15 NFL training camp storylines to follow this Summer

With NFL training camps starting up, we are only around six weeks from the opening game of the 2023 season. With that in mind, there is still plenty of intrigue over the next few weeks as teams start their preseason training. But what are the most intriguing storylines to look out for this Summer?

Kyle Shannahan is one of the very best offensive minds the NFL has ever seen, but with a QB room of Sam Darnold, Brock Purdy, and Trey Lance, he possibly has his work cut out. Purdy showed real potential last year but is still rehabbing his injured elbow so won’t be able to start the season. This leaves the door open for either Darnold or Lance to earn the job, a really exciting one to follow.

Rodgers got his break from the Green Bay Packers earlier this year and will be entering his first training camp as a New York Jet. Rodgers will be very familiar with most of his offensive weapons given they have mostly played together before, but will he be able to jive with last year’s Offensive Rookie Of the Year Garrett Wilson? Only time will tell.

The Eagles were very happy when Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter fell to them in the 2023 draft but given how many teams passed on the chance to draft him, the character concerns are real. Philadelphia needs Carter to settle quickly and showcase his ability from day one, if he doesn’t, their vaunted defense from last year could look a whole lot worse.

Russell Wilson is, by all accounts, a slightly eccentric man (to say the least) and after a catastrophic failure of a 2022 season, needs to turn it around quickly. Sean Payton is a no-nonsense coach who could well get the best out of Russ, but it could also be a real clash of characters, a fun one to follow!

The Kentucky QB fell all the way to the second round in the 2023 draft, despite speculation he could have been picked in the top ten. The Titans are at a bit of a crossroads as they try to rebuild and compete at the same time. Given Ryan Tannehill’s age and injury record, Levis will probably get some game time regardless, but will he impress enough to earn the starting job?

The Washington Commanders are under new ownership as Josh Harris completes his $6 billion+ deal for the franchise, but they are still lacking a solid starting QB. Sam Howell is the incumbent but only has 19 passing attempts in the NFL and backup Jacoby Brissett is a very solid if not spectacular NFL player. New offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy has his work cut out here!

The Texans are in need of a fresh start after years of mediocrity, and in Stroud, they have exactly that. But rookie head coach Demeco Ryans is not one to give anything to anyone, he will demand Stroud earns the right to start for his team, and if he doesn’t Davis Mills will be ready to take the reins once more.

The Lions became nearly every football watcher’s second team last year after they nearly pulled off an incredible playoff berth out of nowhere. And then the 2023 NFL Draft happened and everyone is left wondering what is going to happen next. They are a very talented team, but their decision to take a running back and a linebacker in the first round leaves some doubts about their competence.

The LA Rams went all in to win a Super Bowl in 2021, which they did, signing expensive veterans and loading their roster with win-at-all-cost signings. Now they are reaping what they sowed, with big names departing and no room to spend any money, their roster is going to be bulked out with cheap ‘bridge’, players. They signed a record 26 UDFA after the draft, with a good deal set to start next year.

Young has already been officially named the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers in 2023, a sign of confidence in the rookie QB. Training camp will be the first time anyone gets to see him perform in close-to-live situations and the NFL world will be following very closely.

The Cardinals are essentially sacrificing the 2023 NFL season as they plan for the future. They are an asset-rich, talent-poor side, with their best option being to lose as many games as possible to get the number one pick next year. This is a tough spot for a rookie head coach, so will Gannon be able to manage this, or will it all be too much for the first-timer?

The unofficial running backs union has been very vocal the past few weeks as they feel they have become an expendable asset in football and not paid their worth. This has left Saquon Barkley’s status as a New York Giant a little unclear. Alongside that, there are still talented players on the open market such as Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook ready to be signed by any team.

Every year it seems as though at least one or two big-name players go down, notably last year the Jets lost starting QB Zach Wilson and two offensive linemen to injuries before a regular season down had been played. It is never nice to see injuries, especially ones that occur during training camp but it could well be an important part of the 2023 season.

The Dolphins are looking like one of the best teams in the league on paper, but a lot will depend on how quickly, and by how much, Jalen Ramsey can improve their defense. The ex-Rams corner has been one of the best at his position in the league, but as he enters his eighth season in the league, can he lift the Dolphins into serious Super Bowl contention?

The Colts took possibly the most exciting player in the draft when they selected Richardson out of Florida, but is he a lock to start? Probably not a lock, but it does look likely he’ll be given the keys early in his NFL career. Rookie Head Coach Shane Steichen has experience with mobile QBs so should be able to work out a system that plays to Richardson’s strengths. Backup Gardner Minshew is a solid option if needed.