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LT: DBrickashaw Ferguson, Ben Ijalana, Charles Brown LG: James Carpenter, James Brewer, Brian Winters C: Nick Mangold , Dakota Dozier, Dalton Freeman RG: Willie Colon, Oday Aboushi, Jarvis Harrison RT: Breno Giacomini K: Nick Folk DT: Damon Harrison (NT), Leger Douzable, Deon Simon, T.J. Barnes DE: Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson (susp), Leonard Williams, Kevin Vickerson, Ronald Talley, Stephen Bowen ILB: David Harris (M), Demario Davis (W), Jamari Lattimore, Erin Henderson, Joe Mays, Chris Young OLB: Quinton Coples (DE), Calvin Pace, Jason Babin, Lorenzo Mauldin, Trevor Reilly CB: Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine, Dee Milliner (inj), Dexter McDougle S: Marcus Gilchrist (FS), Calvin Pryor (SS), Jaiquawn Jarrett (FS), Durell Eskridge, Darrin Walls, Rontez Miles, Antonio Allen (IR) Oakland Raiders QB: After sitting out OTAs with a finger injury, Derek Carr returned at 100% health for the first day of training camp. He has been able to quickly knock off the rust after taking some time off of throwing the ball over the summer. While Carr is learning a new offense, he feels like the game has slowed down for him entering his second year. Matt McGloin has outperformed Christian Ponder over the first week and a half of camp as Ponder has been holding onto the ball too long. RB: The Raiders hoped that the signings of Trent Richardson and Roy Helu Jr. would provide real competition for Latavius Murray, but it simply hasn’t happened thus far in training camp. Murray has shown up for training camp healthy and fit after an offseason of grueling training and taken all of the first team reps in camp. "My mentality is to stay where I am at and be that guy," Murray said. "For a big guy, Latavius has extremely good quickness," Offensive line coach Mike Tice said. "And when he gets behind his pads, he is hard to tackle. Smaller linebackers might be in serious trouble." According to general manager Reggie McKenzie, Murray has the talent to be a 1,000-yard, workhorse #1 back. "No question," McKenzie said. "He can do it all." Instead of pushing Murray for the starting job, Richardson may face an uphill battle just to make the roster. Richardson missed most of the first week of camp with pneumonia and did not achieve the weight loss goals that the Raiders set for him. His performance once he finally hit the field has been described as “abysmal.” Helu has been dealing with injuries throughout the first week of camp but unlike Richardson, his roster spot is safe, as he will have a big role on 3rd downs. Undrafted rookie Michael Dyer has also been dealing with some injury issues the past couple days, but he made his presence felt the first few days of training camp showing off a nice burst and great pad level. Dyer has a real opportunity to win the #3 job behind Murray and Helu. After switching to cornerback the past couple seasons, speedster Taiwan Jones has moved back to running back and broken off some long runs. “He’s got speed to burn,” OC Bill Musgrave said. “He’s done a nice job learning our system. I feel like he has very few mental errors and it’s hard to replicate speed like that. It’s hard to simulate that in practice. So, when he gets in the game he can definitely have an advantage against some defenders.” Jones could make the team as the 4th RB due to his outstanding special teams ability. WR: Amari Cooper has been impressive in camp for the Raiders earning praise from his coaches and teammates. “He’s going to be pretty special,” Charles Woodson said. “He can do it all. The sky will be the limit for that young man.” Cooper has hooked up with Carr for some big plays, including a 70-yard touchdown during a scrimmage. Michael Crabtree has had a strong start to camp and has established himself as the starter opposite Cooper. The change of scenery seems to have had a positive impact on Crabtree’s outlook and he has a good chance to exceed the modest expectations he is facing. With Rod Streater having been sidelined with an unknown non-football injury or illness, Kenbrell Thompkins and Andre Holmes have been the 3rd and 4th WR and are having solid camps. Holmes has been especially impressive on jump balls and has made some big plays in the red zone. Kris Durham has also had a solid camp and has a chance to win the final roster spot at WR. TE: Rookie 3rd rounder Clive Walford impressed during OTAs and was touted as “the complete package” but he suffered an injury right before training camp that has kept him out of action for the first nine days of camp. He