The 2020 regular season is just around the corner, and NFL Network has you covered with wall-to-wall training camp coverage each day starting at 10 a.m. ET. Follow along here for some of the best sights, sounds and moments from "Inside Training Camp Live" and around the NFL.
- The Washington Football Team finally broke out the pads on Tuesday, allowing spectators to catch their first glimpses of a few intriguing names. Among those players is quarterback Alex Smith, whose well-documented road to recovery from a devastating leg injury nearly two years ago will remain a noteworthy story to watch as camp progresses. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah offered his take on what Smith could mean to the team moving forward, first commending the former No. 1 overall pick for his perseverance before tempering expectations that Smith could be playing in games as soon as Week 1. "To me, I still think he has value to this organization even if he's not taking snaps, if he's not suiting up on game day," he said. "Just from the standpoint of him being able to mentor Dwayne Haskins, being able to show him how to prepare, how to get ready during the week. He could help him mechanically, there's so many different things he could do to help Dwayne Haskins…I think that relationship could be big for Haskins' development."
- Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, also took the field for his first padded practice as a pro. As evidenced by the big eyes emoji that accompanied his clip, the former Ohio State Buckeye already looks like a problem. New number, same power.
- The birds were up bright and early but cornerback Jimmy Moreland gave them a little competition with this serenade. It's definitely training camp season, y'all.
- Checking in live from Vikings training camp, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that running back Dalvin Cook is being held out of drills as the two sides work on a contract extension. "This situation has to come to a head soon," Pelissero said. "Either Cook is gonna become one of the higher-paid running backs in the NFL on a fair, long-term deal with the Vikings or they're eventually gonna reintegrate him into practice and he will be playing out the final year of his rookie contract." Pelissero later spoke to coach Mike Zimmer on the matter, which prompted this response: "He's been good. Dalvin is a classy kid that has worked really hard to earn a great reputation in the building about how he goes about his business and how he interacts with his teammates. So, hopefully it gets all done and we can go out and he'll have a great year."
- Bucs receiver Mike Evans is already a fan of his new legendary teammate. After praising his accomplishments and work ethic, the Pro Bowl wideout told reporters that Tom Brady is "already up there as of my favorite teammates and we've only had a few practices together." Evans was also asked what it's like having a quickly blossoming relationship with a "living legend," to which he replied, "He's trying to turn me into a living legend as well." Considering that Evans is a top-30 player, according to his peers, this claim has to excite Bucs fans even more. Keeping that theme of "living legend" in mind, here's a clip of Brady throwing to a guy who he helped earn that moniker. Shouldn't be hard to tell who that is.
- Titans receiver A.J. Brown was hard to bring down in 2019. Entering his sophomore season, Brown expects that to continue to be the case moving forward. "It's the beauty of it. My mindset when I get the ball: Don't let nobody tackle me," Brown told NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano about how much he enjoys earning yards after the catch. "It's a mindset you got to have when you get the ball. I'm not tryin' to be a receiver that catch the ball and just fall down. It's all about that YAC." Brown's 20.2 yards per reception is the most by a rookie in the SB era (min. 50 rec.). The hard-nose approach Brown boasts in his game is one he shares with multiple teammates, including, of course, 2019 rush leader Derrick Henry. "Me, Derrick, Jonnu [Smith], a lot of other guys, man, we really harp on that. We don't let the first guy tackle us," he explained. "It got to be a group of guys and if you come tackle us, just come correct."
- The Patriots will look different in 2020, most notably under center with the arrival of Cam Newton. Jeremiah provided an analogy for the scenario Newton is facing entering Year 1 in New England. "It's like when you're a kid and you get excited to go to Disney Land and you wait all year and you get there and you find out the Matter Horn and Space Mountain are closed," Jeremiah said of the opt outs that left the franchise without some key players. NFL Network's Terrell Davis, who has some doubts about the Pats' long-term potential, sees the motivated QB still finding a way to find some success, if healthy. "It's a different team and it's a different challenge for Cam Newton. But I would say this, I think if there is a team and a quarterback who could overcome these challenges, it's someone like Cam Newton."
- Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Texans QB Deshaun Watson are already two of the game's best but both made an effort this offseason to improve their mental sharpness. Listen below as NFL Network's Jeffri Chadiha details how the 2017 draft classmates put in important work off the field in recent months.
- The Cincinnati Bengals took the field this week for their first padded practice which, for quarterback Joe Burrow, who hasn't donned pads since the National Championship game in January, means he's closer to making his debut. So, how does the 2020 No. 1 overall pick feel about being a little less than a month away from the season opener given the structure of this offseason? "Very confident. I feel very comfortable with the offense right now. I feel very comfortable with my guys," he told reporters. "I think we're going to be pretty good on offense. I'm excited moreso than nervous I would say." When asked if not feeling nervous surprised him at all, Burrow quickly replied back with a chuckle, "Absolutely not. Have you ever heard anything else about me about being nervous?" Only 26 days remain until we get to see what the hometown kid is made of come Week 1.
- The Green Bay Packers decided to have a little fun to commence their first padded practice. No need to adjust your screen, just follow along.
- Bradley Chubb and Von Miller provided a welcome sight from Broncos camp. Whether or not the fearsome pass rushers were actually laughing about that particular comment is up for debate but what isn't is the fact the return of Chubb, who spent months rehabbing after tearing his ACL in Week 4 last season, will be a boost for Denver's D.
- Wondering if Baltimore is ready to run it back? Perhaps these clips will put those thoughts to rest. The never-ending content fountain that is the Ravens continues to flow, with speedster Marquise Brown, newcomer Calais Campbell, fan and team favorite Mark Ingram and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson bringing the energy live from Owings Mills, Md.
- Having watch troubles? Never fear, Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White is here. The All-Pro corner displayed impeccable timing numerous times in 2019, placing among the league's best in passes defended (17) and picks (6).
- Falcons fans are hoping cornerback Darqueze Dennard, who signed with Atlanta on Aug. 3, brings this type of ballhawk ability to the regular season. The 28-year-old jumped this route pretty smoothly, to say the least.
