The Latest, Buzz, Rumors Around the NFL Heading into Rookie Camps

The 2016 NFL draft has landed in the rearview mirror, draft picks are being signed at a frenzied pace, veteran workouts are right around the corner and some teams have already held their first rookie minicamps of the year.

It's clearly full speed ahead for the NFL, as the entire football world pushes on toward the 2016 regular season.

In a way, this is is a good thing for fans, as the NFL will be back in preseason form in about three months. Unfortunately, this also means we're entering that three-month window between the draft and the coming season, where football fans are left with little action. 

Of course, this doesn't mean there isn't plenty for the NFL fan to absorb this time of year. There are all sorts of behind-the-scenes goings-on, and we're going to try taking a look behind the proverbial curtain. 

Here, we're going to examine the latest rumors surrounding the NFL as we head into minicamp season. We'll also dive into some of the most recent chatter and try to separate the important points from the coachspeak. 

As always, be sure to give us your take in the comments section.

Dez Bryant on the Fast Track to Recovery

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Dez Bryant should be back to 100 percent for the Cowboys in 2016.

Last season was a disappointing one for Dallas Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant. A foot injury limited him to just nine games and significantly hampered his production. He finished the year with just 41 receptions, 401 yards and three touchdowns. 

Bryant underwent one foot surgery during the season and another in January. The good new for Cowboys fans is that there seem to be no negative issues with Bryant's latest recovery.

According to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News, Bryant was present at the Cowboys rookie minicamp this past week and spent time with coaches and with the incoming rookies.

Bryant isn't back to his usually dominant self yet, but as Cowboys wide receivers coach Derek Dooley explained, he should be by the time the season opens. Dooley said, per Machota:

"

He's not 100 percent like full speed released, cleared to go. It doesn't mean he can't. But I think June 1 is [the target date]. The biggest thing with him is going to be the starting point, conditioning, because it doesn't matter how good you might be. If you're not in physical condition to run routes and to get people off you, it's going to be hard. 

That's not going to happen in nine OTAs. It's going to be OTAs. It's to be him really pushing himself this summer without us around and then having a great training camp. I feel like if we can get through those three phases, he'll be ready to go.

"

The fact Bryant appears on schedule to return at 100 percent health is significant. The Cowboys should also be getting back a 100 percent Tony Romo at quarterback, and they just added running back Ezekiel Elliott in the draft. 

These three will essentially be the new Triplets for the Cowboys, and we should get to see what the trio can do from day one.

Paxton Lynch on the Denver Fast Track?

Associated Press

Is Paxton Lynch Denver's quarterback of the future or of the present?

The Denver Broncos got their quarterback of the future when the team made former Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch the 26th overall pick in this year's draft. However, the general consensus at the time of the pick was that the future for Lynch might be a bit down the road. 

After all, Denver has no need to rush Lynch into service with journeyman Mark Sanchez also on the roster. Sanchez has thrived in the game-manager role for a playoff team before, and he can likely do so again for the Broncos. Lynch is largely viewed as a prospect who will take some time to develop.

Lynch possesses some mechanics issues, and there are questions about how quickly he can grow beyond his collegiate offense. Bleacher Report NFL Draft Lead Writer Matt Miller explained before the draft:

"

He wasn't asked to work through multiple progressions, nor was he asked to make decisions at the line of scrimmage. So much of what the Tigers did was a tunnel screen or one-read route, so Lynch had his hand held in terms of decision-making. The transition from Memphis to the NFL is a big one, and combined with his accuracy and footwork issues, it makes him a second-round prospect.

"

The Broncos don't seem to view Lynch as a long-term project, however. Broncos executive John Elway recently said as much during an appearance on Denver Sports 760 with Dave Logan and Susie Wargin. 

“Is that going to happen tomorrow? Probably not, but you never know when it can happen,” Elway said. “We think he’s going to be ready quicker than a lot of people think.”

Is Elway trying to insinuate that there's a possibility Lynch could be this year's starter? We don't believe so. At least, we don't believe that is the plan. Realistically, Lynch probably won't see the field as long as the Broncos remain firmly in playoff contention. 

A mostly ineffective Peyton Manning wasn't benched last year until injury came into play. Brock Osweiler was then kept in the lineup because he performed well. Once Osweiler stopped playing well, Denver went back to its veteran. 

Unless the Broncos fall out of playoff contention or Sanchez makes it unquestionably clear that he is a liability, Lynch is likely to stay on the sideline.

Sam Bradford Could Be Returning to Philadelphia

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Sam Bradford doesn't appear happy about the Eagles drafting Carson Wentz.

Shortly before the start of free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles inked quarterback Sam Bradford to a new two-year, $35 million deal. At the time, it felt like Philadelphia was committing itself to Bradford as this year's starter. However, the Eagles later added quarterback Chase Daniel in free agency and traded up to select former North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz with the second overall pick in the draft.

