Who's the Talk of Every NFL Team's Offseason so Far?

With NFL training camps still a month away, we have officially reached the point in the offseason when rumors, talk and chatter replace on-field activity.

Fortunately, offseason talk is exactly what we are going to focus on today.

Now that minicamps and OTAs are firmly in the rearview mirror, we have at least some idea of what each roster could look like in 2015—though a lot can happen between now and final-cut day. We also have a grasp on which players have been standing out from the crowd, for reasons both good and bad. As is almost always the case, some have stood out more than others.

We're going to take a look at the one player from each team who has managed to turn heads and grab headlines during the offseason.

Some of these players are new to their respective teams and some are returning from injury. Some are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season while others are just looking for a little clarity. Some of these guys have just been flat-out impressive on the practice field. 

In every case, however, the player has demanded attention throughout the offseason.

Does this list have any real bearing on what will actually happen in the regular season? Probably not, but sometimes it's nice to have a little fun and talk about, well, the talk.

Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer only appeared in six games last year before suffering a season-ending ACL injury. However, he played well (passer rating of 95.6) when healthy and had the Cardinals looking like a Super Bowl contender when he was on the field.

Much of the talk in Arizona this offseason has surrounded Palmer and his health. So far, it appears that his recovery is going according to plan.

Palmer returned to the practice field for 11-on-11 drills in early June and looks to be on track to see live reps in the preseason. 

"The training wheels are off," head coach Bruce Arians said of Palmer, per Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com.

If Palmer can step back onto the playing field in pre-injury form, Arizona should be a virtual lock to contend in the tough NFC West all season long. After all, the team managed to win 11 games in 2014, despite losing both Palmer and backup Drew Stanton to injury.

"With him under center, we know we're a contender. A true contender," defensive end Calais Campbell told NFL Network's Dan Hellie and Brian Baldinger earlier this offseason. "His ability to throw the ball, see the defenses and lead the team—he's just such a natural leader."

If Palmer is and remains at 100 percent this season, expect him to lead Arizona back to the playoffs. 

Atlanta Falcons: Devonta Freeman

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Second-year running back Devonta Freeman has yet to lock down the starting job with the Atlanta Falcons, but the early chatter indicates that he is the favorite over rookie Tevin Coleman.

Freeman flashed his potential last season, rushing for 248 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and hauling in 30 passes for 225 more. However, the Falcons did not use him extensively. It will likely be a different story in 2015.

According to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Freeman is clearly ahead in the running back competition going into camp. One of the reasons is his ability to catch the football out of the backfield.

"I knew Devonta had terrific hands, but I probably didn't appreciate the good route-running ability coming out of Florida State and the development he made with [former running backs coach] Gerald [Brown] and the guys here last year," head coach Dan Quinn said, per Ledbetter. "He can really run routes.”

In addition to being the favorite to start, Freeman has also been standing out on the practice field, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.

Cory Bonini of USA Today recently listed Freeman as a fantasy sleeper who is capable of contributing to a winning team.

The fact that run-oriented offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will coach Freeman makes it easier to feel good about his potential to produce on the football field. If he does, it will ensure that we are still talking about Freeman during the regular season.

Baltimore Ravens: Darren Waller

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The Baltimore Ravens selected wide receiver Breshad Perriman in the first round of this year's draft and tight end Maxx Williams in the second. However, sixth-round pick Darren Waller has been drawing as much attention as anyone this offseason.

The mammoth 6'6", 238-pound Georgia Tech product has unbelievable athleticism (he ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine) for a man his size. However, he has been showing off more than just his height in workouts.

"Sixth-round wide receiver Darren Waller continues to catch everything," Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com wrote after one June OTA practice. "He went up the ladder to snag one lofted pass, showing he uses his massive 6'6" frame to its fullest potential."

Waller is raw, even for a rookie receiver. However, his size, strength and ability to move in space are impressive. They even seem to have made an impression on head coach John Harbaugh.

"You have to look up really high when you talk to him," Harbaugh said of Waller, per Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. "He has [a] good catch radius. We saw it on tape, we saw it in the workout, but now to see it here on our field is the confirmation [of] how well he moves for a big man."

If Waller can continue to impress, he should wind up as a valuable addition to the Ravens offense, especially in the red zone. Catching passes from quarterback Joe Flacco and working alongside fellow receiver Steve Smith Sr. should help in Waller's development.

Buffalo Bills: John Miller

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Rookie offensive linemen don't usually receive a ton of attention at this point in the offseason. However, Buffalo Bills guard John Miller is getting plenty of it because the third-round draft pick already seems to be working himself into a starting role.

According to Mike Rodak of ESPN.com, the Bills drafted Miller with the intention of starting him as a rookie. This makes sense, as run blocking was a weakness for the team a season ago. According to Pro Football Focus, Buffalo was the second-worst team in terms of run blocking in 2014.

