After visiting a dozen training camps this summer and talking to dozens of sources around the NFL, I compiled intel on all 32 teams.
The information ranges from a broad overview of how a team could fare this season to more specific tidbits regarding player projections and roster construction.
There’s a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get to it.
AFC EastBuffalo Bills
Evaluators around the league believe the Bills are going to benefit from a lot more defensive continuity than they had a year ago, when they had recently moved on from key veterans. They essentially only flipped pass rushers — Von Miller for Joey Bosa — and the Bills have as many as five to six rookies who can hammer out defensive roles along the way. They’ll have a chance to win every game with a healthy Josh Allen, but the superstar quarterback and reigning MVP is going to need the defense to break through in January if the Bills are ever going to break through.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have worked hard to change their culture this offseason, with coach Mike McDaniel noting there’s no longer a need to massage his messages to the entire team. The accountability has been player-driven and coach-approved, and the Dolphins feel they’re practicing as hard as possible from a mental standpoint. They’ve dealt with too many key injuries to get a feel for their true potential this season, but they’ve built a cohesiveness that could benefit them if they’re still in the race in December.
New England Patriots
There’s strong internal belief that quarterback Drake Maye will take another step forward, as the 2024 first-round pick had an impressive initial offseason with coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The Patriots are also ecstatic over rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, so don’t be surprised if he turns into their lead option. And though there’s been so much attention on wideouts Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas, don’t overlook Kayshon Boutte, whose offseason turnaround has been stunning. As for star cornerback Christian Gonzalez, his hamstring injury has been a tricky one, and it’s been tough to pin down a timetable on his return.
New York Jets
The Jets have made a pointed effort to usher in a new era with coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. They were out in front of that with an intentionally quiet offseason, and they handled business with two of their most promising young stars before training camp by extending cornerback Sauce Gardner (four years, $120.4 million with a $30.1 million annual value that leads all cornerbacks) and wide receiver Garrett Wilson (four years, $130 million; $32.5 million, fifth among receivers). Those were viewed as solid, logical extensions by rival front offices.
AFC NorthBaltimore Ravens
The Ravens already have a uniquely explosive offense with two-time MVP Lamar Jackson running the show, but they’re trying to improve upon what they’ve already built. The team has emphasized explosive plays in practice, even spotlighting the day’s most explosive player on in-house televisions with some of his best plays in practice. It’s ramped up the competition in that regard.
Cincinnati Bengals
It’s hard to imagine quarterback Joe Burrow coming off a better season, but here’s a scary thought: The Bengals believe Burrow just enjoyed the best training camp of his career. His health is an obvious plus, and he might have actually improved his accuracy and decision-making. Star wideout Ja’Marr Chase is in a similar boat, looking like he could still be ascending after leading the NFL with 127 catches, 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Cleveland Browns
General manager Andrew Berry wasn’t messing around when he said there were no intentions of moving defensive end Myles Garrett, who ultimately signed a four-year, $160 million extension. Of course, there’s a reason evaluators believed he could have been worth at least two first-round picks in a hypothetical trade. In a poll of more than two dozen coaches and executives that will be published next week, Garrett drew more than half of the votes as the NFL’s best defensive player.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has added a level of accountability on the practice field and in the facility, according to sources around the team. The offense appears to still be working through some things, as there’s been a lot of turnover at key positions, but Rodgers has been intentional about teaching as much as possible after each play. Don’t be shocked if it’s bumpy out of the gate. However, it’s fair to be cautiously optimistic that Rodgers, wideout DK Metcalf and company will eventually find their rhythm.
AFC SouthHouston Texans
Left tackle Aireontae Ersery has gotten off to a strong start to pace Houston’s remade offensive line. The second-rounder will surely have his rookie moments, but Ersery has looked like a suitable replacement for Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil, whom the team traded to Washington this offseason. The Texans entered the offseason knowing they’d need to rebuild the line, but they didn’t necessarily anticipate such a drastic overhaul before the opportunities presented themselves. Still, they’re encouraged with the new group that is charged with protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Indianapolis Colts
It doesn’t sound like quarterback Anthony Richardson will be going anywhere in the short term. Colts GM Chris Ballard publicly said he has no intention of trading the 2023 first-rounder, and QB-needy teams around the league have been given reason to believe that’s true. On the flip side, teams aren’t tripping over themselves to acquire a QB who would join them as a backup, especially one who evaluators know needs playing time to develop.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has a golden opportunity with coach Liam Coen, but don’t expect it to be seamless. Coen’s system is as effective as it is complex, and he prefers to send Lawrence to the line with two play calls nearly 90 percent of the time. That’s a massive uptick from Lawrence’s previous offenses. One trusted QB expert believed Lawrence could turn it on in the second half of the season when he becomes more comfortable.
