Training camp for the 2025-26 NFL season is right around the corner, and fans everywhere are chomping at the bit to watch their favorite team step onto the field in any capacity.
This time of year serves as a chance for young players to make their case for the 53-man roster. Additionally, we get to see any positional battles up for grabs unfurl. There’s still a lot that can change on a team’s roster between now and the start of the regular season.
To prepare for the return of new football information to finally digest, we’ve looked through all 32 NFL teams and made one bold prediction for each of them going into training camp.
Arizona Cardinals
Rookie Cody Simon breaks into starting lineup
As of this writing, the projected starting linebackers for the Arizona Cardinals are Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mack Wilson. Don’t be surprised if Cody Simon turns some heads in training camp, though. At Ohio State, he demonstrated pro-ready instincts and the downhill physicality to make him an eventual starter in the NFL.
Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr. outperforms Jalon Walker
The Atlanta Falcons double-dipped on edge rushers in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Though Jalon Walker was the higher pick of the two, don’t be shocked if James Pearce Jr. becomes the better pro. He’s three inches taller with 4.4 speed and a deep arsenal as a pass rusher off the edge. His upside is immense if he applies himself properly.
Baltimore Ravens
Garrett Dellinger looks like a starter
While the Baltimore Ravens had the second-best Offense+ grade last year, their offensive line has some room for improvement. After the departure of Patrick Mekari in free agency, there’s an opening in the interior. Garrett Dellinger was only a seventh-round pick, but he’s a polished technician who took 2,008 offensive snaps at LSU and thrived at the SEC level.
Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman looks like the best WR on the team
Keon Coleman had a rocky rookie season, averaging 19.2 yards per catch but only catching 29 passes in 2024. He demonstrated encouraging flashes, however, and his 6’3″ frame makes him a reliable target in tight windows. With a full offseason to focus on his route-running technique, he could turn some heads in training camp going into Year 2.
Keon Coleman pic.twitter.com/OeCpXZm93p
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) March 28, 2025
Carolina Panthers
Nic Scourton cracks starting lineup
The Carolina Panthers were active in fixing their edge rusher group, signing Patrick Jones II and drafting two players at the position on Day 2 this year. One of those players was Nic Scourton, who had 15 sacks across his last two seasons in college. Only 20 years old with a deep pass-rushing arsenal, his football IQ is wise beyond his years.
Chicago Bears
Kyle Monangai eats into D’Andre Swift’s carries
Despite their struggles running the ball in 2024, the Chicago Bears didn’t make any major moves to their running back room. Keep an eye on seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai going into training camp, though. He’s a stout, tough runner who’s shifty in between the tackles and could earn some playing time with an impressive rest of the summer.
Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart doesn’t sign before the preseason
Though the Cincinnati Bengals have a few more months before forfeiting the selection of Shemar Stewart becomes a real possibility, they don’t seem to be close on his rookie contract. I don’t foresee this stalemate ending before the end of the preseason, let alone by the time training camp kicks off.
Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders wins the QB battle
This is probably the boldest choice of them all. However, Kenny Pickett is proven as a backup-caliber QB in the NFL, not a starter. Joe Flacco showed some rust last season and isn’t getting any younger. If it came down to the Cleveland Browns’ two rookie quarterbacks, Shedeur Sanders could be a more appealing option than Dillon Gabriel based on college tape.
Dallas Cowboys
Jaydon Blue becomes the starting RB
Similar to Chicago, the Dallas Cowboys struggled in the run game in 2024 but didn’t make any massive moves to their running back room. Javonte Williams is their projected starter, though he’s coming off a poor season in Denver. Keep an eye on rookie Jaydon Blue, who scored 14 touchdowns from scrimmage last year at Texas and has 4.3 speed.
Denver Broncos
RJ Harvey wins RB job over JK Dobbins
JK Dobbins is coming off a 905-yard rushing season last year, and he projects as the Denver Broncos’ starting running back in 2025. They drafted RJ Harvey in the second round for a reason, though. They’re clearly high on the UCF product after he led the FBS with 22 rushing touchdowns last season.