is expected back soon. With Walford out, last year’s starter Mychal Rivera has impressed the new coaching staff. "He's an athletic guy," said Jack Del Rio. "I think he showed some of that athleticism here early in this camp with a couple of nice catches. We like the way he's worked throughout the offseason. He's continued to strengthen himself, continued to develop as a player." The Raiders expect to use a lot of two TE sets this year with blocking specialist Lee Smith, Rivera and Walford all likely to see the field. Defense: After a fantastic rookie season, Khalil Mack looks even better in training camp this year and looks poised for a monster season. Mack has been impressed with rookie Mario Edwards, Jr., stating, “Oh man, the potential for that guy – the sky’s the limit. As long as he locks in and focuses what he needs to do and learns that he’s a professional now, he’s going to be a great player in this league.” Rookie linebacker Ben Heeney has also made a strong early impression at middle linebacker with his coverage skills and instincts in the run game. Raiders Depth Chart QB: Derek Carr, Matt McGloin, Christian Ponder, Cody Fajardo RB: Latavius Murray, Roy Helu (3RB), Trent Richardson, Taiwan Jones (CB/KR), Michael Dyer, George Atkinson III FB: Marcel Reece, Jamize Olawale WR: Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Rod Streater (inj), Andre Holmes, Kenbrell Thompkins, Brice Butler, Trindon Holliday (KR/PR), Josh Harper, Seth Roberts, Kris Durham, Andre Debose (IR) TE: Mychal Rivera, Clive Walford, Lee Smith, Brian Leonhardt, Gabe Holmes LT: Donald Penn, Matt McCants LG: Gabe Jackson, Tony Bergstrom, Lamar Mady C: Rodney Hudson, Kevin Boothe RG: Khalif Barnes, JMarcus Webb, Jon Feliciano RT: Austin Howard, Menalik Watson, Anthony Morris K: Sebastian Janikowski, Giorgio Tavecchio DT: Dan Williams, Justin Ellis (NT), C.J. Wilson, Stacy McGee (NT),Ricky Lumpkin, Leon Orr (NT) DE: Kahlil Mack, Justin Tuck (DT), Mario Edwards Jr. (DT), Benson Mayowa, Denico Autry, Shelby Harris, Max Valles MLB: Curtis Lofton, Ben Heeney, Spencer Hadley, Chase Williams OLB: Malcolm Smith (W), Ray-Ray Armstrong (S), Sio Moore (W), Neiron Ball (S), Horace Miller, Gary Wilkins, Josh Shirley CB: D.J. Hayden, TJ Carrie, Keith McGill, James Dockery, Neiko Thorpe, Ras-I Dowling, Dexter McDonald, Chimdi Chekwa, SaQwan Edwards S: Charles Woodson (SS), Nate Allen (FS), Brandian Ross (FS),Larry Asante (SS), Jonathan Dowling (FS), Tevin McDonald (FS) Philadelphia Eagles QB: Prior to the start of camp, many believed Mark Sanchez and Sam Bradford would compete in camp for the starting job, but Chip Kelly had different ideas. Once Bradford was medically cleared, he’s taken nearly all of the first team reps; and there are reports he and the team are working on a contract extension. Sanchez is taking the situation in stride, and promises to be ready if (when?) his number is called. While there may not be a competition for the starting role, there is a competition underway for the #3 position between incumbent Matt Barkley and Tim Tebow. RB: Chip Kelly has a unique process, and that was evident at the start of training camp when marquee free agent DeMarco Murray was held out of practice in spite of being 100% healthy. Murray was irked about the decision and even tweeted something that inferred his displeasure. But there turns out Kelly had a reason – the Eagles test every player for dehydration levels and Murray was flagged as being too high. Murray has been in and out of the lineup, but nothing that’s concerning in terms of his readiness for September. Ryan Mathews has looked great and regardless of their respective contracts, it seems Kelly won’t hesitate to go with the hot hand between Mathews, Murray and incumbent Darren Sproles. WR: Any thought that Jordan Matthews would be lined up all over the field has been put to rest in camp; Matthews continues to play the majority of his snaps in the slot. Rookie Nelson Agholor got off to an understandably slow start in camp – and was running with the 2s while Riley Cooper and Josh Huff started on the outside. Chip Kelly explained why Agholor has the potential to be special: "He's got an extra gear that a lot of guys don't have. I think when he beats press coverage and takes off, you've got to make sure you understand how fast he is. I think sometimes we have underthrown him a couple times, just because we know how well he can accelerate. He does a great job of catching the ball and getting north and south and getting up the field. We've been really pleased with him the last three days.'' In the last few