NFC South training camp watch: Biggest surprise, hottest seat, more

Orji, who played at Vanderbilt, has a nose for the football and impressive speed for a linebacker, as shown on the first play when he recovers a fumble and runs it in for a score. The second play reveals his relentless motor, which should help him carve out a space as a blitzing linebacker, perhaps taking over the role Kaden Ellis vacated when he signed with the Falcons in free agency. Most importantly, Orji is a phenomenal tackler, which the last play reminds us of as he quickly identifies LSU's play and makes a strong open-field tackle.

HOTTEST SEAT | Tre'Quan Smith, WR, Saints: Smith has yet to make much of a dent with the Saints since being drafted in the third round (91st overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has 1,764 yards receiving over his first five seasons. Minnesota's Justin Jefferson had 1,809 yards last season. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed give the Saints two exciting, young receivers to build around, and Michael Thomas lurks in the shadows as a potential massive weapon for Derek Carr. Without a strong showing during training camp and preseason, Smith could be squeezed out of a roster spot.

MOST SURPRISING CUT | Cordarrelle Patterson, RB, Falcons: The record-holder for most return touchdowns in NFL history, Patterson is a valuable member of the Falcons, but it's difficult to see where he fits on offense. Atlanta has rookie Bijan Robinson etched in as the No. 1 running back and second-year pro Tyler Allgeier should also demand touches after posting 1,035 yards rushing a year ago. Patterson, 32, doesn't fit the team's timeline and could be better suited for a veteran team ready to win a Super Bowl.

MOST EXCITED TO WATCH | Bryce Young, QB, Panthers: The last time we saw Young, he carved up Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl, going 15-of-21 for 321 yards and five touchdowns in a 45-20 rout. 

Young received effusive praise from the team during offseason workouts. Head coach Frank Reich gave him a "10 out of 10" on the first day of organized team activities. On the "Rich Eisen Show," wide receiver Adam Thielen said, "I think he just kinda surprised a lot of guys [with] how prepared he was for the NFL game." 

Running back Miles Sanders acknowledged Young's "lovely touch on the ball" on the "Mac & Bone" podcast. Defensive end Brian Burns echoed another sentiment shared by Sanders when he said, "He's put quite a stamp on the locker room. He walks around with this kind of — excuse my language — 'humble but I know I'm the s---' type of swag.'" 

HEADLINE COMING OUT OF CAMP | Baker Mayfield wins Bucs starting job... but not after a last-ditch effort to get Tom Brady to return | The former No. 1 overall pick is on his fourth team in three seasons and this is likely his last chance to prove himself worthy of being an NFL starter. Advanced metrics indicate Mayfield was the worst QB in 2022. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, his completion percentage (60 percent) was 6.9 percent below expectation, the worst in the league. His 24.5 QBR was the lowest among 31 eligible quarterbacks.

His most formidable competition for the starting job doesn't come from Kyle Trask but arguably the man he's replacing, Tom Brady. On the "God Bless Football" podcast, Mayfield said, "Obviously, Tom Brady, greatest quarterback of all time. Everybody talks about that. But that only makes our veterans that were part of the Super Bowl run even more pissed off and hungry." 

Hungry for Brady, perhaps. Antoine Winfield spoke with Richard Sherman recently and said, "I'm sure we're still reaching out to [Brady]...to see if he's trying to come back to the team." 

Mayfield will win the starting role, but don't be surprised if we learn the Bucs made a serious run at Brady before then.