Rounding Up the Latest Buzz Surrounding NFL Offseason Workouts

The 2016 NFL draft is very much in the rearview mirror. Teams have begun their rookie minicamps to get a closer look at their April selections and take a chance on some undrafted free agents.

So what’s been happening the last week or so around the league?

Here’s a look at eight storylines that are not only extremely intriguing but also involve players who are expected to play key roles in the fates of their clubs this upcoming season.

Arizona Cardinals: DT Robert Nkemdiche

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Forget a buzz—apparently there was a resounding thud in the desert.

Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche—the 30th overall pick in last month’s draft—drew the ire of head coach Bruce Arians for being a bit overzealous in the team’s May 6-8 rookie minicamp.

“He was killing people in walk-through,” said Arians to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. “I had to slow him down. It’s a walk-through, and he bench-pressed a lineman already.”

The problem for the 21-year-old defender from Ole Miss? League rules state that the players are not allowed to wear pads, and contact is a no-no in these camps. “If I get fined,” said Arians to Nkemdiche, “I’m taking it out of your check.”

As for the rookie’s thoughts on his first day with the Cardinals? “It was exciting. For the most part, it’s just getting comfortable and getting used to being coached by different people.”

Arizona opponents will be uncomfortable in 2016. Due to some offseason concerns, as documented by Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today, Nkemdiche fell a bit in this year’s draft. Now he’s part of a front seven that includes two-time Pro Bowler Calais Campbell and former New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones, who totaled 12.5 sacks in 2015.

Add in Alex Okafor at outside linebacker, and this group will improve on its 2015 sack total (36).

Cincinnati Bengals: WR Tyler Boyd

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After breaking his thumb in mid-December, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton wasn’t around for the stretch run and playoffs in 2015.

Now the 28-year-old quarterback will be minus two of his wide receivers of the last few seasons, both of whom moved on via free agency. Marvin Jones signed with the Detroit Lions, and Mohamed Sanu inked a deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

The team used a pair of 2016 draft choices on second-rounder Tyler Boyd (Pittsburgh) and Cody Core (Mississippi), a sixth-round pick. Cincinnati also signed the experienced Brandon LaFell, late of the New England Patriots. The former Pitt Panthers wideout is primed to make an impact as soon as he’s up to speed.

“Now that I’m here, I just want to learn everything as quickly as possible and just adapt to the installs and studying all the time,” said Boyd to Coley Harvey of ESPN. “I’m going to try to memorize (the playbook) to the best of my ability, and I’m good at that. That’s what’ll allow me to play early.”

And that would not be too late for the Bengals, who are in search of another standout target to pair with perennial Pro Bowler A.J. Green. Boyd, who totaled 254 catches for 3,361 yards and 21 touchdowns in three seasons at Pittsburgh, appears primed to fill the bill.

Dallas Cowboys: DT Tyrone Crawford

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Mediocre at best this past season, the Dallas Cowboys defense did not need any more setbacks heading into 2016.

So much for wishful thinking. In February, Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Star-Telegram reported that defensive end Randy Gregory would be suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Last month, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence also faces a four-game suspension to start the season for the same reasons. The team leader with eight sacks in 2015 is appealing the decision.

Now the team is hoping that defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford, who’s played nearly every spot up front for the team, can be ready to fill in outside if called upon.

“They’ve asked me and asked me to work with others—just be aware of the possibilities,” said Crawford to Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram last week (May 6). “But I’ve been out there before, and I’ve moved along the line a lot. I’m not really stressing it. I know I can play anywhere along the line and do the job. I just want to do the job better than what they think I can.”

In three seasons with the Cowboys (Crawford missed 2013 with an Achilles injury), he’s totaled only eight sacks. But he comes off a career year in which the 26-year-old defender amassed career highs in tackles (35) and sacks (five).

The Cowboys, which totaled only 31 sacks during their dismal 4-12 season, added defensive end Charles Tapper and defensive tackle Maliek Collins in the draft. Free-agent addition Benson Mayowa figures to help as well. But it’s Crawford versatility and experience that will land him a spot in the starting lineup on the outside at least once in September.

Denver Broncos: QB Paxton Lynch

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Less than one week after moving up five spots to pick Paxton Lynch with the 26th pick in the 2016 draft, Denver Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager John Elway talked about the chances of the 22-year-old prospect starting in his rookie season.

“Is that going to happen tomorrow? Probably not, but you never know when it can happen,” said Elway to Dave Logan and Susie Wargin of Denver Sports 760 on May 5. “We think he’s going to be ready quicker than a lot of people think. He’s a young guy with tremendous athletic ability, he’s got the strong arm, can make all the throws, he’s smart and he’s a guy that can fit into this offense real well.”

This offseason, the Broncos lost Peyton Manning to retirement and Brock Osweiler to the Houston Texans in free agency. Elway orchestrated a deal for quarterback Mark Sanchez, who owns a career 56.7 completion percentage and has thrown nearly as many interceptions (84) as touchdown passes (86). And there’s the matter of those 51 fumbles, 24 of which wound up in opponents' hands.