days Agholor has come on and seems back on track to earn a starting outside role for the regular season; likely at the expense of Cooper. Huff was a forgotten man last year but has been making plays nearly every day; he has an instant rapport with Sam Bradford. TE: Brent Celek continues to be the nominal starter, which is much a testament to his prowess as a blocker as an admonition of Zach Ertz. Ertz has been one of the most impressive players in camp – just like last season – but it remains to be seen whether that translates into a significant jump in his stat line. Defense: Eagles fans were distraught when the news broke that Philadelphia had traded nickel cornerback Brandon Boykin to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their consternation was exacerbated when rookie cornerback JaCorey Shepherd tore his ACL a few days later. Not surprisingly, Coach Kelly stands by his decision to trade the inexpensive-but-effective veteran corner: "We just felt like we had real good depth in the secondary, more than we've ever had here. Eric (Rowe), JaCorey, Denzell (Rice), (Randall) Evans, (E.J.) Biggers, we were deeper than we've ever been. So when they offered what could be a four, we couldn't pass up that opportunity.'' At safety, Earl Wolff is finally making plays and staying on the field in his 3rd training camp. If he can maintain this intensity, he’ll not only make the 53-man roster but will also factor into the defensive back rotation. It wasn’t long ago the Eagles had no depth at linebacker, but now it’s possible the team could keep nine linebackers on the final roster. Kiko Alonso continues to miss time with a concussion but is viewed as an impact player once he’s healthy. He’ll join Connor Barwin, DeMeco Ryans, Brandon Graham and Mychal Kendricks as the regular contributors. Graham – finally in the position to be a full-time starter in his sixth year – has set a goal of 2 sacks per game. A daunting goal, but an admirable one. PK: Eagles kicker Cody Parkey has been very impressive in practices, even going 15-for-15 in one early session. He continues to build on his fantasy value as one of the top five kickers to target. Eagles Depth Chart QB: Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, Tim Tebow RB: DeMarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Darren Sproles (PR), Kenjon Barner, Kevin Monangai WR: Jordan Matthews, Riley Cooper, Josh Huff (KR), Nelson Agholor, Miles Austin, Seyi Ajirotutu, Jeff Maehl, Rasheed Bailey, Will Murphy, Quron Pratt, G.J. Kinne TE: Zach Ertz, Brent Celek, Trey Burton LT: Jason Peters LG: Allen Barbre, Andrew Gardner, Josh Andrews C: Jason Kelce, David Molk, Julian Vandervelde RG: Matt Tobin, John Moffitt RT: Lane Johnson, Dennis Kelly K: Cody Parkey NT: Bennie Logan, Beau Allen, Wade Keliikipi DE: Fletcher Cox, Cedric Thornton, Vinny Curry, Brandon Bair, Brian Mihalik, Taylor Hart, Travis Raciti ILB: Kiko Alonso (inj), Mychal Kendricks, DeMeco Ryans, Jordan Hicks, Emmanuel Acho OLB: Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Marcus Smith II, Brad Jones, Bryan Braman, Travis Long (IR) CB: Byron Maxwell, Nolan Carroll II, Eric Rowe, E.J. Biggers, Walter Thurmond (FS/CB), Randall Evans, Marc Anthony, JaCorey Shepherd (IR) S: Malcolm Jenkins (SS), Earl Wolff (FS), Jerome Couplin (SS), Jaylen Watkins, Chris Prosinski (SS), Ed Reynolds (FS), Chris Maragos (FS) Pittsburgh Steelers QB: When camp opened, Ben Roethlisberger said his goal for this season is to average 30 points per game. Roethlisberger also made news last week when he did an interview and said he was a bad teammate early in his career. Today, however, his teammates are saying he’s a great leader, and Roethlisberger himself is acknowledging that it’s a team sport and to be successful, he needs to lead. Bruce Gradkowski enters his third season as Pittsburgh’s primary backup. He injured his shoulder in early offseason workouts and is continuing to recover. He’s still on the Physically Unable to Perform list and hopes to return soon. He’s potentially competing for a roster spot against Landry Jones. Jones will see the most action of any Pittsburgh quarterback this preseason. Tajh Boyd was signed as a depth player but could push Jones if the latter once again fails to prove he’s ready. Jones’ initial audition wasn’t very positive as he played the entire Hall of Game, going just 16-32 passing for 135 yards and no touchdowns. He wasn’t helped by his teammates, though, as most of the starters didn’t dress. Backup tight end Jesse James also dropped two passes – one of which would have been a touchdown. RB: Le’Veon