Bradford isn't happy with the new quarterback situation and has asked the Eagles for a trade. He has remained away from the team through early offseason activities. For now, it seems the Eagles have no interest in dealing Bradford.

"No," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said last month when asked if the team would trade Bradford, per Bob Grotz of the Delaware County Daily Times. "Sam's our starting quarterback."

If Bradford doesn't return to the team in time for training camp, the Eagles won't be able to count on him as their starter. This could leave Daniel in the driver's seat and Bradford potentially out of work altogether.

At least one player on the team believes Bradford will be returning in time to lock down the starting job. During a recent appearance with Matt Lombardo of 97.5 The Fanatic, Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson said he's heard a Bradford return is on the horizon.

"I haven't really talked to him, but word on the street, from guys that have, is that he'll be back pretty quick and be ready for OTAs," Johnson said. "I expect him to be back, this week or probably next week; that's the word on the street, anyway."

It only makes sense for Bradford to return and try to win the starting job this season—at least if he wants to continue his playing career. Bradford isn't going to impress any potential future employers while sitting at home.

A Less Intense Introduction for Rookies?

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Dante Fowler Jr. was Jacksonville's first-round pick last year, but because of a rookie-minicamp injury, he has yet to see the playing field.

Pass-rusher and former third overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. is likely to see his first NFL action this season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Of course, it's worth noting, Fowler was Jacksonville's first-round selection last year.

Fowler didn't see the playing field in 2015 because of a torn ACL he suffered during the Jaguars' first rookie minicamp of the year. Due at least in some part to Fowler's injury, teams this year seem prepared to work their rookies back into game-shape slowly.

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, both the Miami Dolphins and the Jaguars have made it clear they won't be tossing their first-year players into the fire on day one. 

Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell even explained to Pro Football Talk Live how Fowler's injury and the overall injury risk played roles in the decision, per Florio;

"

So I think you know the Dante [Fowler] thing, it was always something in the back of my mind and usually it was hamstring pulls or groin strains or calf strains. Something that the rookies would have and instead of getting better they’d be rehabbing all summer. To be honest with you I’m still pissed at myself that I allowed it to happen.

I think with talking with Coach Bradley and our coaching staff we just said, "Hey lets [sic] bring these rookies in, lets [sic] see where they are from a fitness standpoint and then lets decide who’s gonna engage in some football activity on Friday and Saturday."

"

That some teams are willing to ease rookie players into their new roles isn't a rumor, of course, it's happening. Still, we feel it's worth examining here because this could be a lead to some significant, positive steps for the league.

The football world has become keenly aware of what kind of injuries and long-term effects can stem from playing the game. The league has put restrictions on in-season practices as a result, and we're probably going to start seeing more restrictions enter offseason programs.

This is likely a good development. Players are generally expected to keep themselves in shape during the offseason, but it makes little sense to throw them into full-speed practices without knowing what kind of shape they are in. These are guys who haven't played in months. If some sort of progressive-intensity workout program helps prevent them from being injured, it's a win for everyone.

A Very Intense Introduction for Moritz Boehringer

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Vikings coach Mike Zimmer isn't taking things easy on his new players.

While some teams may be willing to ease their rookies into the action this year, the Minnesota Vikings apparently aren't one of them. For rookie wide receiver Moritz Boehringer, the pace and environment of Vikings rookie camp was shocking. 

You might remember Boehringer was one of the more interesting stories of draft weekend. A veteran of the German Football League, Boehringer became the first foreign player to ever be drafted without first playing in America. The Vikings drafted him in the sixth round at 180th overall.

It appears Boehringer is facing quite the adjustment period. According to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com, Boehringer's first NFL practice left him sick on the sidelines. Though an unusually warm day probably didn't do Boehringer's stomach any favors, it's clear the rookie has never experienced anything like an NFL practice before. 

It's also clear Boehringer is facing a steep learning curve.

"The offense is new to everyone, so that's kind of good for me," Boehringer said, per Seifert. "But in general, football knowledge, I need to do some work."'

Boehringer successfully completed the grueling introductory practice, and it's noteworthy. This means the German receiver has taken his first step toward possibly making an NFL roster.

The odds aren't great Boehringer will make an NFL roster, of course. However, the football world will be watching his story closely. If he can successfully make it through training camp or even make a practice squad, more teams are likely to start looking to Europe for potential hidden talent. 

Perhaps one day the NFL will even return to Europe with a developmental league.

Robert Nkemdiche Shining Through His Introduction

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Robert Nkemdiche could be a defensive star for the Cardinals in 2016.

It would appear one rookie who is having little trouble adapting to the NFL is Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. According to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website, Nkemdiche threw himself headfirst into walkthrough practice at rookie camp. 

