Predicting Biggest 2016 NFL Training Camp Surprises

Training camps are well underway around the National Football League, and in mere days, the 2016 preseason will officially begin.

We're beginning to get an idea of what to expect over the next month. Some players are already standing out, and some positional battles are beginning to settle.

Of course, there is a massive difference between recognizing early signs and knowing exactly what to expect. While some assumptions can be written in pen—guys like Aaron Rodgers and Ben Roethlisberger aren't losing their starting jobs if healthy, for example—there will always be room for preseason surprises.

Now, we're going to take a crack at predicting some of the surprises to come out of training camp season. We'll be focusing on surprising players, outcomes and team decisions. There will be room for speculation here, but we'll be basing our predictions on factors like player potential, scheme fit, coaching and early camp reports.

Zack Sanchez Emerges from Panthers' Cornerback Competition

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Fifth-round pick Zack Sanchez (No. 31) is beginning to show himself in Panthers camp.

The Carolina Panthers decided to part ways with emerging cornerback Josh Norman earlier this offseason. Rather than look to the depths of free agency to bolster its secondary, the team drafted a trio of young cornerbacks as reinforcements.

In the second round, the Panthers took Samford's James Bradberry. In Round 3, it was West Virginia product Daryl Worley. In the fifth round, the Panthers grabbed Oklahoma's Zack Sanchez.

While we're used to seeing second- and third-round picks become early NFL contributors, it can be a tad surprising to see third-day guys emerge as rookies. However, this could be exactly what happens in Carolina if Sanchez continues to stand out in camp.

All three rookie corners have been making plays in camp, but Sanchez has been doing it from a different position.

The smaller (5'11", 185 lbs) Sanchez has been working primarily at nickelback, and he could realistically start there as a rookie. If the Panthers start veterans Bene Benwikere and Robert McClain on the outside, Sanchez would be a natural fit inside. At least, that's where the Carolina coaching staff has been preparing the rookie.

“The guy that’s got the hardest job right now is probably Zack because we’re asking him to learn so much. Not just playing corner, but playing nickel,” Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer. “So he’s being taxed right now mentally and physically, having to do the different things and it’s calling for different skill sets.”

If Sanchez can handle the challenge, he'll get every opportunity to be the most impactful rookie in the Carolina secondary this year.

The Jaguars' Pass Rush Looks Dominant

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Dante Fowler Jr. could be part of a dangerous Jacksonville pass rush this season.

The Jacksonville Jaguars put a lot of resources into the defensive side of the football this offseason, so there are expectations that the unit will improve. However, it could be surprising to see just how different the team's pass rush looks coming out of training camp.

Last year, the Jaguars produced just 36 sacks and finished the year rated 27th in pass rush by Pro Football Focus. This year, Jacksonville could be a top-10 pass-rushing team.

The team brought in proven defensive end Malik Jackson to pair with 2015 first-round pick Dante Fowler Jr. These two are expected to form the foundation of the pass rush, even though Fowler missed his entire rookie season.

Early reports indicate that Fowler is fully recovered from his torn ACL and looking like the stud sack artist the Jaguars believed they were drafting.

"Dante sticks out just because how explosive he is," fellow defensive lineman Jared Odrick said of Fowler, per News 4 Jacksonville. "People say that across the board for football players, you know, 'He's got explosive moves' or 'He's explosive off the ball.' You hear that all the time but Dante is really explosive."

It's going to help a lot that Jacksonville has a revamped secondary that now features the likes of Prince Amukamara, Jalen Ramsey and Tashaun Gipson. Last year's coverage unit—rated 30th overall by Pro Football Focus—didn't exactly hand the pass rush golden opportunities.

In addition, there's a chance the Jaguars could add unemployed pass-rusher Greg Hardy to the mix. Tyler Devitte of 1010XL.com reported that the team has worked out Hardy and that it "doesn't sound like" general manager Dave Caldwell has ruled out signing him.

This group should be fun to watch in the preseason.