Bell’s suspension was reduced from three games to two, and he appears to be fully recovered from his knee injury that occurred in Week 17 last season, as evidenced by him making “explosive plays” as early as the opening day of camp. Bell sat out the Hall of Fame Game, but it wasn’t injury-related. Most of Pittsburgh’s star players didn’t dress for the preseason opener. Backing up Bell this season is new acquisition DeAngelo Williams. Williams provides a solid veteran presence who should work hard to be a good teammate, unlike LeGarrette Blount last season. Williams will start the team’s first two games in Bell’s absence. Dri Archer and Josh Harris provide depth in different categories. Archer is an undersized speedster who projects to open the season as the primary kickoff returner. Harris is a bigger player who lacks elite tools but could be solid in the right situation and will get what is blocked for him. Harris didn’t play in the Hall of Fame Game, but with Bell likely to be rested through most of the preseason due to his importance to the team and Williams due to his status as a seasoned veteran; Harris could be in for a big workload over the next few weeks. WR: Antonio Brown is among the NFL’s best receivers and is as close to a shoo-in for 100+ receptions as there is in the league. The only question mark for Brown is whether or not he will return punts. He hasn’t taken any reps there so far, but the team hasn’t stated if he’ll be in that role when the season starts. The biggest item of note at the receiver position is the battle to see who will start opposite Brown. Markus Wheaton is currently slated as the starter, but Martavis Bryant showed a higher level of potential last season. Wheaton and Roethlisberger never seemed to be on the same page early last season, while Bryant was able to come in mid-season and achieve instant rapport with his quarterback. Rookie third-round pick Sammie Coates hasn’t shown much in camp as of yet. He’ll need to perform on the field in some preseason games, or he could be a game day inactive early in the season due to the special teams contributions of his other fellow backup receivers like Darrius Heyward-Bey. Rookie Devin Gardner, a former college quarterback, is making the transition to wide receiver. He’s had his ups and downs so far in camp, showing great talent and adjustments to the ball but also dropping some easy passes. TE: Veteran Heath Miller is a great all-around player and will continue to be a veteran presence and solid receiver. But most of this offense will run through the wide receivers and Le’Veon Bell. Backup Matt Spaeth is a blocking specialist who won’t catch more than a few passes this season. Rookie Jesse James has shown some skill in red zone drills but will likely have a very limited role once the real games begin. James will be evaluated on special teams during the preseason. Defense: Third-year player Jarvis Jones hasn’t shown the pedigree desired from a first-round pick but has a chance this season to win the starting role on the outside. Fellow young player Arthur Moats is also trying to unseat veteran James Harrison on the outside. Moats’ ceiling is likely that of a career backup and situational pass-rusher, but on a team like Pittsburgh, Moats has an opportunity to play every down – particularly if Jones continues to disappoint. The secondary is a big story on defense as well. It was the weakest group on the team in 2014, and it lost veteran stalwarts Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor to retirement. Stepping in a strong safety for Polamalu is Shamarko Thomas. Replacing Polamalu and being a carbon copy of the legend isn’t likely, but Thomas’ athleticism and hard-hitting style could lead to him being a functional replacement. At cornerback, the team is weak. Veteran William Gay, likely best suited to be a nickel back, is basically a slam-dunk to start outside. Rookie second-round pick Senquez Golson has a shoulder injury and hasn’t participated in camp. The team plans to re-evaluate him this week to determine if he will require surgery. If so, he could miss the whole season. This led Pittsburgh to acquire Brandon Boykin from Philadelphia in a trade. Boykin still has to learn the defense, but he could earn his way into a starting role after being a nickel player for Philadelphia. He has to unseat Cortez Allen, who signed a five-year, $26 million contract at the beginning of last season only to be benched because of very poor play. This secondary will make offenses exciting – both the ones they face and the one with which they share a locker room. |