Could the Super Bowl 50 champions open defense of their title on September 8 (versus the Carolina Panthers) with a rookie signal-caller? It would seem unlikely given Sanchez’s experience advantage. But it’s just a matter of time before Lynch takes over in 2016, and Elway’s recent thoughts speaks volumes.

Detroit Lions: MLB Stephen Tulloch

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Do you want to talk about an offseason move that still hasn’t worked itself out?

Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported the latest on the perplexing situation regarding veteran middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch. Months ago, the Lions made it clear that he wasn’t in the team’s plans for 2016. But for some reason, he remains with the club.

“There’s a lot of things that go into the roster decisions and why a guy’s on the team or not on the team at certain times of the year,” said Lions general manager Bob Quinn following April’s draft. “So myself and (Vice President of Football Administration) Matt Harriss and his representative are definitely working through that. So I really have nothing to add.”

When asked at the start of the Lions’ May 6-8 rookie minicamp, head coach Jim Caldwell also had nothing to add. “I think Bob has talked to you at length about that one, so I won't.”

Why the mystery? The team retained 26-year-old linebacker Tahir Whitehead with plans of installing him at Tulloch’s spot. Is it possible that the organization is still trying to deal the 31-year-old defender, as Birkett reported in late March?

It’s the only scenario that makes any sense.

Oakland Raiders: DE Mario Edwards Jr.

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It’s already been a promising offseason for the Oakland Raiders, a team we haven’t seen in the playoffs since 2002.

And the news keeps on getting better.

Then-rookie defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. suffered a neck injury in last season’s Week 15 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He recently announced on his Instagram account that he’s been cleared for action once again. And that’s great news if you’re a fan of the Silver and Black.

In 14 games, the club’s 2015 second-round pick made his presence felt. Edwards totaled 42 tackles, a pair of sacks, three forced fumbles and two passes defensed. He rejoins All-Pro defender Khalil Mack on a front seven that now includes outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, late of the Seattle Seahawks. The secondary now features cornerback Sean Smith and opportunistic free safety Reggie Nelson.

General manager Reggie McKenzie also used his first three picks in April on defensive help. That includes first-round selection Karl Joseph, who figures to open at strong safety.

The Raiders’ various additions will greatly improve the NFL’s 22nd-ranked defense of a year ago. The return of Edwards ensures that this club will possess one of the best pass rushes in the league.

San Francisco 49ers: QB Blaine Gabbert

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It’s taken some time, but the picture is starting to become clearer when it comes to the San Francisco 49ers. Especially when it comes to quarterback.

With Colin Kaepernick still on the mend, Blaine Gabbert has been the main man behind center for the team during recent workouts.

“He’s definitely taking control,” said tight end Garrett Celek to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com during the team’s voluntary minicamp in late April:

"

Whoever’s at quarterback needs to take control and be our leader out there. And he’s definitely doing that. He’s making good decisions on the field.

I think he’s definitely developing more and more as the days go on. But, right now, we’re all in the same boat learning this offense.

"

Celek wasn’t the only 49ers’ player who was impressed. “He carries himself very well in the locker room,” said guard Zane Beadles to Maiocco. “He seems like a true professional. He’s always in there studying and he knows what we’re trying to accomplish and what he needs to do at the quarterback position. I’ve seen all good things from him.”

Meanwhile, Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat believes that the organization has had its fill of the quarterback and wants Kaepernick to “fade into the background, drop off the edge.” He could still be dealt to a team later this year. And keep in mind that general manager Trent Baalke used a sixth-round pick last month on Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel.

The fog surrounding the Niners quarterback situation is finally lifting.

Seattle Seahawks: C Justin Britt

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That is not a typo next to Justin Britt’s name at the top of the slide. He’s been given his relocation papers by the Seattle Seahawks once again.

“We moved Britt from left guard into center,” said Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable to John Clayton of 710 ESPN Seattle in a recent interview.

When asked if the 24-year-old lineman, who will be at a new starting position for the third time in as many seasons, could make the move in terms of making the calls up front, Cable responded: "I think that’s what enables us to do it, the fact that [Britt] is well-versed in our system two years now. He’s played tackle, he’s played guard, kinda understands it. The issue for him will be getting him comfortable and confident snapping."

There will be a slew of changes up front for a unit that struggled mightily this past season. Although things slowly improved as the year wore on, this was a club that allowed 46 sacks during the regular season and seven more in its playoff split with the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers.

As of now, Sheil Kapadia of ESPN stated that the line will be manned by left tackle Garry Gilliam (making the switch from the right side), guard Mark Glowinski, Britt, rookie Germain Ifedi at right guard and free-agent pickup J’Marcus Webb at right tackle.

But there’s a long way between now and the September 11 season debut versus the Miami Dolphins.

Unless otherwise noted, all player and team statistics via Pro-Football-Reference.com, Sports-Reference (College Football) and ESPN.com. All 2016 free-agent, contract terms and 2016 transactions courtesy of Spotrac. Player ratings courtesy of Pro Football Focus.