The Bills brought in veteran guard Richie Incognito along with Miller to help bolster the interior of the offensive line. If the two new additions can start and provide an improvement on the interior, it will bode well for new running back LeSean McCoy and his cohorts in the backfield.

According to Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News, Bills head coach Rex Ryan doesn't really view Miller as an inexperienced player.

"I think he's a 10-year vet out there," Ryan said.

This is a good indication of the rookie's chances of landing a starting job in 2015. Expect to see better offensive line play in Buffalo this season and for Miller to be a big part of the turnaround. 

Carolina Panthers: Devin Funchess

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There is a lot to like, and a lot to talk about, when it comes to Carolina Panthers rookie receiver Devin Funchess.

The 6'4", 232-pound former Michigan star appears on course to provide quarterback Cam Newton with a nice complement to Kelvin Benjamin.

"We're going to be a dynamic duo, two 6'5" guys out there on the outside just making damage and causing havoc on the field," Funchess told Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News. "You never see that type of duo in the league."

Seeing a rookie with confidence isn't unusual, but Funchess isn't the only one bullish on his future.

"I don't think Devin Funchess is crazy when he brings up the Offensive Rookie of the Year award," NFL Media's Conor Orr recently wrote. "Early reports out of camp suggest that the Michigan standout has already played at the X, Z and F slots and is learning all three at a brisk pace."

Count wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl among the fans of Funchess' versatility.

"It's huge," Proehl said, per Max Henson of Panthers.com. "He can fill in for anybody. That helps us tremendously."

Funchess hauled in 62 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns with the Wolverines last season. Expect him to have similar or superior numbers as a rookie receiver in the Panthers offense. He should prove especially effective in the red zone, where defenders are likely to lock on to his new running mate, Benjamin.

Chicago Bears: Kevin White

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Chicago Bears rookie receiver Kevin White has been a topic of conversation for a couple of reasons this offseason.

For one, the No. 7 overall pick from this year's draft is expected to be a major part of the Bears offense in 2015, especially since the team traded receiver Brandon Marshall earlier in the offseason.

The former West Virginia star caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He also made a quick impression on new offensive coordinator Adam Gase in Chicago.

Gase said the following of White's performance in rookie camp, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com:

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He was outstanding. He could tell you exactly what the checks were, what him and the quarterback, what page they were on. It was pretty impressive when he came in the building. We really like what he brought to the table, and we look for specific routes, and when we see one or two things, we know they can do the entire tree, so his speed, his body control, the way that he bursts off the ball, all those things we really liked.

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The problem is that White hasn't been able to show his potential all offseason. An undisclosed injury kept him out of June minicamp, though the Bears expect to have the rookie back before the preseason.

"I do [expect White to be ready]," head coach John Fox said, per Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times. "I think part of the offseason is getting ready for the season. Any decision that we make is going to be with the player's best interests in mind."

If White doesn't experience any complications with his health, expect him to integrate quickly into the Bears offense and to have plenty of impact this season. 

He may not immediately provide an improvement over Marshall, but there shouldn't be a significant drop-off either. The Bears hope quarterback Jay Cutler will be able to take advantage of White's ability.

Cincinnati Bengals: Marvin Jones

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Last year, the Cincinnati Bengals managed to reach the postseason for the fourth consecutive year despite fielding a passing offense that ranked just 21st in the NFL (213.8 yards per game). Unfortunately, passing struggles caused them to once again exit the playoffs in the opening round. 

Quarterback Andy Dalton (0-4 in the postseason) is becoming Peyton Manning-like in his ability to flounder in playoff openers. 

Of course, injuries played a big role in Cincinnati's passing struggles last season, and the biggest injury loss may have been that of wide receiver Marvin Jones. He hauled in 51 passes for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013 but missed all of last season with an ankle injury.

The good news is that Jones is back and appears to be as good as ever as he prepares for the coming season.

ESPN.com's Coley Harvey recently wrote the following when asked if the Bengals are confident in Jones' health:

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Yes. Without a shadow of a doubt, Bengals coaches are as confident in Marvin Jones' health and style of play as you've undoubtedly read in recent days. Receivers coach James Urban is among the most impressed. He told me a couple days ago that this spring was "baptism by fire" as it pertained to Jones. It was all about getting the rust off the wideout by putting him through every scenario he should face this season. Urban was pleased with what he saw, as was Jones. He was quick and crisp in his routes and started sharpening his timing with quarterback Andy Dalton.

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Injuries also caused star receiver A.J. Green to miss three games in 2014. If both he and Jones can return at 100 percent, the Bengals could boast the top wide receiver duo in the AFC North this season.

Whether this is enough to finally earn a playoff victory will remain to be seen.

Cleveland Browns: Duke Johnson

David Richard/Associated Press

Johnny Manziel hasn't attracted the type of attention he did last offseason, so we're going to move past the Cleveland Browns' quarterback position altogether and look elsewhere.

Seriously, who wants to talk about Josh McCown?

