As 23 of the 32 minicamps are set to begin, the top storylines will become apparent. Several players who could be starters might struggle while others earn more reps. Injuries could cause players to miss time, and roster battles could become apparent.

It’s only June, and nothing is in stone for the time being. An undrafted free agent has the same chance to shine as a veteran. A rookie could walk away as a starter or end up falling down the depth chart. Anything is possible in the NFL, and everyone could be up for a surprise.

Let’s take a look at the stories to follow before the first whistle blows.

Arizona Cardinals: Battle of the rookie receivers

Kyler Murray’s likely to have been named the starter at this point. There’s no chance Kliff Kingsbury puts the No.1 overall pick with the second-team offense right? While Murray is set to start, the other rookies on offense will have a chance to earn reps.

After trading away Josh Rosen for the 62nd pick in April, the Cardinals selected speedy receiver Andy Isabella out of Massachusetts. The former Minutemen blazed his way to a second-round grade by many analysts and will have a chance to earn playing time with the first-team offense. During OTA’s Isabella impressed against man coverage, winning many battles against veteran talent.

Isabella isn’t the only rookie who could be seeing his reps increase. Both day three picks Hakeem Butler, and KeeSean Johnson could be pivotal to Murray’s success. Butler’s size helps him win a contested battle while Johnson is a smooth route runner with plenty of production.

All three will be fighting for reps against Larry Fitzgerald and second-year standout Christian Kirk. Both will likely be starters this season, leaving potentially one spot open for a rookie to take. It will be interesting to see what Kingsbury and his staff value the most: speed, size, or production.

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson’s progression

The Lamar Jackson era officially has begun in Baltimore. Although the former Heisman winner played in six games last season, it was mainly due to Joe Flacco suffering a hip injury. With the latter out in Denver, Jackson will begin his second camp as the Ravens full-time starter.

The Louisville standout started seven games last season for the Ravens, leading them to an AFC North title. While Jackson picked up a winning record, he’s still unproven under center. Throwing for just 1,200 yards and six touchdowns, a majority of his success came from his dual-threat ability. Jackson rushed for 695 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, according to Pro Football Reference.

Part of the reason for Jackson’s mishaps was due to a mediocre supporting cast. Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta potentially fixed that problem with the additions of Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, and Justice Hill. All three are quality pass catchers and offer different attributes to help enhance Baltimore’s offense.

If anyone still believes Jackson isn’t an NFL quarterback, it’s time to change that tune. He showed enough last season to prove he was the future of Baltimore’s offense. The big question will be if he can continue to grow remaining in the pocket. Hopefully, the new additions to the Ravens’ locker room will allow Jackson to show off his quality arm rather than relying on his legs.

Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton’s return

The Carolina Panthers brought joy to their fan base when they announced QB Cam Newton would be throwing in minicamp. The former MVP underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his throwing shoulder following the conclusion of last season. While working privately to rehab, Newton along with offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, feel confident he will be back to full strength.

“The rehab’s gone great. Obviously, part of it he did on his own, a big part of it, before we got back,” Turner said, per Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated. “But since April 20 or so, when we got back, he’s been totally engaged, both physically and mentally. . . He’s been throwing—spot throwing—for the last month.”

Newton is taking the steps in the right direction to return after missing the final two games of the 2018 season. According to reports, he will be on a “pitch count” and will be heavily monitored on how many passes he makes per day.

The Panthers are one team that will likely rely on their quarterback’s health to make them a contender. Should Newton be able to compete in a majority of the camp, Carolina should be feeling secure about making a run for the postseason.

Cincinnati Bengals: John Ross’ make or break season

Sometimes a player is only a star during practice. That might be the case for the former ninth overall pick as he heads into his third camp. In his first two NFL seasons, he’s yet to show what all the hype around him was about.

Ross has seemed to have trended upwards throughout the OTA rounds. Becoming a favorite under new head coach Zac Taylor, the third-year receiver has seemed to adjust to the new scheme in a short time.

“I love it,” Ross said, per Michael LaPlaca of the team’s official site. “I think it will play to all of our strengths. We all complement each other really well in a way that will be hard to defend with everyone on the field.”

This is a prove it year for Ross as his option could be picked up following the 2019 season. The Bengals have several quality weapons in AJ Green, Tyler Boyd and Joe Mixon in the offensive arsenal. Adding Ross’ speed could keep Cincinnati out of the AFC North cellar.

