OTAs kicked off this past week, offering our first real look at where some of the NFL’s newest players stand—and how a few second-year guys, like Drake Maye, are adjusting to Year 2. In this edition of the Rookie Report, we look at why Maye isn’t a concern despite a rocky start, why Kelvin Banks Jr. is on track to start in New Orleans, and why Cam Ward will almost certainly win the job in Tennessee.
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Not a time to panic
New England quarterback Drake Maye opened Patriots OTAs with a rough performance, throwing four interceptions. But this isn’t cause for concern. He’s still deep in the process of learning Josh McDaniels’ offense, adjusting to new teammates, and shaking off some rust after a couple of months away from team activities. It’s early, and growing pains are part of the process.
Day one starter
It’s already looking like New Orleans Saints first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. will be a day-one starter at left tackle. He’s been taking first-team reps at the position during OTAs, with last year’s first-round pick Taliese Fuaga shifting to right tackle. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Banks became the first player in Texas history to win both the Outland and Lombardi Awards in the same season last year. If he secures the left tackle job, it’ll be critical for him to provide steady protection for whoever wins the Saints’ quarterback competition.
QB battle even—for now
Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that last year’s starter, Will Levis, and No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward are currently splitting reps during Phase 2 of offseason workouts. That signals an even competition—for now. But don’t expect that to last. Ward is expected to steadily take on a larger share of reps as training camp nears, and it would be a legitimate shock if he’s not the starter when Tennessee opens the season against Denver.
NFL Draft flashback
Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, I ranked USC’s Drake London as the top wide receiver in the class thanks to his elite mix of size, strength, and production. So far, he’s backed that up. London was the first wideout off the board, going No. 8 overall to the Falcons, and he’s been the second-most productive receiver from that class behind only Garrett Wilson. Wilson leads with 279 receptions for 3,249 yards, while London sits close behind with 241 catches for 3,042 yards and a position-leading 15 touchdowns. He ended last season on a high note, torching Carolina for 10 receptions, 187 yards, and two scores in Week 18. With Michael Penix Jr. now at quarterback, London is poised for another breakout year.
Flag football
With the NFL allowing players to take part in flag football at the upcoming Olympics, a rookie who could be a great fit for the team is Jacksonville’s Travis Hunter. He would be ideal due to his ability to contribute on both offense and defense. He also possesses elite ball skills, making him a nightmare in coverage and capable of creating numerous plays when asked to cover receivers.
Missing in action
One notable absence from OTAs was Chicago Bears second-round pick Luther Burden III. While his absence was largely due to injury, it would’ve been smart for him to show up and get mental reps—something first-round pick Colston Loveland, also recovering from injury, chose to do. Add in the lingering rumors about Burden being coddled at Missouri, and this situation likely isn’t sitting well with the Bears’ coaching staff.
Wrestling develops elite football players
San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Mykel Williams is the latest example of high school wrestling producing elite football talent. Williams, who wrestled at Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia, used the sport to build traits that helped him become a five-star recruit, most notably his grip strength and balance. He’s not alone. Other standout NFL players who wrestled in high school include Tristan Wirfs, Ray Lewis, and Joe Thomas, proving that the mat can be a launching pad for success on the field.