In reality, rookie running back Duke Johnson may play just as big a role in Cleveland's offense this season as any signal-caller. The University of Miami's all-time leading rusher comes to the team as a third-round pick and brings along the ability to contribute in multiple ways.

"The best way I can describe Duke is what Thurman Thomas was for Buffalo," Browns running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery said, per Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. "It's going to be all over the field. It's a 'Where's Waldo?' He gives you another dimension. He creates one-on-one problems."

Johnson is likely to see most of the backfield work on passing downs, as fellow runners Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell combined for just 20 receptions last season.

It may take some time for Johnson to fully develop, but according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, at least one teammate is already buying into him.

If the offseason talk is accurate, Johnson may turn the Browns' rushing attack into a three-headed monster. The team will likely need it, as there will be serious questions at quarterback in Cleveland for at least another season.

Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo

Associated Press

Really, the biggest player being discussed this offseason for the Dallas Cowboys might be running back DeMarco Murray, who left as a free agent. Regarding players still with the team, however, much of the talk has involved quarterback Tony Romo.

With Murray (1,845 yards rushing last season) gone, there will be even more pressure on Romo to carry the offense in 2015. 

The good news is that there is reason to believe Romo can have one of the best seasons of his career. The Eastern Illinois product, who has a history of back issues, may enter the regular season as healthy as he has in years.

He had a cyst removed from his back before the 2013 offseason, and back surgery interfered with his ability to practice last year. This offseason is different.

"He's playing at a high level," tight end Jason Witten said of Romo, per Stephen Hawkins of the Associated Press. "I think the biggest reason why we have such high expectations is because of the way he's playing, and the way he kind of demands everybody else to play at that level, too."

The Cowboys offense is going to have to play at a high level in order to overcome the loss of Murray, who led the NFL in rushing a season ago.

According to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, Dallas' chances without Murray are just fine as long as Romo is there to lead the team.

"I'll take the way he's been playing," Jones said, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. "I will take it and call it a day right now if you'll give me the whole year like that. I wouldn't dare have higher expectations."

Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning

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There has been quite a bit of talk about Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning this offseason, for both on- and off-field reasons.

For starters, everyone wants to know how he is going to look in new head coach Gary Kubiak's system. Manning is expected to spend a lot more time under center this season, and the early reports are encouraging. 

"I can tell you one thing: I am not bored in the least bit," Manning said about the new offense, per Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today. "I'm stimulated, I'm studying, and I feel like I'm engaged and trying to learn something new."

An energized Manning means good things for the Broncos in 2015.

Of course, he has also been in the headlines for another reason. According to Benjamin Allbright of 94.1 FM in Denver, two sources indicated that the Broncos explored the idea of trading Manning early in the offseason. 

This obviously raised a few eyebrows. However, the team has denied any trade talks took place, according to John Breech of CBSSports.com.

Since positive NFL stories don't often get the attention they deserve, we'd also like to point out a couple of reasons why Manning is worth talking about this offseason.

The longtime Indianapolis Colts quarterback recently sent a personal letter to the family of Logan Brown, a teen fan who was killed in March by a drunk driver.

Manning also took the time this offseason to bond with 4-year-old A.J. Cucksey, who has an inoperable brain tumor, and to send a personal message to Sabrina Montgomery, a mother of three who has breast cancer.

Detroit Lions: Ezekiel Ansah

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Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah accumulated 15.5 sacks in his first two pro seasons, but Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley have overshadowed him on the Detroit defensive line.

Now that Suh and Fairley are both gone, however, it is Ansah's time to take control and be the defensive game-changer he was drafted to be.

Right now, he appears to be leading a group that is using its underrated status as a source for motivation.

"I feel like we're going to be the best unknown group of guys out there," defensive end Darryl Tapp said, per Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. "We have, you brought in Haloti [Ngata]. He's an All-Pro guy. We still have Ziggy. Ziggy is going to be an All-Pro guy this year." 

Ansah should play a big role as the key pass-rusher in defensive coordinator Teryl Austin's system. The former BYU defender seems to be ready for the spotlight and has been turning up the heat in practices, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive Media Group.

There is a good chance that Ansah will have the best season of his pro career in 2015. At least, that seems to be the way Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today sees things. He recently named Ansah No. 70 on his list of most anticipated player performances of 2015.

Green Bay Packers: Davante Adams

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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams had a promising rookie season (38 receptions, 446 yards) in 2014. However, the talk this offseason has been about how the former Fresno State standout can make an even bigger impact in 2015.

Well, it's been about that and his ability to throw down a sick dunk.

What's important for the Packers is what Adams can do on the football field. According to his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, the future looks bright. Rodgers said the following earlier in the offseason, per Jason Wilde of ESPNWisconsin.com:

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Davante is a very polished player, and he has an excellent demeanor for a guy who's going to be a star. I mean, he carries himself like a star—which is a very high compliment. There's only been a few guys around here who've had that charisma: Charles [Woodson], Julius [Peppers], Greg [Jennings] always had it as a young player. But there's very few guys that really "get it."

