Top NFL Camp Competitions We're Most Excited to See Following the 2026 NFL Draft

With the 2026 draft and the bulk of free agency in the rearview, it may feel like the NFL offseason has little else to offer. That couldn't be further from the truth, though, as minicamps are right around the corner, and training camps will be here by the end of July.

Believe it or not, the start of the regular season is just over four months away. Between now and then, positional battles will take center stage around the league.

While camp stats and preseason scores won't earn a place in record books, they will help determine which players earn prominent roles in the fall—and that could include several high-profile rookies.

Here, we'll examine nine upcoming camp competitions we can't wait to see, and why.

The Arizona Cardinals' QB Competition

AP Photo/Michael Laughlin

Carson Beck

The Arizona Cardinals didn't draft a quarterback in the first round, but they did use an early third-round pick on Miami's Carson Beck. The three-year starter, who helped guide the Hurricanes to the national championship game this past season, is expected to compete with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew for Arizona's starting job.

That's assuming the Cardinals are able to smooth things over with Brissett. The journeyman was not present for the start of Arizona's offseason and is seeking a new contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

While Beck had an up-and-down college career, he has big-game experience and flashed NFL ability. He could be fun to watch in Mike LaFleur's offense alongside weapons like Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr., and rookie first-round pick Jeremiyah Love.

"Beck has the skill set suited to a team with strong talent and culture that can win games," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He excels in a point-guard role under center. He combines good anticipation, quick game efficiency, and timely throwing."

It'll at least be fun to see how Beck stacks up against Brissett and Minshew in the coming months.

The Atlanta Falcons' QB Competition

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Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons aren't bringing a highly touted rookie to their quarterback competition. What they'll have instead is a pair of former top-10 picks who are seeking a little redemption in a new environment.

Michael Penix Jr. was drafted eighth overall by the Falcons just two years ago. He showed some upside as a rookie but underwhelmed in 2025 before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He may get a chance to finally break through in Kevin Stefanski's offense—if, as the quarterback hopes, he's healthy and prepared to play by Week 1.

"I'm super excited for it. For me, I look forward to being back Week 1, but, like I said, we'll see. I just got to do everything in my power to make sure I'm ready for that," Penix told D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Of course, if Penix is ready in time for camp, he'll have to compete with 2020 fifth overall pick Tua Tagovailoa. The former Miami Dolphins starter was a Pro Bowler in 2023 but has delivered poor production since then and carries a significant injury history.

Journeyman Trevor Siemian and undrafted Minnesota State-Moorhead product Jack Strand will also be in the mix.

We're intrigued to see if the Falcons uncover a reliable starter this season or if they'll become one of several teams eyeing a promising 2027 rookie class.

The Cincinnati Bengals' DL Competition

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Dexter Lawrence II

The Cincinnati Bengals have one of the league's most potent offenses when quarterback Joe Burrow is healthy. However, a lackluster defense has prevented them from reaching the playoffs in each of the last three years.

Now, questions about Burrow's future in Cincinnati have started to surface.

"If the Bengals cannot turn it around, some have speculated about whether Burrow might wonder whether he is better off playing in another NFL city," ESPN's Adam Schefter wrote.

In an effort to prove they're serious about winning, the Bengals took an uncharacteristically aggressive approach to addressing their defense this offseason.

They traded the 10th overall pick for New York Giants standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, added Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe in free agency, and used a second-round draft pick on Texas A&M edge-defender Cashius Howell.

With holdovers like B.J. Hill, T.J. Slaton, 2023 first-round pick Myles Murphy, and 2025 first-round pick Shemar Stewart also in the equation, Cincinnati could have a legitimately good defensive front this season.

The Bengals lost star edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson to the rival Baltimore Ravens in free agency, but they've added the pieces to field a deep interior rotation with some solid edge pieces in the weeks since.

We're waiting to see how it all comes together and if it's enough to put Cincinnati back in the Super Bowl conversation.

The Dallas Cowboys' Edge-Rushing Competition

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Malachi Lawrence

The Dallas Cowboys have been looking to rebuild their edge-rushing rotation ever since they traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers late last offseason.

While the Cowboys don't have any one player who is likely to replicate Parsons' impact, they have several promising names who can combine to provide a great overall group.

Dallas is bringing back James Houston, 2022 second-round pick Sam Williams, 2023 third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown, and 2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku. The team also traded for Rashan Gary before drafting UCF's Malachi Lawrence and Michigan's Jaishawn Barham in Rounds 1 and 3, respectively.

It'll be particularly interesting to see how young developmental edge-rushers like Ezeiruaku, Lawrence, and Barham progress in camp. Lawrence, in particular, brings an intriguing upside to the table.

"Even better, he has the tape to match with the potential to become a high-quality pass-rusher in the league," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote.

The Cowboys' edge group is now brimming with potential, though it must still prove itself on the field. Watching the group develop and tracking the battle for starting roles will be a big part of the fun in Dallas this summer.

The Las Vegas Raiders' QB Competition

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Fernando Mendoza

Who isn't excited to see what No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza can do at the NFL level? The reigning Heisman winner helped lead Indiana to a national championship, and he has the tools to help change the fortunes of the Las Vegas Raiders.

"Mendoza has the build of a traditional pocket passer and a polished passing skill set that translates well to the NFL," Parson wrote. "...He is an intelligent player with an excellent mind for the game of football."

Whenever Mendoza takes over as the Raiders' starting quarterback, he'll get to work with thrilling offensive playmakers such as Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Tre Tucker, and rookie fourth-round pick Mike Washington Jr.