Michael Thomas as the Best Rookie Receiver

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Could Michael Thomas be the best receiver in this year's draft class?

Former Ohio State receiver Michael Thomas wasn't the first wideout drafted this year. In fact, he wasn't even selected in the first round. However, there are a couple of reasons why he could exit training camp and finish the preseason regarded as the top rookie wideout in the NFL.

Thomas is a big, physical receiver at 6'3" and 212 pounds. He is also an excellent route-runner and a fast learner. The early reports on Thomas are rather impressive.

"Even when he is covered, he has found ways to come up with a reception," Rod Walker of the New Orleans Advocate wrote of Thomas. "He has easily been the best player in camp so far."

Being the best receiver on your team is great and all, but it's difficult for a receiver to fully shine without the right signal-caller under center. This is perhaps the biggest reason why Thomas could be outproducing first-round rookies like Corey Coleman and Laquon Treadwell.

Thomas gets the benefit of playing with, practicing with and learning from a truly elite quarterback in Drew Brees.

Brees led the NFL in passing with 4,870 yards last season. He also tossed 22 touchdowns, posted a passer rating of 101.0 and finished the year rated sixth overall among quarterbacks by Pro Football Focus. If anyone can help Thomas flourish, it's Brees.

Don't be surprised if we're talking about how teams picking in the first round missed on Thomas before the season even begins.

Frank Gore Makes a Return to Form

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Running back Frank Gore could make a big jump on the all-time rushing list this season.

Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore seemed to be showing his age for the first time in his 11-year career last season. He failed to top the 1,000-yard mark despite starting all 16 games, and he averaged an uncharacteristic 3.7 yards per carry.

Fans—especially of the fantasy variety—who have been touting Gore's career demise might be surprised to see what the 33-year-old looks like coming out of training camp.

Gore appears to be fired up about the coming season, and he has every reason to be. Another 700 yards rushing would put him at No. 8 on the all-time rushing list. Expect to see a motivated and fit Gore this preseason.

"I've trained hard all year and kept my training routine the same my whole career," Gore told SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I feel good coming into 2016."

Gore isn't the only one confident in his ability this year, either. Colts general manager Ryan Grigson told Kevin Bowen of the team's official website: 

"

I think it comes down to mindset with Frank. I know genetics play a big role and the way he trains of course, but there’s something about someone like him that exudes a true iron will to consistently produce, regardless of any circumstance. You get why so many of his former coaches and personnel men love the guy.

"

Those inside the Colts organization won't be surprised if the running back returns to an elite level. Those watching at home might be.

The Browns Offense Is Pretty Good

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Could the Browns actually field a top-quality offense this season?

The Cleveland Browns haven't fielded a top-notch team since re-entering the league as an expansion team in 1999. Part of the problem has been a lack of consistency at the quarterback position, and part has been a surrounding offense that is often laughable.

Last year's team, for example, averaged a paltry 14.5 points per game and was rated just 25th in offense by Pro Football Focus. The Browns offense, though, could look dramatically different by the end of camp.

The Browns have yet to name a starting quarterback, but it's feeling like offseason import Robert Griffin III will be the guy. If he—or Josh McCown or Cody Kessler, for that matter—can provide at least a semblance of stability, the Cleveland offense has a chance to be good.

Cleveland has an offensive-minded head coach in Hue Jackson and a number of new skill position players. The team drafted four wide receivers—including first-rounder Corey Coleman—and should see the return of former star Josh Gordon in Week 5.

The Browns should also see a much more developed version of Terrelle Pryor at receiver this year. The former quarterback transitioned to his new position last offseason and appears much further along now.

"Pryor says he gets more comfortable every day," Pat McManamon of ESPN.com recently wrote.
 "Which is sort of the way Pryor has looked this training camp simply playing receiver—much more comfortable each and every day."

Returning players like Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge and slot receiver Andrew Hawkins help round out a receiving corps that could be quite deep in 2016.

Jackson appears high on running backs Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson as well.

"Those two guys are as good as I've seen in a while," Jackson said, per Patrick Maks of the team's official website.