Houston Texans: Life post-Gaine

The Texans shocked the NFL community Friday with the impromptu firing of general manager Brian Gaine. Teams usually move on from GMs and coaches following the end of a season or perhaps the NFL Draft. This offseason, two executives are looking for work nearly a month after their offseasons have come to a close.

Part of the reasoning for Gaine’s departure was due to his failure to address several needs. Allowing key players to walk and signing below average free agents, Houston took a step back in the strong AFC South division. The draft was met with below average reviews due to the selections of Tytus Howard and Max Scharping.

There’s another reason for Gaine’s firing, however; Bill O’Brien. Multiple reports have stated that the two fought for control over the roster. In the end, O’Brien came out on top, and Gaine is refreshing up his resume.

Jack Easterby, another New England product, is expected to take over for the time being and be in charge of helping the McNair’s find Gaine’s replacement. Hopefully, Gaine’s draft pans out for the protection of franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. Probably, Easterby can find a way to sign Jadeveon Clowney to a new deal following the outside linebacker’s decision to skip camp.

There’s much hope going into minicamp week but not much to be looking forward to for Houston now.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Elite defense or just a defense?

With the signing of Nick Foles, things have become interesting down in Duval County. And while many cannot wait to see if the former Super Bowl MVP is an $88 million flop, there are more pressing matters at hand on the other side of the ball.

Earlier this offseason, linebacker Telvin Smith announced he’d be sitting out the season. On Monday, defensive end Yannick Ngakoue joined the list of players missing camp.

“I will not be attending minicamp as my contract has not been resolved,” Ngakoue said in a statement. “I remain committed to Jacksonville, the fans, and my teammates. My hope is to be with Jacksonville for years to come.”

Since entering the NFL in 2016, Ngaukoe leads his class in sacks with 29.5. The loss of Smith could be replaced with third-round pick Quincy Williams. Ngaukoe’s presence will be harder to correct with the current roster.

Jacksonville finished as a top-five defense last season. That’s likely going to change if both players miss extended periods. With their division now stronger than before, let’s see who will step up early in camp to keep the defense among the league’s best.

Kansas City Chiefs: Hardman heading for the Hill

Following the disturbing news of Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs might have found his replacement. The Chiefs selected Mecole Hardman out of Georgia, who’s skills mirror Hill’s but are less polished.

With the speedy receiver still unable to participate in team activities, all eyes will be on Hardman as he prepares to see his role increase in Kansas City’s offense.

“We’re asking him to do a lot, and he’s staying up on it,” Reid said, via Nate Taylor of TheAthletic.com. “That’s the way you learn. There are certain things that are finesse, and there are certain things you have to roll on. He’s sorting all that and learning.”

Kansas City will be awaiting news from the NFL before deciding what to do with Hill following his case no longer being active. Should Hardman continue to grow, we could be seeing the troubled receiver looking for work soon.

If one player could ever decide the fate of another, Hardman is pretty much the closest candidate.

Philadelphia Eagles: Wentz worth it?

Carson Wentz should be feeling firm about his job security right about now. Following the departure of Foles, the Philadelphia Eagles made sure they’d keep one quarterback around for the long-term future.

Philadelphia signed Wentz to a new four-year, $128 million deal last week, $107 million of which is guaranteed. Now that Wentz will remain with the team until 2024, it’s time to see how healthy he is. Over the past two seasons, the former No.2 pick has missed eight games due to lower body injuries.

The Eagles loaded up on weapons for Wentz to find success this season. With the additions of Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders, JJ Arcega-Whiteside and DeSean Jackson, the franchise gunslinger will need to be just above average to show he’s worth the money.

Wentz is worth every penny of the new extension when he is healthy. Hopefully, he can remain healthy during camp and show the NFL world why Philadelphia might be the latest New England Patriots.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Life past the Killer B’s

Three years ago, the Killer B’s were a staple of the Pittsburgh Steelers. One of the most dangerous offensive units in the league, Bell, Bryant, Brown and Big Ben would torch defenses on their way to another AFC North title.

Ben Roethlisberger is all that’s left following the past two free agency.

The Steelers could be a team sliding down the slope following a rough 8-7-1 season last year. With the losses of Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, the offense will likely rely on third-year running back James Conner and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuester. Both players took massive steps last season, but can they duplicate the success every year?

Since joining the team in 2007, Mike Tomlin has yet to have a losing season. Should the loss of Bell and Brown be significant, the times might be changing in the Steel City. This could be the end of an era in Pittsburgh. Time to see if the young talent can finally step up.