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If Adams has the confidence of Rodgers, then we can probably expect him to be a popular target during the regular season. 

Bleacher Report NFL National Lead Writer Matt Bowen recently made his case for Adams as a breakout player in 2015:

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He might not have the numbers of an Odell Beckham Jr. this upcoming season, given the Packers' balanced play-calling on offense and the overall talent at the wide receiver position in Green Bay. But Adams will continue to draw more favorable matchups in lining up with [Jordy] Nelson and [Randall] Cobb in 2015, and that should create opportunities to produce quality tape in a system where he can produce big plays.

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According to Pro Football Focus, the Packers fielded the most potent passing attack in 2014. So even as the team's No. 3 receiver, Adams should have plenty of opportunities to shine this year.

Houston Texans: Brian Cushing

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Houston Texans inside linebacker Brian Cushing has missed 22 games over the past three seasons, but at one time he was considered one of the best young defenders in the NFL.

In 2011, he was rated as the third-best inside linebacker in the league by Pro Football Focus.

This is relevant because early reports indicate the old, healthy Cushing could be returning to the Texans defense.

According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, he underwent three different surgeries early in the offseason. The procedures seem to have helped tremendously.

"I felt very limited last year, and just kind of my health, coverage and a lot of things I couldn't do really on the field," Cushing said, via HoustonTexans.com. "Really feeling like myself again and kind of feeling like I can play anywhere on the field and make a play anywhere on the field."

Not only does Cushing feel like his old self, but he looks like it too, according to John Harris of the Texans' official website. Harris recently wrote the following:

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Speaking of Cushing, I can't tell you how excited I am to see what he does in 2015. He's so much more fluid and explosive in these practices than I can remember. He knocked down passes at the line of scrimmage. He broke up passes 15-20 yards down the field. A mobile, agile and hostile Cushing is needed on this defense and I feel good about what we've seen thus far.

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At some point, the talk in Houston is going to have to shift toward the quarterback position, where Ryan Mallett, Brian Hoyer and Tom Savage are battling to be the starter. For now, though, Cushing is giving Texans fans something positive to talk about in the offseason.

Indianapolis Colts: Phillip Dorsett

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The Indianapolis Colts added veteran offensive playmakers Andre Johnson and Frank Gore during the offseason, but it's speedy first-round pick Phillip Dorsett who has really impressed on the field.

The former Miami star brings elite quickness—he ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine—to the receiver position and also has the potential to add something special to the kick-return game.

Dorsett's ability to move around on offense has also been evident in early workouts. ESPN.com's Mike Wells called it the most "impressive" part of Dorsett's offseason.

"We wouldn't be moving him around if he wasn't able to handle that," Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said, per Wells. "His aptitude has impressed me. Obviously, speed is his calling card. But it's not just that. He's a fast guy who can play football."

Indianapolis obviously didn't draft Dorsett simply because of his speed. Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton already brings plenty of that to the offense. However, the rookie wideout will create mismatches on the field, with guys like Hilton, Johnson and Gore commanding defensive attention.

Expect Dorsett to quickly work his way into the offense as an all-around playmaker. Rotoworld's Evan Silva even believes the rookie can step right in and secure the No. 3 receiver role.

And having Andrew Luck at quarterback is only going to help Dorsett's first-year development. 

Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a few standout players this offseason, but quarterback Blake Bortles has remained at the center of discussions because he is entering a critical season.

The team selected the Central Florida product with the third overall pick in last year's draft to be the signal-caller of the future in Jacksonville. His debut season was a disaster.

He completed less than 60 percent of his passes as a rookie, posted a passer rating of just 69.5 and was rated dead-last among 75 quarterbacks by Pro Football Focus. He has to show some improvement in 2015 in order to justify his draft status.

Bortles knows he must improve this season and plans to continue working with teammates on his own in the weeks before training camp, according to Ryan O'Halloran of Jacksonville.com.

It shouldn't be too hard to find ways to improve when you're the league's worst signal-caller, but Bleacher Report's Ian Wharton recently made his case as to why Bortles could be the league's most improved quarterback in 2015:

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When I went back through the film after the season concluded, I was taken aback by how many good moments Bortles had. He had played better than I had remembered during the season. This isn’t to say that he was great, but there are reasons to believe that Bortles can take a major step in his development as soon as 2015.

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If Bortles can take the good things he did last season and repeat them on a consistent basis this year, he will undoubtedly be a better quarterback. If he fails to do so, the Jaguars are likely to continue struggling for another season. 

Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremy Maclin

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If you've heard it once since last season, you've probably heard it a hundred times: No wide receiver caught a touchdown pass for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014.

Writing the above statement has become rather tiresome, but it still represents a real takeaway from last season. This is why the offseason acquisition of receiver Jeremy Maclin was such a huge move for the Chiefs.

Maclin caught 85 passes for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. He might not equal those numbers in Kansas City's run-oriented offense, but he brings a ton of potential to the receiving corps.

According to BJ Kissel of KCChiefs.com, Maclin "couldn't be off to [a] better start" in terms of building chemistry with new quarterback Alex Smith. This shouldn't be too surprising, as Maclin spent time with head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Doug Pederson in Philadelphia.

"He's only a couple years removed from our system," Pederson said of Maclin, per Kissel. "We've changed some things since he's been in the offense, but he's such a smart, savvy, veteran guy that he's picked up on what we're doing really fast."

Expect Maclin to make a nearly flawless transition into the Chiefs offense and help the receiving corps score some touchdowns in 2015.

Miami Dolphins: Jarvis Landry

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The Miami Dolphins selected former Louisville pass-catcher DeVante Parker in the first round of this year's draft. The team added veteran wideout Greg Jennings and traded for receiver Kenny Stills earlier in the offseason. The Dolphins also brought in former Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron to catch passes.

However, it has been second-year receiver Jarvis Landry who has been getting the most praise on the practice field.

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"He's definitely more than [a slot receiver]," quarterback Ryan Tannehill said of Landry, via Surya Fernandez of Fox Sports Florida. "He's not a 4.3 [40-yard dash] burner guy, but he has all the tools to play outside and get open, and we've seen that so far in OTAs and we'll see it during the season. He's a guy that understands route running."

"

Landry's ability to run precise routes and make the tough catch helped him during his rookie campaign. The former LSU standout led the Dolphins with 84 receptions and had 758 yards receiving and five touchdowns last season. 

If he can continue to develop chemistry with Tannehill, Landry could be in for an even bigger 2015. Bleacher Report's Nick Kostos certainly seems to think so, as he has touted Landry as a potential fantasy star.

In a few months, we might just be talking about how Tannehill and the Dolphins have too many weapons on offense, with Landry being a big piece of the puzzle.

Minnesota Vikings: Tyrus Thompson

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

It's not often that an NFL team manages to find a starting offensive lineman in the sixth round of the draft, but that may be exactly the case with the Minnesota Vikings and rookie Tyrus Thompson.

The 6'5", 324-pound Oklahoma product played offensive tackle in college but has been working at guard this offseason.

"All of us guys kind of move around," Thompson said recently, per Brian Hall of Fox Sports North. "They're trying to see what we can do, where we'll be valuable at. I think it's a great opportunity for me right now at that right guard spot."

So far, the transition seems to be paying dividends for the rookie. According to ESPN.com's Ben Goessling, Thompson's efforts have earned him time with the first-team offense, ahead of fourth-round pick T.J. Clemmings.

Thompson may be overshadowed by fellow Vikings rookies like cornerback Trae Waynes or linebacker Eric Kendricks this season, partially because guards don't rack up statistics. However, he could have a massive impact on the team if he can enter the regular season as a starter.

At the very least, expect him to become a valuable depth player as a rookie.

New England Patriots: Tom Brady

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There are no surprises here. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady might just be the most talked-about player in the league this offseason.

Brady, of course, led the Patriots to a Super Bowl victory back in February. Yet, it has been his alleged involvement in a plot to deflate footballs for competitive advantage that has kept his name on the tips of tongues the past couple of months.

A report published by outside investigator Ted Wells states that it is "more probable than not" that Brady was aware of such a plot. As a result, the NFL hit the longtime veteran with a four-game suspension. The Patriots were fined $1 million and must forfeit two draft picks, including a 2016 first-round selection.

Brady remained in the headlines even after the punishment was handed down. He appealed the suspension, of course, and recently attended a lengthy appeal hearing before NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. As NFL Network's Steve Wyche explained at the time, the hearing was kind of a big deal.

The next item to drop in the whole Brady drama will be the announcement of a ruling from Goodell on the appeal. Depending on Goodell's decision, we could also see legal action taken by Brady and the NFLPA.

Whatever ends up being the outcome of this whole mess, we're likely to be talking about Brady and the deflated-football scandal for a very long time. 

New Orleans Saints: Brandin Cooks

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

The New Orleans Saints traded tight end Jimmy Graham and wide receiver Kenny Stills this offseason, and it's going to fall on second-year wideout Brandin Cooks to help fill the void in 2015.

The offseason talk seems to indicate that he is more than up to the task.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees recently said the following, per Mike Triplett of ESPN.com:

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That guy was ready to go back in February. You had to tell him, 'Hey, slow down, young buck, we've still got some time.' But he's been chomping at the bit. And just watching him out here, I see so much progress, just from a confidence standpoint, his trust and knowledge of the offense now having been in it for a year and just how explosive he is. He's hard to cover.

"

Earning the trust of his quarterback is one thing. However, Cooks, who has just 10 games of NFL experience, is going to have to become a top target in his second season.

Fortunately, it doesn't appear that the pressure of being a primary pass-catcher is going to get in the way of his development.

