2025 NFL OTA Insights: Shedeur Sanders Shines at Browns Practice; Colts Quarterback Duel Underway
Key highlights from the initial days of NFL OTAs as teams gear up for the 2025 season.
Football is back! All 32 NFL teams are preparing for the upcoming season with organized team activities (OTAs) fully underway in the coming weeks. Teams can conduct up to 10 OTAs over the next three weeks, with a limit of three per week during the first two weeks. For the last two weeks, a maximum of four OTAs can be held, with no practices during weekends, which takes place in Phase 3 of the offseason program.
In these sessions, 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills can occur, but live contact is not allowed during practice. Players are allowed only helmets and shells, with protective knee and elbow pads permitted.
It鈥檚 challenging to assess player performance during team drills, but teams value these sessions to gain essential practice time in the weeks ahead. Following OTAs, mandatory minicamps will occur in mid-June before a five-week summer break leading up to training camp.
Focus on Cam Ward
The Titans attracted media attention with an open OTA session showcasing their prime overall pick and new quarterback. Ward completed 11 of 17 passes, achieving 8 of 10 in the 7-on-7 segment and 3 of 7 during two team drills according to the Titans’ website.
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Tennessee Titans
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Ward exhibited composure, commanding the offense while sharing reps with Will Levis, the starting quarterback from last season. Levis went 6 of 8 during practice as Ward took majority reps with the starters, marking an expectation for Ward to steer the offense in 2025.
Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones
Richardson and Jones are embroiled in a fierce competition for the starting position with the Colts. Both alternating quarterback reps, Richardson began with the first-string group while Jones kicked off with the second team. They exchanged roles as Jones then took first team reps while Richardson worked with the second unit. Colts head coach Shane Steichen aims to balance their reps evenly throughout OTAs.
Anthony Richardson during individual work:
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Translation: Anthony Richardson in individual work.
Jones successfully completed 11 of 12 in the 7-on-7 while Richardson completed 8 of 14. While Richardson had the longer completions, Jones’s efficiency was commendable.
Shedeur Sanders Shines in Browns Practice
Following Wednesday’s practice session with the Browns, whose fifth-round pick is making the quarterback battle intriguing, Sanders successfully completed 7 of 9 passes, securing three touchdowns without any interceptions in team drills.
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Browns
Translation: Shedeur Sanders on the money 馃捀.
How did the other quarterbacks perform? Dillon Gabriel completed 11 of 16 with two touchdowns and one interception while Joe Flacco managed 9 of 14. Kenny Pickett completed 9 of 16, with Flacco throwing one touchdown pass, but with no interceptions while Pickett finished without either touchdowns or interceptions. Pickett started while Flacco operated with the second team, and Gabriel played ahead of Sanders, indicating a lengthy competition for this critical quarterback spot.
Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey Connection
Herbert and McConkey re-established their fruitful connection from last season, with Herbert’s 122.8 passer rating targeting McConkey during their rookie campaign. In a third-down situation, Herbert hit McConkey deep downfield, where the second-year receiver skillfully secured the catch despite two defenders closing in, according to the Chargers team website.
McConkey’s impressive 1,149 receiving yards in his rookie year point toward a promising second season ahead.
Following the New Steelers WR After DK Metcalf Trade
The Steelers traded for Metcalf this offseason, letting go of George Pickens, sending him to the Cowboys. Now, which emerging wide receiver will step up?
Meet Roman Wilson. Wilson, a third-round pick from the previous year, faced an ankle injury, but recent reports reveal he appears bigger and stronger in practice. While Wilson has battled injuries, he shows hints of becoming a dependable target.
With the Steelers anticipating Aaron Rodgers in the fray, both Wilson and Calvin Austin will vie for wider receiver second-string spots.
Bradley Chubb Making a Comeback
After missing the entire 2024 season due to an ACL injury, Chubb’s return during OTAs is critical for the Miami Dolphins pass rush. Initial reports during practice yield positive signs, with Chubb recording two sacks during 11-on-11 drills (no live contact). It鈥檚 uplifting for his teammates to see him back.
Chubb commented on his recovery stating he feels about 90% back, with more improvements expected through in-game reps, assuring fans that he should be prepared for the 2025 season.
