As June rolls in, NFL teams are kicking off organized team activities (OTAs) across the league. This pivotal time gives fans and coaches their first look at players since last season, including many veterans returning to the field or new faces who have joined teams through trades or free agency.
In Pittsburgh, quarterback Kenny Pickett made headlines by throwing a promising touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy during a red zone drill. It appears there’s a competition heating up for the Browns starting quarterback position as Joe Flacco also took snaps with the first team.
Over in Kansas City, Rashee Rice, who had his 2024 season cut short due to knee surgery, participated fully in practice and “had a good day” according to local reports, suggesting he’s back on track.
The Tennessee Titans welcomed their first overall pick, quarterback Cam Ward, and his chemistry with wide receiver Xavier Restrepo from their time at Miami shone brightly during practice. The duo connected multiple times, indicating promising potential for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold is settling into his role as the Seahawks starting quarterback, despite some rough throws early in OTAs. Head coach Mike Macdonald made it clear that Darnold is the team’s guy moving forward, emphasizing his confidence in him.
In Jacksonville, standout prospect Travis Hunter is making waves as both a receiver and a defender, showcasing his rare talent with an impressive one-handed interception.
On the Texans front, C.J. Stroud is nursing some general soreness in his shoulder but is not expected to miss significant time. Head coach DeMeco Ryans reassured fans that they are proceeding with caution but have no long-term concerns.
In Philadelphia, linebacker Jihaad Campbell is still working back from injury and is expected to be sidelined until training camp starts in August.
Notably, after joining the Titans, wide receiver Calvin Ridley praised Cam Ward’s mindset and skills, indicating a strong relationship forming between the quarterback and his new targets.
Finally, Zay Flowers from the Ravens is back at full strength after a knee injury and is set to play a critical role in the offense according to their offensive coordinator, who plans to leverage Flowers’ diverse skill set in various game situations.
As OTAs unfold, fans are getting glimpses of how their teams are shaping up for the upcoming season, setting the stage for an exciting 2025.