Tennessee Titans
Quarterback Cam Ward has come as advertised. But the most common compliment? The Titans have been thrilled by the No. 1 pick’s work ethic. He shows up early every day, typically around 5 a.m., to start his workout, and he’s frequently bringing new players along with him. The leadership — along with his teammates’ eagerness to follow — is an important quality.
AFC WestDenver Broncos
The Broncos are a hot name in league circles, with rival teams believing they’re prepared to continue their momentum after ending their eight-season playoff drought. Quarterback Bo Nix had his fans before the draft, and they feel justified by the way he played as a rookie. But even still, league evaluators see a lot of room for improvement and believe he’s capable of raising his game. It also helps that the defense is loaded under highly respected coordinator Vance Joseph, so Nix shouldn’t be pressured to do too much, too soon.
Kansas City Chiefs
It’s surreal how much the narrative has changed with the Chiefs. In a discussion of their roster makeup with rival executives, the conversation quickly pivots to their defensive identity. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is regarded among the best at his job in the league, and interior enforcer Chris Jones is on a Hall of Fame trajectory. No one is diminishing Patrick Mahomes’ body of work, but the ongoing turnover in offensive personnel has taken a toll on his statistical production. The Chiefs averaged 493 points during Mahomes’ first five seasons as the full-time starter, but just 378 over the past two seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders
Coach Pete Carroll quickly set a new tone in Vegas. They compete hard, and he keeps it fun and energetic like he has in his previous stops. That extends beyond the players and into the coaching staff and front office, too. And with a new offensive coordinator in Chip Kelly, the Raiders’ early opponents are eager to see how they’ll play because there’s a lot of mystery with this new regime.
Los Angeles Chargers
If you’re looking for potential head-coaching candidates, it would be wise to start with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. One rival executive was adamant he’ll be a head coach soon, perhaps as early as 2026. Minter has prior experience with the Ravens (2017-20) and Jim Harbaugh’s talented Michigan staffs before following him to Los Angeles. Teams in search of a defense-minded approach will be doing work on Minter and Packers DC Jeff Hafley.
NFC EastDallas Cowboys
The Cowboys believed they would eventually strike a deal with linebacker Micah Parsons, but the Packers stepped up with a strong offer. The two first-round picks are the headliners of the surprise trade, but defensive tackle Kenny Clark will help one of the worst run defenses in the league from a season ago, and they’ve got more financial flexibility to balance the roster in the future. And with four first-rounders in the next two drafts, the Cowboys can get very aggressive to target Dak Prescott’s heir — if they’re so inclined.
New York Giants
Let’s focus on their two first-round picks. Edge rusher Abdul Carter, who was viewed by many evaluators as the best overall player in the draft class, has been doing a few things every day in practice that have caused coaches and teammates to ooh and ahh. As for quarterback Jaxson Dart, this was some cool perspective from our conversation over the summer: “I want to be the best in everything I do, especially this game,” Dart said. “My happiest self is when I’m out there competing and succeeding. Down deep, that’s what drives me. I want to be the best. … I just love this game.”
Philadelphia Eagles
Opposing teams gush over the Eagles with so much admiration and respect. Conversations running through the NFC landscape and forecasting which teams have the best chance in January seemed to almost always return to some form of, “Yeah, but the Eagles …” They’ve got an elite front office, the league’s best defensive play caller in Vic Fangio and an offense that’s willing to get into a brawl on every play. That’s a formula that tends to keep teams near the top of the food chain.
Washington Commanders
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel looks leaner and faster after shedding weight this offseason. The Commanders have been blown away by his commitment to recapturing as much of his prime as possible. Samuel’s production leveled off over his last three seasons with the 49ers, but he could be an asset with Washington, especially now that Terry McLaurin is back in the fold and ready to unlock the offense’s potential.
NFC NorthChicago Bears
Second-year wideout Rome Odunze has taken on more of a natural leadership role, which has impressed those in every corner of the building. The No. 9 pick of the 2024 draft quietly tallied just 54 catches for 734 yards and three touchdowns last season, but he’s growing in new coach Ben Johnson’s system on and off the field. The Bears believe it’s important for quarterback Caleb Williams to have leadership support within other positional groups.
