Welcome to the NFL waiting period, the monthlong break before training camp. Offseason team activities and mandatory minicamps have ended, and ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters identified under-the-radar players who turned heads this spring while competing for starting roles or depth spots.
In the AFC East, Buffalo’s Kaleb Elarms-Orr took advantage of increased snaps after Dorian Williams missed OTAs and minicamp with an unspecified lower-body injury and emerged in the battle for the open inside linebacker job next to Terrel Bernard, with defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard saying, “He’s doing everything we’re asking him right now,” according to ESPN. Miami tight end Greg Dulcich re-emerged as a primary target this spring; he returned from injured reserve in Week 8 and finished the season averaging the second-most yards after catch per reception (7.6) in that span, according to ESPN. New England’s Mike Brown signed a one-year, $1.35 million deal with a $50,000 signing bonus and worked as a top personal protector on punt team while rotating into the defense behind Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson, per ESPN. New York Jets receiver Adonai Mitchell, acquired from the Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade last November, solidified himself as the No. 2 receiver and displayed early chemistry with Geno Smith, according to ESPN.
In the AFC North, Baltimore’s Devontez Walker, a 2024 fourth-round pick, stood out as a field-stretching target while competing for the No. 3 spot behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman; Baltimore also drafted Ja’Kobi Lane (third round) and Elijah Sarratt (fourth round), and Walker has four touchdowns on seven career catches, according to ESPN. Cincinnati’s third-year cornerback Josh Newton made the most of limited team reps, filling in as an outside corner and recording an interception in a 7-on-7 period, putting himself in the discussion as outside depth behind Dax Hill and DJ Turner, ESPN reported. Cleveland’s choice on the list included wide receiver Isaiah Bond, according to ESPN.
ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters picked one standout on every team who unexpectedly impressed this spring. With training camps still weeks away, these players have given their teams something to monitor once practices resume in late July.