"First of all, people may call it pressure, but I don't see it as pressure," Cooks said, via Sam Spiegelman of the Times-Picayune. "It's part of the game."

Cooks should have no trouble becoming one of Brees' top two targets alongside Marques Colston this season.

New York Giants: Landon Collins

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

The defense of the New York Giants allowed an average of 375.8 yards per game in 2014 (29th in the NFL). If the offseason talk is any indication, rookie safety Landon Collins can be part of a defensive turnaround in 2015.

According to Michael Eisen of Giants.com, Collins worked with the first-team defense in OTAs and minicamp. This could indicate that Collins, whom the Giants traded up to get at the top of the second round, could already be on his way to locking down a starting role.

Last season with Alabama, he racked up 103 tackles with seven passes defended and three interceptions. If his production as a rookie can come even close to that, he will likely be a candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

"Defensive Rookie of the Year, that's my expectation," Collins said at the NFL's Rookie Symposium, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

NFL Media's Brian Baldinger recently picked Collins as his choice for defensive impact rookie, per NFL Total Access' Twitter account.

The Giants hope Collins can make a big impact. The team should be glad that the former Crimson Tide star has the physical tools and the skill set to do exactly that. 

New York Jets: Geno Smith

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The New York Jets added some wonderful players to their defense this offseason. However, it is going to be difficult for the team to compete in the AFC East without some major offensive improvements. 

This is why third-year quarterback Geno Smith has been a popular subject of discussion. The former second-round pick has had an up-and-down career. He was benched at one point in 2014 but posted a perfect passer rating (158.3) against the Miami Dolphins in the season finale.

The Jets brought in journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick to compete with Smith this offseason and drafted Baylor's Bryce Petty. 

Early in the offseason, however, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey stated that Smith would be the starter, per Brian Costello of the New York Post.

Head coach Todd Bowles later clarified the situation. "I view it as open competition. With Geno being the starter, it's his to lose and it's Ryan's to take, it's Bryce's to take, it's Matt's to take. No different than any other position, whoever starts out first team is going to get the first-team reps," Bowles said, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

Though moving ahead with Smith for another season looks like a risk (his career passer rating is just 71.5), the former West Virginia star appears to have at least one fan.

"I think Geno, when I've looked at him now for a couple of years in the NFL, I see a quarterback that's getting better," ESPN analyst Ron Jaworksi said of Smith, via the Jets' official website.

One thing seems certain here: The quarterback play in New York is going to have to keep improving for the Jets to realistically challenge for a division title in 2015.

Oakland Raiders: Clive Walford

Eric Risberg/Associated Press

The Oakland Raiders may have grabbed the draft's best wide receiver by selecting Alabama's Amari Cooper with the fourth overall pick. However, third-round tight end Clive Walford has been impressive in workouts.

"Walford has been a standout in the offseason program," ESPN.com's Bill Williamson wrote of the tight end. "He has been smooth and has shown an ability to stretch the field."

Stretching the field is something that Walford has experience doing. He averaged more than 15 yards per reception last season and set the all-time mark for career receptions by a University of Miami tight end.

CBS Sports' Rob Rang recently wrote the following:

"

Like Cooper, Walford is a naturally gifted athlete with prototype size (6'4", 251 pounds), agility and soft hands. Also like Cooper, Walford showed an impressive work ethic in college to take full advantage of his traits, steadily improving in his conditioning, blocking at the point of attack, route-running and in cleanly catching the ball.

"

Walford has the potential to become the No. 2 or No. 3 target for Raiders quarterback Derek Carr as a rookie. If he and Cooper can live up to the hype, we may be talking about the Raiders having one of the best rookie classes in the NFL this season.

Philadelphia Eagles: Sam Bradford

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Quarterback Sam Bradford has been the talk of the Philadelphia Eagles for the vast majority of the offseason, and for good reason. Head coach Chip Kelly traded quarterback Nick Foles and a pair of draft picks (including a 2016 second-rounder) in order to acquire him.

Because of the price to acquire Bradford, it is largely expected that Kelly wants him as his long-term quarterback, though a contract extension has not been agreed upon. According to NFL Media's Albert Breer, there have been preliminary contract talks but nothing significant.

Part of the reason Philadelphia may want to hold off on an extension is Bradford's injury history. He has appeared in just seven games over the past two years and finished each of the last two seasons on injured reserve with an ACL tear.

Coincidentally, his injury has also led to some interesting discussions.

On a recent edition of Boomer and Carton on WFAN, New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford said the following of Bradford, per Charles Curtis of NJ Advance Media:

"

I'm gonna give you a Ferrari that maybe won't be running all the time, or I'm giving you a nice Cadillac sedan....Bradford can go zero to 60 in three seconds. But you don't know if he's going to start up some days....Good luck with that....Chip Kelly will get himself in serious trouble if they get an extension for that guy and he gets hurt. He's done.