“He was killing people in walkthrough, and I had to slow him down,” Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said, per Urban. “It’s a walkthrough, and he’s bench-pressing linemen already.”

Nkemdiche's strong efforts weren't only physical. They couldn't be, as the practices were noncontact. Still, the former Mississippi star himself pointed out how much he is able to learn in his first NFL practices. 

"Getting to your gaps, hand placement, getting off the ball, pass-rush technique moves," Nkemdiche said, also per Urban. "There is a lot you can do, just not the physical part."

The fact Nkemdiche is bringing such willingness to learn and compete into his first camp is significant. One of the big knocks on him coming into the draft was that Nkemdiche might not be the most dedicated student of the game.

“I don’t know where football comes as a priority,” one personnel man told Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel prior to the draft. “He’s worldly. He’d be a guy you give a big contract to and he’d be happy.” 

Nkemdiche has already signed his rookie contract with the Cardinals, and we'll assume he's plenty happy about it. However, it seems Nkemdiche is also happy to be on the practice field and honing his craft in preparation for his inaugural pro season. 

If Nkemdiche can maintain his high interest and effort levels, Arizona is likely to have itself a true impact defender on its line this season.

Is Keenan Reynolds the Next Julian Edelman?

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Keenan Reynolds is making the transition from collegiate quarterback to NFL receiver.

Former Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds was one of college football's most electrifying players in 2015. On the ground alone, he produced 1,373 yards and 24 touchdowns. In the NFL, though, it appears he will be doing most of his damage as a pass-catcher.

The Baltimore Ravens selected Reynolds in the sixth round of this year's draft at 182nd overall. It was always fairly obvious the atypical Reynolds would likely transition to another position at the pro level, and now it appears he has one.

According to Jeff Zrebiee of the Baltimore Sun, Reynolds has been working as a receiver with the Ravens. Reynolds caught one pass during his entire college career. To his credit, though, Reynolds is taking the task of a position change head-on. 

"It's a challenge, and I love challenges," Reynolds said, per Zrebiee. "I love overcoming challenges, and I'm just looking forward to learning and continuing to grow as a receiver."

The challenge of moving from quarterback to receiver is undoubtedly a significant one, but there is a history of players making the transition successfully. The most notable recent example is New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman—a former Kent State quarterback with 3,434 receiving yards on his NFL resume.

Other players who have made the transition include Antwaan Randle El and Josh Cribbs. Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward spent some time at quarterback in college but became a full-time NFL receiver. Ward is one of the players Reynolds has reached out to. 

"[Ward] gave me some tips and tricks to work on to perfect my craft," Reynolds said, per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com.

Edelman has become a potent weapon in the Patriots offense, and his role should be the benchmark Reynolds strives to achieve in his new home. This is obviously easier said than done, but the former Naval Academy star appears up to the challenge.

Cody Kessler Competing to Be the Browns Starter in 2016

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Cody Kessler is the newest Browns quarterback. Can he be the one who finally solidifies the position?

The buzz surrounding former USC quarterback Cody Kessler wasn't palpable during the majority of the draft process. However, the Cleveland Browns liked him enough to select him in the third round of this year's draft. 

The surprising part of the story is Cleveland has already made it clear the mostly overlooked quarterback will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job. 

"I do think Cody is a guy that I would not want to sleep on at all if I wanted to be the starting quarterback of the Browns," team executive Sashi Brown said shortly after the draft, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Initially, this felt like mere smoke pouring from Brown's lips. The Browns brought in Robert Griffin III this offseason, presumably to be their quarterback. Cleveland wants Griffin to be its quarterback, but has to make him feel like he has to earn the job, right? 

Well, in one sense, yes. The Brown wouldn't have invested in Griffin if they didn't believe he was capable of getting the job done. If Griffin isn't the best guy for the job, however, there's no way new head coach Hue Jackson trots him out onto the field. Jackson knows how quickly a Cleveland coach can have the rug pulled from underneath him for failing to win. 

The Browns' opening-day starter could well be one of the other quarterbacks on the roster, be it Josh McCown, Connor Shaw or Austin Davis. And, yes, it could even be Kessler. 

Jackson recently explained, via the Browns' official website, why he wanted to pull the trigger on Kessler where other teams were not:

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I truly believe that the first two quarterbacks taken. I think everybody nationally thought we had a chance to have them be on our football team and those two guys are going to be very good players, there’s no question about it. But at the same time, for us, that wasn’t going to happen. So we had to go find the next-best quarterback for us—not for everybody else—but for us. And that’s what we were able to do. And that guy’s Cody Kessler.

I see, and saw, and will continue to see a guy who’s going to ascend into the National Football League and play when the time’s right.

"

Will the time for Kessler be right this year? If he establishes himself as the team's best option, it better be.