The NFL Draft is behind us. The NFL’s 2026 slate has been unveiled. Are we actually that shut to the beginning of one other NFL season? Eh, not fairly. We nonetheless have OTAs, coaching camp after which preseason. The summer season needs to be thrilling because it seemingly all the time is within the NFL and there isn’t any scarcity of issues to speak about and debate. The rookies will take heart stage, however then the narrative will swap to which groups begin to seem like contenders vs. pretenders. There’s quite a bit to dive in because the offseason begins to take form.
What will the quarterback battle in Cleveland seem like?
Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson? It’s a query each the Cleveland Browns and Browns followers cannot imagine they’re asking themselves in 2026. Last yr, Sanders entered OTAs because the quarterback who had quite a bit to show, regardless of a statistical masterpiece his final season at Colorado. Now he’ll be splitting first-team reps with Watson till first-year coach Todd Monken is prepared to title a Week 1 starter. This is the right likelihood for him to show he is worthy of the beginning job after his first actual first-team reps got here in the course of the season.
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The Browns are severely entertaining the concept that Watson may begin once more. I perceive why; I simply do not prefer it. When you commit that a lot cash to a participant, you could have to see it via. But on this case, the Browns aren’t going to see something new from Watson. Even in the event that they do, I extremely doubt they re-sign him. This is meant to be Sanders’ crew. If Cleveland turns to Watson but once more, does this imply it is the top of Sanders on Lake Erie?
Was Carnell Tate definitely worth the threat for the Tennessee Titans?
Tennessee Titans extensive receiver Carnell Tate | DENNY SIMMONS / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Images
The Tennessee Titans despatched shockwaves via the NFL Draft once they drafted Carnell Tate No. 4 general. Was he the proper determination? Is he ok to elevate this offense in a means earlier prime 10 receivers have? He’ll have to show that beginning now. I believe the Titans had been proper to take him; I simply do not like taking him at No. 4. Especially as a result of they may have added extra draft capital to transfer down and nonetheless take him.
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The Titans are banking on Tate being as damaging as Ja’Marr Chase, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Justin Jefferson have been. It’s not a foul gamble once you take a look at how gifted Ohio State extensive receivers have been. Cam Ward confirmed glimpses of potential in his rookie season. He simply wanted weapons. The Titans gave him one, and so they want an enormous displaying in OTAs to affirm he was the proper choose.
Which rookie QBs have probably the most to achieve from a powerful OTAs?
Fernando Mendoza, Las Vegas Raiders
Obviously Mendoza has quite a bit to show. He stated it himself; he is the low man on the totem pole and has to earn his beginning job. What Mendoza does throughout OTAs, coaching camp after which the preseason has little or no to do with proving the Raiders made the proper determination. It’s about displaying enhancements early in his profession that may set him up for the long run. Kirk Cousins ought to begin Week 1, and Mendoza can show why Cousins is a bridge choice with an enormous summer season.
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Carson Beck, Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Carson Beck wasn’t anyone’s first alternative based mostly on pre-draft mock drafts. The Cardinals determined to make him their man. Jacoby Brissett is their starter, however Beck has the choice to study behind him and change into both a bridge choice in a yr or presumably take over down the street. If he does sufficient to present he generally is a constructing block, the Cardinals won’t be in as unhealthy of a scenario as they’re a yr from now. Of course, they’re going to take a look at the quarterback market in 2027 and nothing Beck does will change that. But Beck may play this season. The confidence Mike LaFleur and this Cardinals crew may have in Beck will begin in OTAs.
Drew Allar, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh has gone all in on the revolving door of quarterbacks and Aaron Rodgers has but to re-sign with the Steelers. Allar has the right likelihood to not solely show that Allar was choose, however that he could be their future if he steps up in OTAs forward of coaching camp. The actual work can be within the preseason, however till then, Allar wants to present glimpses of what he regarded like within the 2024 faculty soccer season.
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Which rookie non-QBs have to make an early impression?
WR KC Concepcion, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns extensive receiver KC Concepcion | Andrew Dolph / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Images
The Browns waited till the top of the primary spherical and the second spherical to deal with their most urgent draft want: receiver. There are loads of eyes on Concepcion to be the savior of this offense. Cleveland has been ravenous for a real No. 1 goal after the Jerry Jeudy transfer went belly-up. Concepsion and Denzel Boston could have to carry this receiver room. That’s not a foul factor, however meaning he (because the first-round choice) wants to separate himself shortly as the highest choice.
OT Caleb Lomu, New England Patriots
New England has burned its final two first spherical picks on offensive lineman. Will Campbell struggled quite a bit in his rookie season, which is exactly why the Patriots turned to Caleb Lomu with the No. 28 choose. It wasn’t a foul choose, nevertheless it means Lomu has no alternative however to be their reply at left sort out, assuming he takes over the left sort out place and the Patriots transfer Campbell to proper sort out.
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LB Arvell Reese, New York Giants
Arvell Reese is an intriguing participant as a result of his place was undefined going into the NFL Draft. His athleticism confirmed he might be an elite move rusher, however expertise says in any other case. It can be necessary for him early on to present the New York Giants what his place ought to really be. If he is an elite inside linebacker, nice. If he is an EDGE rusher that wants time, even higher. The Giants have move rush depth. Until Kayvon Thibodeaux is traded, I see Reese being an inside linebacker. Now he has to present why he was the higher choice over Sonny Styles.
More NFL offseason information and evaluation
This article was initially printed on www.fansided.com as Biggest NFL storylines to watch going into OTAs.