"

When was the last time anyone cared about a punter's opinion of an opposing team? But it's exactly this kind of bulletin-board talk that keeps us entertained during the offseason lull. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: Martavis Bryant

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

The Pittsburgh Steelers got some nice production out of then-rookie Martavis Bryant in 2014. The Clemson product caught 26 passes for 549 yards, eight touchdowns and an incredible 21.1 yards per reception.

Even bigger and better things could be in store for Bryant as a sophomore player, if the offseason chatter is any indication.

NFL Media's Kevin Patra listed Bryant on his "Making the Leap" list, meaning he believes the wideout is in store for a dramatic improvement in 2015.

ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler seems to agree that Bryant will be even better in Year 2. He recently wrote the following:

"

Bryant's ability is obvious after averaging 21 yards per catch as a rookie, but seeing it up close elicits a level of surprise. Yes, players are in shorts with no hitting. There's only so much to glean. But Bryant looks the part of a solidified No. 2 receiver in every way, adding 10 pounds of muscle to an already stout frame, showcasing a combination of speed and agility.

"

If he really is a much better receiver in 2015, we could see something truly special from him.

Remember, Bryant sat the first six games of his rookie season before he exploded on to the scene. He will also be playing with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was rated third overall among quarterbacks by Pro Football Focus last season. 

Seeing Bryant double or even triple his production this season shouldn't be out of the question. 

San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon

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The San Diego Chargers only managed to rush for an average of 85.4 yards per game (30th in the NFL) last season. This may be why the team only averaged 21.8 points per contest (17th in the NFL), despite being rated as the sixth-best passing offense by Pro Football Focus.

Well, running the football shouldn't be an issue in 2015 now that the Chargers have first-round back Melvin Gordon on board.

His transition to life in the NFL appears to be going quite smoothly.

"He studies and he's smart," Chargers running backs coach Ollie Wilson said recently, per Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com. "When you give him something, you know that you're on to the next thing. Usually with rookies it takes a little while to get it done."

Last season at Wisconsin, Gordon rushed for 2,587 yards (7.5 yards per carry) and 29 touchdowns. We can't expect this sort of production from him as a rookie at the pro level, but San Diego's running game shouldn't resemble a beat-up moped running on bad gas either. 

What's really interesting is that Gordon has been impressing with his ability to catch the football after he had only 19 receptions last season with the Badgers. 

"Gordon will be used on early downs but has proved a better pass-catcher than expected," Williams wrote in another piece, "and he will be used in the passing game."

If he can prove to be a legitimate threat in the passing game, Gordon will have a good shot at Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. 

San Francisco 49ers: DeAndrew White

Butch Dill/Associated Press

There hasn't been a ton of positive conversation surrounding the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. Realistically, there is probably more to talk about regarding the players who left the team than those still with the organization.

However, undrafted rookie receiver DeAndrew White has provided at least a little bit of positivity.

The former Alabama receiver has caught on in San Francisco and appears to be making a big impression. 

"The MVP of practice may have been former Alabama wideout DeAndrew White, who went undrafted," Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee wrote after one June workout. "White was a frequent target and caught everything thrown his way, including a 30-yarder from Colin Kaepernick during an all-out blitz by the defense."

White, who caught 40 passes for 504 yards and four touchdowns last season, could be an interesting young piece for coordinator Geep Chryst's offense this season.

Offensive assistant Ronald Curry had some nice things to say about the rookie but seems prepared to temper White's expectations, per team reporter Joe Fann: "Ronald Curry commended DeAndrew White's hard work and improvement but said, 'We don't crown anyone when we're in shorts.'"

White does have a long way to go before actually making the team or earning a significant role on the offense. However, the young pass-catcher appears up for the challenge.

"The type of person he is, he motivates himself," wide receivers coach Adam Henry said of White, via the 49ers' official website. "He has a little chip on his shoulder, and he brings it to the building each and every day."

Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson

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You'll probably notice that quite a few quarterbacks made their way onto this list. Many of them have been topics of conversation because we don't know what to expect from them on the field in the coming season.

This obviously isn't the case with Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Russell Wilson.

In just three pro seasons, he has produced a passer rating of 98.6, passed for nearly 10,000 yards and led his team to two Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi Trophy.

Wilson's on-field ability is not in question. His future in Seattle, however, is.

The Seahawks have yet to grant him a contract extension. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is set to make a mere $1.54 million in 2015.

Considering guys like Andy Dalton (six years, $96 million) and Colin Kaepernick (six years, $114 million) have signed lucrative contract extensions in recent offseasons, it should be easy to understand why Wilson would like to be paid like the Super Bowl winner that he is.

For now, though, he seems to be playing the part of team player. 

"No matter if it's $25 million or if it's $1.5 million, I'll be ready to go," Wilson said during an interview with ESPN's Marty Smith.

However, Wilson has also left subtle hints this offseason that he might be willing to play for a different team if the Seahawks cannot financially appease him.

