There are insights to be had surrounding rookies and veterans alike
By Calvin K (Twitter: @Calvin_SGF1)
NFL minicamps have begun for all 32 NFL teams, and as usual, there are plenty of things to talk about. Minicamps tend to be a fan’s “first look” at rookies for their teams, and it also gives a glimpse of newly acquired offseason veterans. There are many interesting headlines regarding players at (or in some cases, absent from) minicamps. This article goes over my personal top five most important headlines for next year.
1: The absence of Aaron Rodgers
This pick is an obvious one, as its implications have been looming over NFL fans for a good chunk of the offseason. By now, it’s clear to most that Rodgers wants out of Green Bay, and he further showed that by not attending Packers minicamp this week. Rodgers has reportedly been frustrated with Packers management, and his point of objection to their approach seems to be his lack of involvement in the decision-making process.
Rodgers has clearly had enough with Green Bay, and now, the question appears to be whether he will be traded or forced to stay where he doesn’t want to be. This has created lots of controversies that continuously swirl throughout the league, and speculation over his potential landing spot has been a popular topic of conversation for well over a month now. Any news about Rodgers’ status will certainly be major and important, and the drama has taken center stage in this 2021 offseason.
2: Elijah Moore has been extremely impressive at Jets camp
The eyes of many Jets fans were set on Moore from the moment he was drafted at #34 overall by the Jets. Moore attended Ole Miss for college, and he impressed scouts with his ability to make big and explosive plays from the slot. New York brass was apparently shocked that he even fell to early Round 2, a sign that teams were very high on him throughout this offseason.
Moore’s performance at minicamp has turned heads, and the news about it has been exactly what Jets fans wanted to hear. Head coach Robert Saleh praised Moore’s work ethic, and Moore was a big play machine at the workouts, hauling in short passes and deep balls alike. Many predict a bright future for Moore, and if he follows in the footsteps of his former teammates at Ole Miss (A.J. Brown and D.K. Metcalf), he would be in line for an outstanding career.
3: Dak Prescott should be fully healthy for Week 1
Prescott is attending Cowboys minicamp, and the welcome good news is that he already appears to be close to 100% healthy following a gruesome leg injury early in 2020. In an interview, Prescott stated that he’s basically put his injury behind him, and he isn’t playing with fear, which is great news for a star QB like him.
Prescott is expected to be a full participant in all of training camp, which leaves him plenty of time to get back into football shape and ready for Week 1. His return will certainly be good news for Cowboys fans, who longed to have him back as their offense struggled without him in 2020. In 2021, the Cowboys’ offense should return to its excellent ways, and having a star like Prescott will allow them to push the ball vertically, creating more points and more opportunities for big plays.
4: Joe Burrow is recovering well from his ACL tear
Burrow’s injury has been a concern in terms of his potential Week 1 health, however, it appears that he’s been recovering well and has a solid chance of being 100% healthy and ready to go for the season. Burrow has progressed to being able to throw on the run, and he’s throwing as hard as ever, with Bengals WR Tee Higgins commenting on the zip on his passes.
Burrow had a solid Year 1 in the NFL, in which he threw the ball a ton. However, he was also sacked a lot due to poor offensive line play, and one of the sacks caused his ACL tear. Because of that, the Bengals made sure to prioritize the offensive line this offseason, and there will be a few new faces leading the protection of their franchise QB. It’s a relief for Cincinnati that their quarterback is mostly healthy, and if the positive minicamp news comes to fruition, he should have a very good season in 2021.
#5: Julio Jones looks to be fully healthy as of now
Jones also struggled with injuries in 2020, but his hamstring was the problem for him, as it caused him to miss several games while hindering his health in others. Jones is now gone from Atlanta and on the Tennessee Titans, and he has looked sharp while doing drills this week.
A video surfaced of Jones’ crisp footwork during cone drills, and during the drill, he showed no sign of being impeded by his hamstring. At 32 years old, any failures of his body should be watched closely, so it’s a good sign that his injury didn’t act up. Hamstring injuries can be very unpredictable, and tightness can be something that lingers for a long time, which was the worry when Jones was battling the injury. It’s possible problems resurface during the regular season, but for now, Jones is healthy, which is a good sign for his 2021 outlook.
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