Of course, Las Vegas signed veteran Kirk Cousins to ensure Mendoza won't have to take over before he is ready.

"What they would like, best case, is that Fernando Mendoza waits, watches, and learns while Cousins plays this year," Ian Rapoport said on NFL Network during the draft (beginning at the 35-second mark).

We're excited to see how Mendoza compares to a four-time Pro Bowler in Cousins and how his skills mesh with Klint Kubiak's offense. And we can't wait to see him in camp and the preseason because, if all goes according to Las Vegas' plan, we might not see Mendoza again until 2027.

The Minnesota Vikings' QB Competition

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J.J. McCarthy

Like Penix, J.J. McCarthy was taken in the first round of the 2024 draft. Also like Penix, he has often underwhelmed as a pro, in part, due to injury. McCarthy missed his entire rookie season following knee surgery and only had occasional moments of good play in 2025.

As is the case in Atlanta, McCarthy will have to beat out another former first-round pick if he hopes to establish himself as the Minnesota Vikings' franchise quarterback.

The Vikings added 2019 first overall pick Kyler Murray, who was cut by the Cardinals early this offseason. He was a Pro Bowl quarterback early in his career, but despite having tremendous dual-threat potential, he failed to bring stability to Arizona's QB position.

While Max Brosmer and Carson Wentz are also in Minnesota's quarterback room, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson has made it pretty clear that he expects a battle between McCarthy and Murray.

"I'm definitely looking for those big, exciting plays [from Murray]," Jefferson said, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN. "...And then for J.J., for somebody to enter that room with that type of ability, that type of talent, he's got to step it up a little bit."

Players like Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones Sr.—not to mention the quarterback-friendly offense of Kevin O'Connell—are why Murray has a real chance to revitalize his career with the Vikings. If he doesn't do that, maybe he'll push McCarthy to become a dependable starter.

The New England Patriots' O-Line Competition

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Caleb Lomu

The New England Patriots managed to reach Super Bowl LX due, in part, to the stellar play of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. However, their O-line, especially rookie left tackle Will Campbell, struggled mightily against a ferocious Seattle Seahawks defensive front.

Campbell was more dependable early in the season before suffering an MCL sprain that landed him on injured reserve, and New England has said it doesn't plan to change his position.

"We're not moving Will to guard, or center or tight end or anywhere else," head coach Mike Vrabel said after the Super Bowl, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

However, the Patriots did trade up to draft former Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu with the 28th pick in the draft. Whether Lomu actually challenges Campbell for the starting LT job or not, it'll be interesting to see how New England's overall O-line competition shakes out.

Lomu isn't the only new lineman in the building. The Patriots also signed guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and swing tackle James Hudson III before drafting Lomu and former Texas A&M tackle Dametrious Crownover.

We're intrigued to see whether Lomu and Campbell engage in a head-to-head competition, and even more interested in whether that process yields a substantially improved offensive line.

If Maye can be the MVP runner-up while being sacked 47 times (fourth-most in the NFL), we're excited to see what he can do with quality pass protection.

The New York Giants' Edge/LB Competition

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Arvell Reese

The New York Giants may have surprised a few folks when they used the fifth overall pick on former Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. That's because most evaluators expect Reese to follow Micah Parsons' path from linebacker to full-time edge-rusher in the NFL, and New York had already invested in its edge rotation.

The Giants' edge group is headlined by 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, trade acquisition Brian Burns, and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter. Some have speculated that the selection of Reese will push out Thibodeaux, who is entering a contract year.

While New York reportedly has listened to offers for Thibodeaux, it won't let him go at a bargain price. According to Dan Duggan of The Athletic, the New Orleans Saints inquired about Thibodeaux during the draft but were unwilling to meet the Giants' asking price of a second-round pick.

It'll be interesting to see how and if Reese fits into the edge equation alongside Burns, Carter, and Thibodeaux in camp, or if he begins his career as an off-ball linebacker alongside prized free-agent acquisition Tremaine Edmunds.

Regardless of how the Giants plan to use Reese during his rookie season, their defensive front seven looks a lot better, on paper, than it did a few months ago. Of course, we are eager to learn about Reese's role and what it might mean, if anything, for Thibodeaux's future.

The Philadelphia Eagles' WR Competition

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Makai Lemon

The Eagles haven't traded receiver A.J. Brown yet, though that's expected to change after doing so becomes more financially palatable on June 1.

"Conversations are expected to resume shortly on or before June 1, likely culminating in a deal, per league sources," Schefter posted on X.

With Brown's exit from Philadelphia feeling like a foregone conclusion, we're excited the Eagles have taken steps to prepare. Philly signed Marquise Brown, traded for Dontayvion Wicks, and then traded up in Round 1 to draft USC's Makai Lemon. Though Lemon and Brown are very different receivers, the rookie is best-suited to step in as the new top complement to DeVonta Smith.

"Lemon plays both in the slot and outside as the Z-receiver but projects best as a predominant slot target and chain mover in the NFL," Parson wrote. "His toughness, spatial awareness, and tackle-breaking prowess allow him to consistently gain yards after the catch."

If the Eagles end up keeping Brown, Lemon will be a fine fit in the slot with Brown and Smith on the perimeter. We'd love to see how that looks. If the Eagles do trade Brown, we'll be eager to see how Philly's new-look receiving corps stacks up.

And after seeing Brown repeatedly air his frustration with the Eagles offense last season, we're just as eager to see him get a fresh start.