Photo Credit: Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons: With Dan Quinn as their new head coach, it’s interesting to see how Atlanta is performing at OTAs. Quinn wants OTAs to be similar to actual games and it is definitely impacting the players so far. Vic Beasley, the Falcons’ draft pick was praised by Quinn, but one thing that is certainly already causing some tension is their running back situation. With Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman competing for the position, it’s hard to say right now who will win but with Freeman’s competitive attitude, it’s sure to be interesting.
Carolina Panthers: After last season’s brush with the playoffs, the Panthers are looking pretty good to start off. With Cam Newton actually able to participate, the team is feeling happier and more together with him there. Their draft pick, Shaq Thompson is not going to be participating in OTAs due to his schooling as well as Kelvin Benjamin due to injury. Fortunately, the Panthers picked up Devin Funchess who is going to make another good receiver for Newton to pass to. Newton’s appearance at OTAs certainly adds to the fact that he just signed a 5-year contract with the Panthers, estimated around $103.8M which is the largest paycheck given to a Carolina Panther since they were established in 1995.
New Orleans Saints: One take away from the Saints’ OTAs is a street sign on the field, saying “N Compete St”. The sign is a good motivator for the Saints who went 7-9 which is a far cry from their Super bowl win in 2009. However the Saints picked up Brandon Browner who is already making a good impression on the team, saying “Hard work, no complaining, you’re doing something that a lot of people wish they could be doing. Don’t take it for granted. Put it out there on the line for your teammates and that’ll get the job done” Surely if the Saints all have even half of that attitude, it is going to be an interesting start for them.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Obviously one of the biggest storylines for the Bucs this year is their drafting of Jameis Winston. Unfortunately for his fans or his haters, Winston did not participate in the OTAs open to the media due to the fact that he was in LA for the NFL’s Rookie Premiere. However some standouts from their first week of OTAs were that the Bucs defense is looking starting to take shape, especially with DE Jacquies Smith and one thing that is of particular interest is with the offensive line. Even though the Bucs drafted two offensive linemen, neither have gotten a chance to work out with the first line which is interesting. With Winston away, it gave quarterback Mike Glennon’s role more proactive but Glennon is ready to accept that he is going to end up being Winston’s backup and he is looking forward to helping Winston as much as he can.
