This summer, Yahoo Sports senior NFL reporters Charles Robinson and Jori Epstein are visiting training camps across the country. At each stop, they will take notes about the quarterback; a newbie to watch; what they have their eye on; a fanciful thought; what they saw that was interesting; and a wild card for good measure.
Here are your observations in order of attendance, which will be updated as the weeks go by. Click on the team name to get the full notebook.
Buy the CJ Stroud MVP heat. There are plenty of riches on offense, and Stefon Diggs’ honeymoon is in full bloom. There is also reason to believe the defense has improved, especially with a second-round addition who is already impressive. – Charles Robinson
More from the Texan camp: Next AFC heavyweight chasing Chiefs title? It’s the Texans
What to expect now that Jordan Love is signed: More aggressive play from Matt LaFleur, who admitted to me he was very conservative entering last year. The wide receiver room and a legitimate 1-2 punch in the backfield with Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon should help. -Jori Epstein
More from Packers camp
Inside the Jordan Love situation and why the Packers were so willing to pay him
How a movie shoot sparked Josh Jacobs’ initial interest in Green Bay
With a much-improved offensive line (if healthy) and depth in the backfield, Matthew Stafford could have the best running game of his Rams tenure at his disposal. This should make the attack more balanced and difficult to defend. While this may not mean Stafford has a career year in numbers, it could very well be the move that keeps him in the NFL for a few more seasons. -Charles Robinson
More from Rams camp: Contract situation resolved, Rams and Matthew Stafford are back on an even keel
I raised an eyebrow when Dak Prescott took a long pause and said, “I’ll tell you. I want to be here but when you look [it] above, all the other defenders I watched played for other teams [than their first]. … This is not something to be afraid of.” Also: Team owner Jerry Jones opening his press conference by answering a question about a paternity lawsuit was…wild. Cowboys, baby. -Charles Robinson
More from Cowboys camp: Potential Dak Prescott-Cowboys split will last until deal closes
The Bears named Caleb Williams their starter months ago. This instantly allowed him to command the attack. Williams’ creative arm angles and scrambling drills look fluid — but he’s not escaping the pocket anytime soon. CB Jaylon Johnson told me this is not a case of happy feet. Williams has been more patient in the pocket than his reputation might suggest. -Jori Epstein
More from Bears camp: How a handy TD pass shows why Bears drafted Caleb Williams first overall
A lot depends on defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who relies on the trust of Jim Harbaugh to shape his scheme and personnel. His role-specific system has similarities to Brandon Staley’s in that there is a lot going on with post-snap disguise. Minter will have to simplify the functions, but maintain the complexity of the schema. He is well regarded by the Baltimore Ravens team, where he worked before Michigan. Time will tell if he can also ascend as an NFL coordinator. -Charles Robinson
More from Chargers camp: Jim Harbaugh has no shortage of analogies to describe his reconstruction plan
Anthony Richardson wasn’t just cleared from shoulder surgery to throw. He was also authorized by team ownership to compete. “We know his feet can be dangerous and rack up critical yards at critical moments,” Jim Irsay said during Sunday’s practice. “One of the reasons we drafted him is his size and strength.” -Jori Epstein
More from Colts camp: Indy wants to protect Anthony Richardson from himself, but only a little
This rookie class will contribute greatly. We may look back in a few years and see an impressive 5-6 entries. The team goes beyond the obvious names: tight end Tip Reiman. He is a better receiver than what Illinois presented. And he’s already an experienced inline blocker. -Charles Robinson
More from Cardinals camp: Inside the evolution of Kyler Murray
Explosive plays are also on the minds of the Bengals defense after allowing the second-most plays of 20-plus yards last season. They added veterans Geno Stone and Vonn Bell this season to elevate the defensive communication needed to frustrate a tough roster of AFC defenders. -Jori Epstein
More from Bengals camp: Ja’Marr Chase’s contract situation needs to be resolved for Cincinnati to reach goals
Brock Purdy started Tuesday on a high note, hitting beautiful shots that had him humming. He then finished the day with four interceptions. It could have been five if it weren’t for Fred Warner’s fall. Sometimes a cause for concern, I think Purdy was intentionally pushing the limits of the practice, trying to see what he could do with his arm. -Charles Robinson
More from 49ers camp: Brock Purdy’s intentions to be greater than a ‘system quarterback’ are not subtle
While the Steelers limit Russell Wilson in his return from a calf injury, Justin Fields’ opportunities to defend his position as QB1 continue. Fields showed precision and athleticism in the training sessions I watched, eluding defenders on goalkeepers and passes from the field. Add in Fields’ attention to mechanics — he looked better than he felt, he said — and he’s doing everything he can to challenge Wilson. -Jori Epstein
More from Steelers camp: What the Steelers are valuing in the Russell Wilson-Justin Fields QB competition
The Broncos QB competition has dwindled to rookie Bo Nix vs. Jarrett Stidham. For now, the team wants Nix to continue feeling the competitive element. But he’s doing what he needs to do to be an Opening Day starter, constantly improving as he goes. As long as that continues, Nix will be one of three rookie QBs in Week 1, joining Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears and Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders. -Charles Robinson
More from Broncos camp: Sean Payton got what he wanted, now he needs a big bet on Bo Nix to make up for it
Surprised that the Lions doubled down on corners with their first two draft picks? Don’t let first-round pick Terrion Arnold overshadow the 61st overall pick, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of Missouri. Rakestraw jumped to intercept Nate Sudfeld in practice Thursday and ran over Hendon Hooker on Friday on red zone work. How long until he gives opposing quarterbacks the same headache? -Jori Epstein
More from Lions camp: Why Jahmyr Gibbs’ three-headed skill set has the Lions eager for Year 2
Rookie JJ McCarthy has been on a traditional rookie rollercoaster, with positive days and setbacks. But it is clear that there is seriousness in handling its development with care. Sam Darnold had a strong camp practice on Friday, and the better he plays, the more patient Minnesota can be with McCarthy. Accept this as a good thing. -Charles Robinson
More from Vikings camp: How Justin Jefferson, ‘Scared’ of Another Injury, Is Working to Avoid It
In terms of touches, I don’t get the feeling there is a true No. 1 running back between Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. They both do similar things, so it could be a hot hand or situational opportunities that set them apart. Clearly, they will both be getting a lot of looks. It just doesn’t seem like one has a dominant advantage over the other right now. -Charles Robinson
Deshaun Watson has been cleared from his 2023 shoulder surgery, participating in every practice when there is not a scheduled rest day. Manager Kevin Stefanski told me that Watson’s “multitude of pitches” and arm strength are pluses, while his accuracy “looks exactly like it did before.” This will serve the Browns’ offensive rebuild well as they install a system that they believe better accentuates their skill set of RPOs and pass rushes. -Jori Epstein
More from Browns camp: See how the Browns are crafting their new offense – Brandon Aiyuk or not
Health permitting, this will be the season that Bijan Robinson undermines the enormous expectations that followed him to the NFL. His touches are expected to be much more consistent from game to game as the Falcons look for balance. Having Kirk Cousins steady at the controls will also increase his value as both a runner and receiver. -Charles Robinson
