Latest Updates on Training Camps: Most Talked-About NFL Stars

Each of the 32 NFL training camps are up and running, and most have been open for the better part of a week. 

While it's only been four or five practices for most teams, much has already been learned about a couple of breakout stars for the 2012 season. 

In the following slides, we'll break down the latest chatter from the first couple of days of NFL training camps and some of the most talked-about names. 

Brandon Lloyd, New England Patriots

No, that's not Chad Ochocinco (or Johnson, whatever he wants to be called now) pictured here. It's Brandon Lloyd, and he's tearing up the Patriots camp early on. 

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss went as far Tuesday as to say practice had "shades of 2007 fireworks":

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He [Lloyd] looks like he's been playing with quarterback Tom Brady for a decade, the two hooking up on some long pass plays that have produced loud roars from the crowd. On Sunday, Brady found Lloyd deep over the middle for a 45-yard touchdown strike, with Gregory and McCourty the closest defensive backs in the area.

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Lloyd is already well-versed in Josh McDaniels' offense, and there's little doubt that reality has helped speed up this transition. The two developed a nice chemistry in both Denver and St. Louis over the last two or so years.

But one thing is for certain: The Patriots needed an explosive, downfield threat, and Lloyd looks every bit the part so far in camp. Everything Johnson/Ochocinco wasn't last summer, Lloyd is showing now. 

Eric Decker, Denver Broncos

It doesn't take a football rocket scientist to understand that the transition from Tim Tebow to Peyton Manning at quarterback in Denver was going to be a positive thing for the Broncos receivers. But there was always a feeling that Eric Decker was going to be the biggest beneficiary of that move.

So far in camp, that appears to be true. 

According to the Denver Post via Rotoworld (the Post's link appears to have been removed), Decker and Manning have been clicking in training camp as if "they were ready (for the season) yesterday." 

Sports Illustrated's Peter King took it one step further, stating that Decker is "sure to be among the league's receptions leaders if healthy for 16 games."

A precise route-runner with good hands, Decker always appeared to be a guy that could become one of Manning's favorites early. If Decker and Manning are already on the same page, and, like King said, if both stay healthy for 16 games, this could become one of the NFL's best connections in 2012. 

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Peterson's recovery from ACL surgery remains ahead of schedule, but the Vikings' star running back started training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Peterson may not have been happy about the placement there, but he's still just months removed from one of the more nasty knee injuries of the 2011 NFL season on Dec. 24. 

However, the Vikings still want Peterson participating in preseason games, according to Tom Pelissero of ESPN 1500. That means Peterson will eventually come off the PUP list during camp. 

That is also assuming, of course, that Peterson avoids the seafood line in the cafeteria; his failure to do so, according to Pelissero, sent him to the hospital last week because of an allergic reaction.

Seafood aside, Peterson should be back in Vikings' camp sooner rather than later.

Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers

The Packers offense is already brimming to the edge with playmakers, but 2011 second-rounder Randall Cobb appears to be winning a much bigger role among his peers in camp thus far. 

According to Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press Gazette, Cobb has made more big plays and has been used in a number of different ways in Packers camp. 

Brilliant with the ball in his hands, Cobb is making it very difficult for the Packers to keep him off the field. So far in camp, Cobb has been used in the slot, out wide, on punts and kicks and in the backfield taking handoffs, which immediately spawns visions of Percy Harvin in Minnesota. 

There are playmakers aplenty ahead of Cobb—Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, for starters—but the former Kentucky quarterback is winning his share of snaps in camp. In that offense, Cobb could be a breakout star.

Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots

The New England Patriots seemed content letting starting running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis walk in free agency, and a 2011 draft pick is giving the rest of us a clear reason why. 

Stevan Ridley, a 5'11", 225-pound back from LSU, appears to be taking the team's starting running back opening by storm. 

According to WEEI.com, Ridley has taken the majority of first-team snaps so far at Patriots camp. 

Tom Curran at Comcast New England built on that premise, reporting that Ridley "continues to look fast and decisive and really comfortable in the offense."

The Patriots have rarely leaned on one back, so Ridley will split time with whomever shakes out behind him. But as of right now, Ridley appears to have a solid hold on the carries Green-Ellis vacated in New England. 

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

If you're looking for the next receiver to add to the NFL's elite group, look no further than the Falcons camp. 

Julio Jones, the former Alabama receiver whom the Falcons moved up several spots to take in the 2011 draft, has been a monster during the start of training camp. 

ESPN's Pat Yasinskas wasn't afraid to call Jones the most impressive player he's seen so far in camp.

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In each of the practices, I saw the second-year receiver make several spectacular plays. Let’s keep in mind that he was going up against some big-name cornerbacks in Brent Grimes, Dunta Robinson and Asante Samuel. On at least two plays, I saw Jones use athleticism to beat Grimes, who many Falcons will point to when you ask them to name their most athletic player.

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Jones certainly showed flashes of becoming an elite player during his rookie season, when he totaled nearly 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns despite some lingering injury issues. But if camp is any indication, Jones could be ready to take a big step towards the top of the NFL's receiving tree next season. 

As long as he's healthy, there's no logistical reason to think Jones can't cement himself in the same stratosphere with Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald in 2012.