The NFL offseason is starting to heat up as the draft is over and the primary part of free agency has passed, meaning that teams are starting offseason workout programs and organized team activities to start figuring out final roster spots and training camp options for the summer.
There are 29 teams holding workouts this week, including the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, who will be using that time to get a closer look at rookie first round draft pick EJ Manuel, who is expected to challenge for the starting position with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tavaris Jackson. The Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals and San Diego Chargers will also be holding workouts and that will give Mike McCoy more time to see how linebacker Manti Te'o is learning the defense and whether he can play three downs.
The Kansas City Chiefs are anticipating the upcoming season after going 2-14 now that they have number one pick Eric Fisher and new quarterback Alex Smith, who they acquired from the San Francisco 49ers. The Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins will also be in workouts, while the Philadelphia Eagles will be one of the most intriguing teams, as Chip Kelly will be starting to implement his offense and see where players like Matt Barkley, LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick fit in. The San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants will be holding workouts, with both teams looking at talented draft classes, especially the Giants after taking Ryan Nassib in the fourth round.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and the New York Jets are starting workouts and Geno Smith will have the biggest spotlight for the team, while the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers will be starting their quests for winning the NFC North. The Carolina Panthers are looking to improve with Cam Newton, while the New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens will be in action, as will the Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans.
The only teams that will not be holding official workouts this week are the Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings, who will have a lot to check out with three new first round picks, including Sharrif Floyd. Each of those teams will be holding camps after the holiday weekend. All the OTA workouts are voluntary and there won't be any live contact for players under the new CBA and the practice are not fully padded. It will give a chance for some teams to see how players are learning the playbook, especially rookies.
