Ayello<\/p>\n

Minnesota VikingsEdge Dallas Turner<\/p>\n

Picking quarterback J.J. McCarthy here would\u2019ve been far too easy. So, how about fellow first-rounder Dallas Turner? The Vikings traded a haul to climb to the No. 17 pick for him in the 2024 NFL Draft. Turner played sparingly in his rookie season, mostly because the Vikings had two phenomenal edge rushers: Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. Those two players remain. Still, Minnesota is committed to supplying Turner with more playing time. Will he receive off-the-ball snaps? How will he look rushing off of the edge in his second season? Can defensive coordinator Brian Flores find a way to get Van Ginkel, Greenard and Turner on the field together? These are three of the more interesting questions to observe once the Vikings take the practice fields. \u2014 Alec Lewis<\/p>\n

New England PatriotsRB TreVeyon Henderson<\/p>\n

We could\u2019ve gone here with Efton Chism, the undrafted wide receiver who shined during spring practices, but instead, let\u2019s go with Henderson, the team\u2019s second-round pick. He brings obvious speed and a big-play ability to a Patriots offense that has lacked juice in recent years. Plus he does it all, spending time this spring as a kickoff returner, passing target and running back. He\u2019ll be a ton of fun to watch. \u2014 Chad Graff<\/p>\n

New Orleans SaintsQB Tyler Shough<\/p>\n

There\u2019s really no other direction to turn for this topic for the Saints. The team has no idea if the 2025 second-round pick will be the future at quarterback. Shough, who turns 26 in late September, will basically be handed the starting job, though, despite a competition with Spencer Rattler. Still, there\u2019s no doubt every pass thrown by Shough in training camp and preseason games will be heavily dissected. He\u2019s the only other QB from April\u2019s draft who will likely start in Week 1 outside of the Titans\u2019 Cam Ward. If Shough struggles during training camp, then what? \u2014 Larry Holder<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Will Jaxson Dart (6) move into the QB2 role for the New York Giants during training camp? (Adam Hunger \/ Getty Images)New York GiantsQB Jaxson Dart<\/p>\n

I debated putting Abdul Carter here because with the pads on, we\u2019ll finally get a more accurate sense of his dominating potential at edge. But all eyes have been on Dart since he was drafted, and those won\u2019t shy away as camp picks up. Especially interesting will be how the snaps are divided among quarterbacks with Russell Wilson the clear No. 1 coming out of the spring. Will Dart move into the QB2 role (he took more second-team offensive snaps than Jameis Winston this spring) or will he settle into a QB3 role that benefits his long-term development? And will those camp snap assignments tell us anything about the Giants\u2019 game-day plans? \u2014 Charlotte Carroll<\/p>\n

New York JetsQB Justin Fields<\/p>\n

We\u2019re going chalk. It would be difficult to list any other player here \u2014 though I did consider others, including Garrett Wilson (he always puts on a show), Armand Membou (rookie battling with veteran pass rushers) and Jermaine Johnson (talented player coming off an injury). But Fields is the only answer. Anything the Jets hope to accomplish this year hinges on Fields becoming the quarterback Aaron Glenn believes he can be \u2014 which is more than just a running quarterback.<\/p>\n

Every throw, every decision he makes in training camp will be scrutinized. His athleticism is undeniable, but the key is seeing how he handles things when he\u2019s under pressure, when the pocket breaks down and when receivers aren\u2019t open \u2014 even if the threat of actually being tackled isn\u2019t there. He had an up-and-down spring but I felt like he improved in his decision-making as the days progressed. That will be crucial for training camp. No, he doesn\u2019t have to dominate. But he needs to show steady improvement, a command of the offense and accuracy that wasn\u2019t there early in his NFL career. \u2014 Zack Rosenblatt<\/p>\n

Philadelphia EaglesDB Cooper DeJean<\/p>\n

DC Vic Fangio\u2019s experimentation with perhaps his best defensive back will pick up in earnest when training camp begins. While Fangio disclosed his plan to keep DeJean at nickel and test DeJean out at cornerback or safety in base packages, OTAs ended without any public viewing of DeJean at safety. The Eagles secondary underwent yet another significant transition in the offseason. There are position battles at both cornerback and safety. By keeping an eye on how DeJean is deployed, you\u2019ll partly see where Fangio believes the secondary\u2019s strengths and weaknesses are. \u2014 Brooks Kubena<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh SteelersQB Aaron Rodgers<\/p>\n

