Previous rank: No. 1
The idea coming out of the 2022 NFL Draft was that first-round pick Kaiir Elam would line up opposite Tre’Davious White on opening night against the Rams. That might ultimately still prove to be true, but for now, the rookie is learning on the job and the veteran is still rehabbing the torn ACL he suffered in November. The Athletic reported over the weekend that Elam has been picked on in camp, opening the door for another rookie, sixth-rounder Christian Benford, to earn reps against the team’s starters. Meanwhile, there remains no set timetable for White’s return. With uncertainty at both corner spots, and All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer on the shelf with a hyperextended elbow, the secondary stands out as a concern in an otherwise-serene landscape in Western New York.
Previous rank: No. 2
Rams coach Sean McVay said he’d “sleep better” after he watched Matthew Stafford throw without limitations on Saturday, a positive sign that the quarterback’s unusual elbow issue can be effectively managed ahead of Week 1 and beyond. The defending champions seem to have less uncertainty around Allen Robinson, who has opened eyes during training camp. On a recent edition of the Around The NFL Podcast, beat reporter Jourdan Rodrigue said she’d lost count of how many people connected to the Rams had come up to her to rave about the wide receiver. We feel safe taking the ride on this hype machine.
Previous rank: No. 3
Tom Brady turned 45 last week, and isn’t it incredible that talk of his advancing age no longer prompts any serious discussion of decline? In fact, we hear the opposite. According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, Bucs quarterback coach Clyde Christensen recently offered this scouting report for GM Jason Licht: “You’re not going to believe this. Brady’s arm is better than I’ve ever seen it.” What’s crazier: The fact that Brady could be slinging it at the highest level of his life in his 23rd season, or the idea that there’s no good reason for us to even doubt it? We have questions about the Tampa Bay offensive line and skill positions, but if the Bucs take a step back, I don’t think it will be because the G.O.A.T. finally shows his age.
Previous rank: No. 5
It’s full speed ahead for the Trey Lance era in San Francisco. There’s likely to be some turbulence for a young passer with limited experience, but Lance has been set up for success after a rookie season spent mostly on the sidelines. The Deebo Samuel drama was put to bed with a big contract extension, while Brandon Aiyuk appears primed to make the leap as the No. 2 wide receiver. Throw in a do-everything Pro Bowler at tight end in George Kittle, a versatile backfield led by Elijah Mitchell, and, of course, arguably the league’s best play-caller in Kyle Shanahan, and Lance will have no excuse if he doesn’t pop in his first year leading the offense.
Previous rank: No. 4
The Bengals are smart to give Joe Burrow plenty of recovery time following his appendectomy — the continued absence of La’el Collins is a different matter. The veteran right tackle — one of three new starting offensive linemen in Cincy — remains without a timetable to return as he deals with a back injury. Collins felt like a steal in free agency, but a lengthy absence could torpedo the team’s efforts to better protect their young star quarterback, who was under siege in each of his first two seasons as a pro.
Previous rank: No. 6
The Packers know they are blessed to have Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP who plays the quarterback position like he’s mastered the sport. Even still, the Pack are asking the world from their QB as another season with Super Bowl-or-bust expectations gets rolling in Green Bay. Davante Adams is out the door, while stalwart left tackle David Bakhtiari remains sidelined after another procedure on his troublesome left knee. Add in that right tackle Elgton Jenkins appears likely to start the season on the PUP list as he continues to work back from a knee surgery of his own, and you can easily see a scenario where the Green Bay attack sputters out of the gate. The pressure on Rodgers to make it all work will be immense.
Previous rank: No. 7
Looking for a bounceback candidate in Kansas City? How about defensive end Frank Clark, who dropped some serious weight in the offseason and looks much closer to the player who dominated the opposition in Kansas City’s march to Super Bowl LIV glory in 2020. Clark acknowledged to reporters this summer that he played with a “gut” last season, extra lbs that affected his speed and agility. Add in some troubling off-the-field issues from last offseason, and Clark profiled as a cut candidate ahead of the new league year. Instead, the Chiefs stuck with their high-priced defender — restructuring his contract in March — and now could reap the benefits. Frank Clark playing with the eye of the tiger would be a massive lift for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Previous rank: No. 8
The Broncos suffered a terrible break last week with the news that wide receiver Tim Patrick tore his ACL after coming down awkwardly on his leg in practice. Patrick’s skill set as an outside playmaker was a perfect fit for new quarterback Russell Wilson and his high-arcing deep balls — the pressure now intensifies on 2020 first-round pick Jerry Jeudy and 2020 second-rounder K.J. Hamler, who stands to gain the biggest uptick in playing time with Patrick on the shelf until 2023. The injury, and subsequent perusal of Denver’s depth chart, serves as a reminder that Wilson’s new wideouts are talented — but largely unproven.
Previous rank: No. 9
Looking for a sleeper pick at tight end in your upcoming fantasy draft? You could do worse than Donald Parham, the 6-foot-8 giant currently flashing tantalizing red-zone chemistry with Justin Herbert at Chargers training camp. Parham missed the end of last season after sustaining a scary concussion on Thursday Night Football against the Chiefs, but the now-healthy fourth-year pro has loads of potential and an elite quarterback to help take his game to another level. OK, this is where I remind you the Bolts also signed solid veteran TE Gerald Everett this offseason, so you can’t get mad at me if Parham is M.I.A. by Week 5.
Previous rank: No. 11
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Where are they Now? We feature athletes and difference makers from the past, standouts in sports who excelled over the years and have moved on. Know of a former athlete, coach or difference maker we should feature? Know of a former standout competitor whose journey beyond central Wisconsin sports is one we should share? Send us information on athletes and difference makers of the past with our simple form HERE
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