Detroit Lions
Isaac TeSlaa looks like a starter sooner than later
The collegiate production doesn’t jump off the page with Isaac TeSlaa, as he never had more than 34 catches in an FBS season. But he’s a 6’4″ weapon with elite speed and explosiveness, and the Detroit Lions don’t have a room full of superstars competing for their WR3 spot. TeSlaa could wow them with his physical tools in training camp.
Green Bay Packers
Matthew Golden looks like their best WR
With a combined 1,650 receiving yards through his first two seasons, Jayden Reed is currently the Green Bay Packers’ top wide receiver. After dominating the College Football Playoff and running a 4.29 40-yard dash at the Combine, Matthew Golden also has a ton of momentum. The first-round rookie could use training camp to solidify himself as WR1.
Matthew Golden vs. Georgia was absolutely monstrous on film:
âž– 8 Receptions
âž– 162 Yards
➖ 20.3 AVGEnjoy some All-22 highlights below… https://t.co/YOGJaPCS3D pic.twitter.com/AjIJ59l0f1
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 22, 2025
Houston Texans
Aireontae Ersery becomes a starting OT
This is a bit of a long shot, but neither of the Houston Texans’ projected tackle starters, Cam Robinson and Blake Fisher, graded very well in 2024. Aireontae Ersery is a 6’6″, 331-pound mauler who can generate movement in the run game and has very good athleticism for such a big man. He should be a starter eventually, but it could some sooner than later.
Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones beats out Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson has been the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts most of the time he’s been healthy. That could change in 2025 with Daniel Jones now in the mix. He’s more mobile than the Colts’ backup Joe Flacco last year, and he’s more accurate than Richardson. Jones could surprise some people and beat out the 2023 first-round pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bhayshul Tuten stands out in RB room
Tank Bigsby passed up Travis Etienne in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back room last year to the surprise of many. While both remain in their backfield, the team also drafted Bhayshul Tuten in Round 4 of the 2025 NFL Draft. An elite athlete with very good contact balance, he could turn some heads in training camp.
Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons outperforms Jaylon Moore but doesn’t win LT job
The Kansas City Chiefs signed left tackle Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million deal this offseason, but they also drafted Josh Simmons at the end of Round 1. Simmons is a better projection as their long-term starting left tackle, and he could show flashes of that in training camp. Despite that, Moore’s contract indicates he’ll likely get the chance to start first.
Las Vegas Raiders
Darien Porter is one of the starting CBs
As of this writing, the Las Vegas Raiders have two outside cornerback jobs up for grabs. Returning players Decamerion Richardson and Jakorian Bennett factor into the mix, as well as free agent signing Eric Stokes. But keep an eye on Darien Porter in training camp; he’s a 6’3″ converted wide receiver who’s raw but has impressive speed and ball skills.
Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton wins the RB job
This is hardly a hot take, even with Najee Harris in the Los Angeles Chargers’ backfield. They selected Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His speed, contact balance, and toughness give him the upside to win the running back job in training camp. If he does, I doubt he gives it back.
Los Angeles Rams
Konata Mumpfield is the star of the show
The Los Angeles Rams have their top two wide receivers lined up in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. They signed Tutu Atwell to a one-year, $10 million extension, but he hasn’t lived up to his second-round billing. Seventh-round rookie Konata Mumpfield might not take the job right away, but he’s a route-running savant who could shine in practice.
Miami Dolphins
Chop Robinson outperforms Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb missed the 2024 season due to a torn ACL, but he makes his way into the Miami Dolphins’ rotation again in 2025. This time, he’ll have to compete for time with Chop Robinson. Though Robinson was a rookie in a rotational role last year, he had six sacks and could very well take over Chubb’s starting job off the edge.
Minnesota Vikings
Kobe King pushes for playing time
Kobe King was a sixth-round pick at linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings this year. By all accounts, he performed well in the rookie minicamp. He has Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. ahead of him on the depth chart. However, King is a physical box defender with good instincts in run support who could be a tackling machine in due time.