Detroit Lions
Rival coaches and executives are forecasting a more challenging season for the Lions after losing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, though not to the point that they miss the playoffs; they’ll likely face more adversity than they did in 2024. Still, the league seems to be higher on the defense, noting the players on that side still take on coach Dan Campbell’s identity, and it always helps to have someone like Aidan Hutchinson attacking quarterbacks. Linebacker Alex Anzalone had an impressive summer, too, league sources said.
Green Bay Packers
Rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden had a tremendous camp, to the point where it might not be all that shocking if he quickly becomes quarterback Jordan Love’s go-to wide receiver. He was turning heads early in the offseason, and he maintained that momentum through the summer. But let’s focus more on Parsons, who should be an absolute force for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Rival executives already loved the Packers’ front seven, in terms of high-end talent and depth, and Parsons will be a franchise cornerstone. To some around the league, Hafley has already turned himself into a bona fide head-coaching candidate, and this is the type of move that will raise his profile in a big way.
Minnesota Vikings
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ peers have an immense amount of respect for his system, and the Vikings will be counting on him to deliver another masterpiece season. The offense has been scaled down with quarterback J.J. McCarthy taking over. There’s measured optimism around the league McCarthy will bloom into a productive starter, but don’t expect it to be a seamless transition from Sam Darnold’s terrific 2024 campaign.
NFC SouthAtlanta Falcons
This is an important upcoming stretch for tight end Kyle Pitts, the athletically gifted No. 4 pick from the 2021 draft who is playing on his fifth-year option. Pitts has averaged 49 catches and 663 yards over his first four seasons with 10 total touchdowns. Teams have been under the impression Pitts could have been available in a trade in the past, and that could be the case if the Falcons stumble before the Nov. 5 deadline. The obstacle there, though, would be the balance of Pitts’ $10.878 million salary.
Carolina Panthers
Defensive lineman Derrick Brown has somewhat quietly been a high-impact player for a few years, and judging by conversations with those around him this season, it doesn’t sound like there’s any dropoff in sight. Brown has continued to impress this summer and should be a force, although the rest of that Panthers defense continues to need a lot of work.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are excited about second-year cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. The 2024 second-round pick out of Alabama showed up to camp in terrific shape, and he’s shown strong ball skills, instincts and toughness. McKinstry could become their next stud corner after Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo departed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs can be expected to readdress his contract in the offseason — barring a surprise return to the table before that, anyway. The Bucs got tremendous value out of the first season of his three-year, $100 million contract, so Mayfield is in line for a raise with another strong season. It’s reasonable to feel confident in an amicable resolution once they reach that point, as general manager Jason Licht leads one of the handful of most respected front offices in the NFL. He wants Mayfield around for the long term, and Mayfield feels the same way.
NFC WestArizona Cardinals
The Cardinals keep getting closer with a measured roster-building approach, and they’ve been aided by quality coaching since Jonathan Gannon arrived in 2023. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis continually come up in conversations around the league as assistants who deserve more recognition.
Los Angeles Rams
Here’s a fun, bold prediction. One rival executive predicted Rams defensive end Jared Verse would be the league’s best defensive player this season. The 2024 first-round pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year was more disruptive than his 4.5 sacks would suggest, and the young and improving Rams defense might have another star on its hands.
San Francisco 49ers
Rival executives sound skeptical of the 49ers’ ability to continue surrounding Brock Purdy with elite talent after they paid their QB this offseason. The Niners already felt the squeeze over the offseason by trading Deebo Samuel, though that was forecast a year ago when they paid fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk. But the strength of the roster was built on high-end contracts, and their depth has been exposed when Niners stars have gone down with injuries. Purdy’s contract is fine in the immediate future, especially if he continues to play well, but the margin for error will begin to shrink in 2028, when his cap hit explodes to $57.6 million.
OK, now for something a little more immediate: Coaches and executives are excited to see defensive coordinator Robert Saleh return to his bread and butter as one of the league’s best play callers.
Seattle Seahawks
Watch out for the Seahawks. Coach Mike Macdonald’s defense should be even better in his second season, and safety Nick Emmanwori should be considered a dark-horse candidate to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Emmanwori, who has been a playmaking force in practice, will eventually take on a similar role as the one Ravens superstar safety Kyle Hamilton played in Macdonald’s scheme when the coach was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore. Meanwhile, the offense seems to be quickly coming together with a more unified vision under new coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Seahawks could be a bigger threat in the NFC than many people expect.
(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; photos of Drake Maye, Rome Odunze and J.J. McCarthy: David Berding, Kara Durrette and Todd Rosenberg / Getty Images