Aaron Rodgers\u2019 indecision dominated the headlines throughout the offseason. Now that he\u2019s finally put pen to paper, we can stop wondering when and where he\u2019ll sign and start asking a more important question: How will he perform in the Steelers\u2019 offense? Rodgers only participated in individual drills during the three minicamp practices he attended. That means training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., will be the first glimpse of the Steelers\u2019 newest old gunslinger. Will he play like a four-time MVP or will he look more like a 41-year-old who flirted with retirement?<\/a> \u2014 Mike DeFabo<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ersWR Ricky Pearsall<\/p>\n

One receiver was unloaded to Washington, one is still on the road back from a knee injury (though reports are good), and the other just requested a new deal or a trade \u2014 all of which leaves second-year player Ricky Pearsall trying to step up as the No, 1 target for Brock Purdy. The quick-twitched Pearsall, the team\u2019s first-round pick a year ago, finished strong with 14 catches for 210 yards in the final two games and hit the road to work with Purdy in the offseason to improve their timing. He then did miss offseason workouts in June with a tweaked hamstring, but the 49ers said he is fine and will be ready for training camp. With Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk in the trainer\u2019s room, it is unlikely the 49ers trade Jauan Jennings, so that will take some of the pressure off Pearsall. \u2014 Vic Tafur<\/p>\n

Seattle SeahawksCB Devon Witherspoon<\/p>\n

The fifth pick in the 2023 draft, Witherspoon is one of Seattle\u2019s best players, and he\u2019s the only Seahawk to make the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons (he was on the original ballot both times). Witherspoon plays both outside cornerback spots and nickel, and the latter requires him to be a stout run defender in addition to myriad coverage responsibilities. Over the last decade, the Seahawks have had just one non-specialist earn first-team All-Pro honors (Bobby Wagner). With a high-energy play style that jumps off the screen, Witherspoon has the potential to break that streak in 2025. \u2014 Michael-Shawn Dugar<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay BuccaneersOT Charlie Heck<\/p>\n

The Bucs didn\u2019t sign Heck in March to be their starting left tackle, but it appears he will be for at least the first four games of the season. Tristan Wirfs, who recently was voted the best offensive tackle in the league in an ESPN poll of league executives, coaches and scouts, is expected to start the year on the physically unable to perform list<\/a> after recent knee surgery. That means Heck will be responsible for protecting Baker Mayfield\u2019s blindside. He is taking the roster spot of Justin Skule, who played well as the team\u2019s swing tackle last year but was lost in free agency. Heck, a six-year veteran on his fourth team, has 23 career starts. In camp, he needs to show he can block Calijah Kancey, Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby. \u2014 Dan Pompei<\/p>\n

Tennessee TitansQB Cam Ward<\/p>\n

This is the obvious and uninspired answer, but who else could it be? Beyond the fact that Ward just went with the top pick in the draft, the Titans are bereft of high-level, or even interesting, players. The retooled offensive line will have the most to say about Ward\u2019s ability to operate effectively and this team\u2019s potential to surprise, but preseason camp won\u2019t provide any firm answers on that group. It\u2019s all about watching Ward\u2019s daily progress as he prepares for a near-certain starting assignment in Week 1. Already, he has built some chemistry with Calvin Ridley, and he needs more of the same with the rest of a largely unproven receiver room. \u2014 Joe Rexrode<\/p>\n

Washington CommandersQB Jayden Daniels<\/p>\n

After a dazzling rookie season, which featured a surprise run to the NFC Championship Game, the expectations in Washington surrounding Daniels are sky high. Daniels will not be able to sneak up on anyone this season, however. So he\u2019ll need to make additional strides forward to help Washington return to the playoffs and challenge for the NFC East title. Daniels and Washington were at risk of losing offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to a head coaching job, but Daniels\u2019 talented mentor remains in the mix. New offensive weapon Deebo Samuel should add another dimension to the playbook, and his integration into the offense should be compelling. But it all starts with Daniels. \u2014 Mike Jones<\/p>\n

(Top photo of \u00a0Shedeur Sanders\u00a0 and Travis Kelce: Nick Cammett and Aaron M. Sprecher \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n