We’re almost through the second week of training camps around the league, and for most teams, padded practices began this week. It’s often said training camp doesn’t truly begin until the pads come on, and over the last few days, we’ve seen the first real action for these new-look squads.

Here’s a wide-ranging look at some of the players and situations that are standing out through the first two weeks of action: 

Browns Quarterback Competition

At the start of camp, four quarterbacks took the field with the hopes of winning the starting job in Cleveland. Now just over a week in, it seems that number has been cut to three and maybe even just two.

Kenny Pickett looked like he might be the Browns’ best quarterback through the first few practices, but he injured his hamstring earlier this week and has been out since. While HC Kevin Stefanski said it’s not serious and Pickett remains in the quarterback battle, it’s a setback for sure. Hamstring injuries can be finicky and if Pickett is forced to miss extended time, he’ll have a difficult task ahead of him to work his way back into the competition.

Meanwhile, fifth-round QB Shedeur Sanders is the clear fourth-string option in Cleveland. He reportedly has a lot of development to do and is the only passer who hasn’t taken snaps with the first-team offense. Veteran Joe Flacco is getting the majority of the first-team reps with Pickett out, with third-rounder Dillon Gabriel also mixing in. Until Pickett returns to the practice field, it appears to be a two-man battle between Flacco and Gabriel for the Browns’ starting quarterback job.

Colts Quarterback Competition

The reports coming into Colts camp indicated that, due to Anthony Richardson missing time earlier this summer, Daniel Jones had a lead on the starting quarterback job. That lead evaporated quickly, however. Both quarterbacks struggled initially, but Richardson bounced back. He’s put together arguably his best stretch of practice over the last several days, showcasing improved footwork, down-to-down consistency and touch. Also of note, Richardson received several endorsements from Colts’ ownership and GM Chris Ballard in recent days, with the organization standing behind him as he continues to develop.

For his part, Jones also rebounded from a slow start and is putting together the best stretch of the short time he’s been in a Colts uniform. Unfortunately, he doesn’t possess the same upside as Richardson, in whom Indianapolis invested a lot more. There’s a lot of training camp left and much can change, but Jones likely needs to be the clear-cut better option to win the starting job, in my opinion.

Titans QB Cam Ward

It’s been an up-and-down camp for Ward, who’s shown flashes of brilliance paired with plenty of rookie mistakes. Early in camp, he made batches of big plays, showcasing his arm talent and ability to attack downfield. Once the pads came on, however, Ward struggled, throwing three interceptions in his first padded practice.

This was a down quarterback class, and Ward wasn’t the level of prospect that usually goes No. 1. He’s extremely talented and the early reports of his leadership and work ethic out of Tennessee have been downright glowing. But this week has been a reminder that he’s still a rookie and the Titans are projected to be one of the worst teams in football again. Perhaps expectations should be kept in check as he adjusts to the NFL.

Young Giants Talent

Rookie OLB Abdul Carter has been wowing the Giants since he arrived, and now that pads are on, he’s looking better than ever. Carter’s been virtually unblockable, and while it says something about the Giants’ offensive line which is still sans-LT Andrew Thomas, the way in which Carter is dominating can’t be ignored. He should be the clear favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

On the other side of the ball, WR Malik Nabers has picked up where he left off after an outstanding rookie year, though a lingering toe injury is worth monitoring. First-round QB Jaxson Dart is progressing, though isn’t a real threat to starting QB Russell Wilson yet. Both Giants’ running backs, second-year man Tyrone Tracy and fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo, have looked the part. It’s a piecemeal offensive line in New York, but the two backs offer different skillsets and run as hard as anyone. 

Unicorn Sighting In Jacksonville

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter has played both offense and defense so far in Jacksonville, primarily focusing on one side of the ball each practice. ESPN’s Michael DiRocco has been tracking Hunter’s snaps through camp and has him down for 139 through seven practices and virtually half and half on either side of the ball. So far, Hunter has been all offense or all defense on any given day, but DiRocco indicated Jacksonville will start ramping him up to both sides soon. 

Wherever Hunter plays, it’s clear he’s a playmaker. His dynamism as a receiver is evident, and he’s flashed his serious upside on defense with his ball skills. 

Offensive Standouts

• First-round OT Josh Simmons, the No. 32 pick in the draft by the Chiefs, is putting on a clinic in Kansas City. He fell in the draft due to a patellar tendon injury suffered midseason at Ohio State, but his tape looked dominant and he’s on track to open the season as the starter at left tackle. That has massive implications for a Chiefs team that was unsettled on the offensive line. 
• Texans second-round OL Aireontae Ersery was projected by many to play guard in the NFL, but the Texans have him running with the first team at right tackle right now.
• Vikings first-round G Donovan Jackson, Simmons’ teammate last year at Ohio State, stepped right into the starting left guard spot for the Vikings and isn’t relinquishing it.
• Over in Packers camp, first-round WR Matthew Golden is showcasing the skills that made him such an alluring prospect. Green Bay is desperate for a bona fide top target on offense, and Golden is flashing his ball skills and ability to attack downfield.
• In Chicago, first-round TE Colston Loveland is currently limited, but when he’s been on the field, he’s opened up the Bears’ passing game. They’ll be relying on his ability to create mismatches and dominate over the middle of the field.

Defensive Standouts

• Second-year pass rusher Chop Robinson is tearing up Dolphins camp, and might be Miami’s best defensive player. He had a strong rookie season and will look to build on it.
• 49ers first-round DE Mykel Williams seems locked in as the 49ers’ other starter across from Nick Bosa, and early reports indicate he’s frequently kicking inside on passing downs with great success.
• The Falcons drafted a pair of pass rushers in the first round, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. While Pearce has generated a bit more buzz so far than Walker, both have rotated with the first unit, and there’s a chance both start right away.
• Colts third-round CB Justin Walley was criticized as a reach when Indy drafted him, but he’s proving the front office right so far. He’s passed last year’s starters, Jaylon Jones and Samuel Womack III, on the depth chart already and has been mostly running with the first-team defense.
• Cardinals second-round CB Will Johnson is bringing a level of physicality and toughness to their defense. He’s matched up several times with former Big 10 rival Marvin Harrison Jr., winning multiple reps and firing up the defense.