New England Patriots
Kyle Williams enters starting WR rotation
The New England Patriots brought in Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins to start at wide receiver this offseason. That said, I’m most interested in Kyle Williams, their third-round pick in this year’s draft. A smooth route runner with good spatial awareness against man and zone, he could be a sleeper to enter a starting role as a rookie.
Washington State WR Kyle Williams vs man coverage:
🎯 505 receiving yards
🎯 9 touchdowns
🎯 20 receptions
🎯 33 targets
🎯 0 drops
🎯 25.3 yards/rec pic.twitter.com/fcqoASF5OY— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 16, 2025
New Orleans Saints
Spencer Rattler wins the QB1 job
Though the New Orleans Saints drafted Tyler Shough in the second round this year, he’s a bit rough around the edges. They could look to start somebody else so as to not rush Shough’s development. Believe it or not, Spencer Rattler is the most experienced starting QB they have. It could make sense to play it safer with him as their starter first.
New York Giants
Cam Skattebo forces his way into more touches
Cam Skattebo will be competing with the likes of Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary and Eric Gray for positioning on the New York Giants’ running back depth chart. If his time at Arizona State showed anything, it’s that he fights hard for every opportunity he gets. Expect the 216-pound bruiser to impress in training camp.
New York Jets
Malachi Corley bounces back
Last year was a rookie season to forget for Malachi Corley, as he had just three catches for 16 yards all season. The New York Jets have wide receiver touches up for grabs with Davante Adams gone, however. Corley could remind everyone why he was a third-round pick out of Western Kentucky and make some noise this training camp.
Philadelphia Eagles
Kelee Ringo takes a big leap
The Philadelphia Eagles have two young studs at cornerback in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Their remaining cornerback job is up for grabs going into training camp. Look for Kelee Ringo to position himself as a favorite for the role. The 2023 fourth-round pick demonstrated elite flashes in college and could thrive with a talented supporting cast.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Kaleb Johnson outperforms Jaylen Warren
In comes Kaleb Johnson, out goes Najee Harris. The Pittsburgh Steelers used Jaylen Warren in the run game last year, but the bigger Harris took the lion’s share of the carries. Though Warren feels slated for an increased role in 2025, Johnson has the power and ball-carrier vision to be a seamless two-down back replacement in Pittsburgh’s offense.
San Francisco 49ers
Jauan Jennings gets traded
Amidst rumors that Jauan Jennings wants a new contract before his current deal expires in 2026, the San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a tight spot. They have the likes of Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, and Fred Warner on massive long-term deals. They could find themselves fielding trade offers if they aren’t willing to pay Jennings what he wants.
Seattle Seahawks
Derick Hall starts over DeMarcus Lawrence
The Seattle Seahawks had the third-highest pressure rate in the NFL last season. DeMarcus Lawrence has been hailed as a big addition to that pass rush, but I could see Derick Hall beating him out for a starting spot. Just 24 years old, Hall had eight sacks last year and could keep Lawrence fresher in a rotational role at this stage of his career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jamel Dean gets released or traded
Jamel Dean has been a solid starting cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the last few seasons, but his time with the team could be coming to an end. The Buccaneers would save roughly $12.8 million by releasing Dean. This would open up a starting opportunity for one of their Day 2 selections, Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish.
Tennessee Titans
Elic Ayomanor over Van Jefferson
In an effort to boost their offense, the Tennessee Titans added Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson this offseason. They also drafted Elic Ayomanor in the fourth round, among a few other rookie investments at receiver. Ayomanor showed impressive tools at Stanford and could be a higher-upside option than Jefferson if the former plays well in training camp.
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin gets paid
Going into training camp, Terry McLaurin has been vocal about his frustration with his contract talks with the Washington Commanders. The team is coming off a tremendous season, with McLaurin as their top wide receiver, and they need to take advantage of having Jayden Daniels being on his rookie contract. Expect them to pay McLaurin what he wants.