Surprisingly, Cleveland could be dangerous both on the ground and through the air coming out of camp.

The 49ers' QB Competition Is Surprisingly Good

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Which quarterback will emerge as the starter in San Francisco?

You might have heard that the San Francisco 49ers are holding a quarterback competition this year between Colin Kaepernick and former Jaguars castoff Blaine Gabbert.

However, you've probably not heard much about it since the expectations surrounding San Francisco this season are essentially none. Still, we believe that there's a good chance this quarterback battle is both surprisingly good and shockingly entertaining.

It's easy to forget just how enamored the media and fans were over head coach Chip Kelly back when he was breaking into the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. His fast-paced offensive attack was a novelty then, and while it may not have yielded sustained success, it did frequently make average quarterbacks seem exceptional.

Remember, Kelly and his system turned Nick Foles into a Pro Bowler back in 2013.

Kelly has made it clear that this competition is wide-open and likely won't be decided until right before the regular season, per the team's official website:

"

We’re trying to be right down the middle with the reps. They're not going to get hit in any of our training sessions. There's no quarterback in the NFL or college that probably gets hit at practice. Really, the big determination for those guys will be that the preseason games are going to be huge for those guys.

"

Having the battle decided in the preseason means we'll probably get to watch the majority of it unfold. If Kelly has the kind of boost on his quarterbacks that he had in Philadelphia, this could turn into a fun one.

Dolphins Don't Start Laremy Tunsil at Tackle

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Though some might find it surprising, there's a chance Laremy Tunsil doens't even start as a rookie.

Former Mississippi offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil entered this year's draft looking like one of the safest prospects and a possible option at No. 1 overall. Yet, there's a chance he might not even be a starting tackle as a rookie.

The Miami Dolphins landed Tunsil with the 13th overall pick after some off-field developments caused him to slide. These developments, though, have nothing to do with why Tunsil might not be one of the team's starting tackles.

The Dolphins are moving Tunsil to guard for the time being, which may already come as a surprise to many fans. This means that Tunsil is not only making the tough transition from college to the pros, he's also changing positions.

Former Dolphin Keith Sims believes this combination of challenges could be enough to keep Tunsil out of the starting lineup.

"I would say short of an injury, it's to be expected," Sims said, per Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post.

Dolphins head coach Adam Gase has made it clear that the team won't just be handing out starting jobs. If Tunsil isn't the best player at one of the guard spots, he isn't going to start.

"That's how we're rolling. You have to earn your spot," Gase said, per Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post. "I don't think you've really seen anybody get plugged in and get anointed anything. Everybody is battling. That's what we want. We want competition and we want guys to earn their spots."

Chris Hogan Pushes Danny Amendola Out of a Starting Job in New England

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Don't be too surprised if Chris Hogan earns a starting job this season.

The New England Patriots have brought some new faces to their wide receiver competition this year. Joining the likes of Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Aaron Dobson are guys like Chris Hogan, Nate Washington and rookie Malcolm Mitchell.

The influx of new talent means greater competition at the receiver position, and perhaps a diminished role for one of the incumbents.

One guy to keep an eye on is former Buffalo Bills receiver Hogan. The Patriots liked him enough to sign him to a three-year, $12 million offer sheet, per Spotrac, stealing him away from Buffalo. Hogan has done almost nothing but impress since arriving in New England, and he has a legitimate shot of pushing a guy like Amendola down the depth chart.

Mike Giardi of CSN New England recently referred to Hogan as "one of the guys that just jumped out at you here at the beginning of camp."

Hogan and some of the other receivers have been able to take advantage of the fact that both Amendola and Edelman opened camp on the PUP list. Hogan recently suffered a shoulder injury of his own, but Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports that he is expected to return soon.

New England seems to have a habit of finding productive players in unlikely places, so Hogan emerging as a regular contributor wouldn't be shocking. However, there would still be some surprise if he steps up and claims a starting job from an established Patriot.

Just don't be too surprised when it happens.