Skip to content

10 players generating the most buzz at training camp so far

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

As teams prepare for the 2019 regular season and position battles rage on, rookies and veterans alike are looking to make an impact on and off the field.

Here are 10 players generating the most buzz at camp so far.

Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals

This year's No. 1 overall pick has lived up to the hype. We already know Murray is a talented and athletic quarterback, but the mental part of his game has impressed his veteran teammates.

"I've never seen a quarterback come in so quickly and be able to command an offense," receiver Larry Fitzgerald said on "Inside Training Camp Live." "I mean, from day one, he's out there checking the different plays, sliding the line, different protections, getting us in screens when blitzes are coming. His understanding of the offense is crazy."

His advanced touch and accuracy for a first-year player was on full display early on, inspiring confidence from his coaches. Already penciled in as Arizona's starting quarterback, Murray's strong camp could propel him into Rookie of the Year contention.

Jamal Adams, SS, Jets

There's something to be said about a safety grabbing the majority of summer headlines on a team featuring Le'Veon Bell, a promising young quarterback, and a new head coach.

Just two years into his career, Adams has already developed into one of the NFL's premier players at his position and appears ready to take his game even further in 2019. Per multiple Jets beat reporters, the young defensive back has consistently starred in practice. A playmaker in every sense of the word, Adams is making his presence felt on the field.

"He was crushing it today," head coach Adam Gase said after Sunday's practice, via the team's website. "They did a good job today. They played physical in the run game. He was really active. The whole group, the defensive line, they played very physical. It was really hard to run the ball today."

Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Browns

Hardly a surprise inclusion on this list, Cleveland's new receiver is the talk of the town at training camp. Beckham simply personifies the word "buzz" every time he steps on the field. Perhaps more motivated than ever, the ex-New York Giants wideout flashed dominance during drills all week.

But don't take our word for it. Here are a few of OBJ's camp highlights:

Kalen Ballage, RB, Dolphins

It's difficult for a running back to stand out early in training camp, as most practices don't include tackling, but Ballage did nonetheless. The 2018 fourth-rounder is consistently playing in front of Kenyan Drake and is receiving the bulk of the early-down, first-team reps. Ballage displayed explosion and power during drills and could be utilized as the lead back in a likely committee.

"(His improvement is) all-inclusive," running back coach Eric Studesville said, per Rotoworld's Nick Mensio. "It's everything that he's done - how he works in the meeting room, how he has prepared himself physically. He comes out here knowing what to do. He's bringing it out onto the field."

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles

Jackson looks closer to 22 years old than 32, his actual age, this summer. Often unguardable during practice, the veteran wideout has illustrated his still-elite deep speed and precise route running. His presence and fit in Doug Pederson's offense is causing his teammates to take notice.

Jackson's chemistry with Carson Wentz will be a key factor in the Eagles' offense this year as the quarterback has yet to play with an elite deep threat in his career. By all indications, the two are off to a hot start, which is bad news for the rest of the NFL.

Jahlani Tavai, LB, Lions

A surprise second-round pick this past April, Tavai is poised to carve out a role in Matt Patricia's defense this season. Earning snaps with the first team, the young linebacker stood out during individual and team drills over the last few days, making plays in coverage while impressing coaches with his football acumen.

"I think he's versatile," Lions linebackers coach Al Golden said, according to MLive's Matt Wenzel. "Where I saw him progress the most was just command on the line of scrimmage … I think he started to get more comfortable. We're very fortunate - he's a very bright young man and he prepares well every day.

"He's got a great skill set," he continued. "We're a long way to go - he knows that, we have a long way to go with him, but if we can continue to just keep him on the same track, he's humble enough to learn from those around him, I think we're going to be excited about him moving forward."

Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers

If training camp is any indication, Samuel is finally poised for a breakout campaign. The talented receiver has shined in nearly every practice, beating defensive backs in one-on-one drills and hauling in spectacular catches during team sessions. Displaying a more developed game this summer, Samuel could earn more targets from Cam Newton and top his seven total touchdowns from a season ago.

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens

The Ravens certainly have question marks at wide receiver, but Andrews has emerged as a potential top target for Lamar Jackson. The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec called the sophomore tight end the "most dangerous" player at camp thus far. Andrews has particularly flashed in red-zone drills, causing problems for every defensive back that matches up against him.

Lorenzo Carter, LB, Giants

The Giants' receiving woes grab most of the headlines, but Pat Shurmur's squad has a glaring need at pass-rusher as well after trading Olivier Vernon. Carter, however, is stating his case for a Week 1 starting job. The 2018 third-rounder added muscle this offseason and displayed burst, athleticism, and coverage abilities during practice. With Markus Golden and Kareem Martin his primary competition on the edge, Carter's play is forcing New York's hand.

John Brown, WR, Bills

One of the many offensive upgrades this offseason for the Bills, Brown has wowed coaches and onlookers with blazing speed and budding rapport with quarterback Josh Allen. Multiple reporters singled the two out as early camp stars, with the former Raven and Cardinal consistently torching defensive backs.

"As far as route running and him having indicators, he is probably the smoothest guy I've ever seen," wide receivers coach Chad Hall said, via Matt Parrino of New York Up State. "He plays a lot bigger than he is and he separates very well. (Defensive backs) have to be aware of all of that, and will play softer because of it. He can run every underneath route, too. The DBs can't look at him and find something because I try and do that with all my guys where (I say), 'They’re gonna key on this or this.' I haven't found one yet with him."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox