Seventeen NFL teams are gathering this week for mandatory minicamps, marking the final high-stakes dress rehearsal before the league goes dark for the summer. For players, it is the last chance to secure a roster spot or climb the depth chart before training camp begins in late July. For coaches, it is the moment to see if the systems installed in the classroom actually translate to the grass.

While the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped their sessions last week, the focus now shifts to a massive slate of workouts, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears. The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, have already earned their vacation, canceling minicamp as a reward for perfect attendance during OTAs.

The Cleveland QB Question

In Cleveland, the stakes are arguably higher than anywhere else in the league. First-year head coach Todd Monken is overseeing a high-profile quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Throughout the spring, the two have split first-team reps, but Monken has been clear: he wants a definitive depth chart before the team breaks for the summer.

This week serves as the final audition. With the full offensive roster present, the coaching staff is looking for more than just arm talent; they are looking for command of the huddle and the ability to operate the offense at speed. How Monken chooses to divvy up the reps this week will be the clearest signal yet of who the team views as its starter for Week 1.

Defensive Overhauls and Personnel Gaps

Beyond the quarterbacks, several teams are using these sessions to stress-test new defensive identities. In Buffalo, the Bills are adjusting to life under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The scheme is fundamentally different from what the team ran in 2025, and Leonhard has spent the spring gathering data on how his personnel fits into the new look. With key contributors like defensive tackle Ed Oliver limited by injuries during OTAs, the team is still waiting to see its full defensive front at work.

Meanwhile, in Baltimore, the Ravens are facing a more immediate personnel crisis. The team is still searching for a reliable replacement for center Tyler Linderbaum. The rotation has been thin, featuring veterans Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn, but the lack of a clear starter has left Lamar Jackson waiting for a permanent anchor in the middle of his line. If the Ravens don't find their answer this week, the front office may be forced to look toward the trade market or free agency before camp opens.

The Contractual Tension

Not every story this week is about X's and O's. In New England, the focus is on cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Eligible for an extension for the first time, Gonzalez has been absent from voluntary workouts, a common tactic for players seeking long-term security. Coach Mike Vrabel has remained diplomatic, framing the absence as a standard part of the business side of the NFL, but the pressure is mounting to get him back on the field.

Key Takeaways

  • Cleveland's QB Split: Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are in a dead heat for the starting job, with this week’s reps serving as the final deciding factor for the coaching staff.
  • Baltimore's Center Search: The Ravens are still rotating backups at center, a position that remains the most significant hole in an otherwise elite offensive unit.
  • Defensive Transitions: Teams like the Buffalo Bills are using these mandatory sessions to install new schemes, with coaches prioritizing system familiarity over pure physical intensity.

As the league prepares to head into the mid-summer break, the decisions made on the practice field this week will set the tone for the entire season. By next Monday, the depth charts will be set, and the focus will shift entirely to the grueling six-week grind of training camp.