"I love it [in Seattle]; it's a great place to play," Wilson said on a recent appearance with WRAL. "I've also gone through the ups and downs and been moved around before. I loved N.C. State and loved playing there and then having to go somewhere else and start new."

Expect the Seattle-Wilson relationship to be fine in 2015, but things could get interesting soon after.

St. Louis Rams: Nick Foles

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

The St. Louis Rams have successfully jettisoned injury-prone quarterback Sam Bradford this offseason, which makes his replacement, Nick Foles, the man under center.

Foles, who was acquired in the Bradford trade, has had a fairly promising career to date. He went 15-9 as a starter with the Philadelphia Eagles and has a career passer rating of 94.2.

The talk this offseason has been about how Foles might look in the Rams offense. 

So far, he has looked very good—at least according to wide receiver Kenny Britt.

"The chemistry has been great since Day 1," Britt said recently, per Luke Schnake of 101Sports.com. "He's the guy that comes in the locker room and pumps people up ready to go. If you're down, he's the first one [saying], 'Hey, come on, we've gotta go right now.' To tell you the truth, it's kind of exciting to see him in there."

With Foles looking like he can be the guy in St. Louis, a contract extension could be on the horizon. This is another reason he has been a popular topic of discussion.

According to ESPN Insider Field Yates, the Rams are already prepared to "talk numbers" with Foles.

It may seem a little premature for the team to be doing so, considering Foles has yet to take a regular-season snap for St. Louis. However, waiting could cost the team money if he plays well in 2015, the final season of his rookie deal. 

Either way, the Rams' quarterback situation should be more stable this season with Foles at the helm than it was in 2014.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jameis Winston

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

We have another not-too-surprising selection here with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Jameis Winston is rightfully the talk of the team this offseason as he was the first player selected in this year's draft.

Winston has yet to earn the starting job for the Buccaneers, but he has shown plenty of progress on the practice field. 

"I thought it was a great day. He knew the offense already. He wasn't overwhelmed," Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said after Winston's first practice, per Jim Corbett of USA Today. "He was even a little ahead of the game. He was already trying to change protections. The coaches were like, 'Wait up. Hold on.'"

Winston may be ahead of most rookies in his development, but he knows that the starting job isn't going to come without his maximum effort.

"I never was given anything in my life," Winston said recently, per Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com. "The way I was brought up, I always had to earn everything. The main thing is to earn the respect of all these players out here."

The 6'4", 231-pound signal-caller appears to have all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. What is uncertain is how quickly he can snatch the starting role and begin to turn things around for the Buccaneers.

According to Yasinskas, Winston finished June minicamp as the first-team quarterback, which seems to indicate that he will be getting his opportunity sooner rather than later. 

Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota

David Richard/Associated Press

If Winston has been the talk of the Buccaneers, then it should be no surprise that Marcus Mariota has been the talk of the Tennessee Titans this offseason.

Mariota was selected one spot behind Winston in this year's draft, and the Oregon product is expected to be the quarterback of the future in Tennessee.

Though Mariota completed 68.3 percent of his passes with 42 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season, he did so in the wide-open Oregon spread offense. Because of this, there have been concerns about his ability to make a quick transition into the NFL.

So far, he appears to be transitioning well.

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Mariota has "exceeded expectations," and we should "expect him to start Week 1."

Clayton isn't the only one who has been impressed by Mariota this offseason. According to NFL Network reporter Jeff Darlington, the rookie is getting support from at least one veteran teammate, who called him the "real deal."

Unless he stumbles, or we see an unexpected surge from second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger in training camp, Mariota should be Tennessee's starter going into the season, and he should finally bring a little stability to the Titans' quarterback position.

Whether quarterback stability is enough for the Titans to make a move in the AFC South is another story.

Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

Over the past couple of seasons, Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III has been a popular talking point because he has been a disappointment. 

Washington gave up a package of draft picks that included three first-rounders to acquire the right to draft Griffin from the St. Louis Rams. In return, he has given the team an inconsistent, injury-prone signal-caller who was benched for Browns castoff Colt McCoy (seriously, Cleveland didn't want this guy) in his third pro season.

Griffin has shown flashes, sure, but his 14-21 record speaks for itself. Christian Ponder (14-21-1) has a nearly identical mark. 

Though the 2015 season might not represent Griffin's last chance to prove he can be a top-tier quarterback, it is most likely the last chance he will have to make things work with the guy who benched him, head coach Jay Gruden. 

If Griffin struggles again this year, Washington is also going to struggle, and Gruden could easily be out of a job. According to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times, Gruden knows that the story of this season is going to be Griffin's improvement—or lack thereof.

In a way, Washington's entire season could hinge on Griffin's improvement and, to a lesser extent, his relationship with Gruden.

Phil Sheridan of ESPN.com may have put it perfectly when he wrote this about Griffin and Gruden: "There clearly is some potential there. But if a coach is at odds with his most talented quarterback, it's hard to win anything."