As the NFL offseason heats up, all 16 NFC teams are hitting the field for Organized Team Activities (OTAs), offering the first glimpse of their 2025 season potential. From the Minnesota Vikings’ rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy stepping into a star-studded offense to the Green Bay Packers’ fierce wide receiver competition, these early workouts are packed with storylines that could define the NFC’s hierarchy. Posted on May 28, 2025, by Garrett Podell, this breakdown highlights one critical thing to watch for each NFC team, sparking excitement for fans eager to see how their squads stack up. Dive into this analysis to discover the battles, comebacks, and new faces that could shape the road to Super Bowl LX!
Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy’s Readiness
The Vikings made a bold move in the 2024 NFL Draft, trading up to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy 10th overall, only for a torn meniscus in the preseason to sideline him. Veteran Sam Darnold stepped in, earning his first Pro Bowl nod, but Minnesota’s future rests on McCarthy. With an elite offensive ecosystem—Pro Bowlers Aaron Jones (RB), Justin Jefferson (WR), T.J. Hockenson (TE), Ryan Kelly (C), and Brian O’Neill (RT), plus young stars Jordan Addison and Donovan Jackson—McCarthy has the tools to succeed. Under NFL Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell, his health and polish during OTAs will be critical. Can the rookie show he’s ready to take the reins of this offensive juggernaut, or will the Vikings lean on Darnold again?
Green Bay Packers: Wide Receiver Competition
The Packers’ wide receiver room is a crowded, talented battleground, designed to maximize quarterback Jordan Love’s potential. GM Brian Gutekunst added first-round pick Matthew Golden (Texas, 23rd overall) and third-round pick Savion Williams (TCU, 87th overall) in the 2025 draft. Golden’s blazing 4.29 40-yard dash and nine touchdown catches in 2024 make him a deep threat, while Williams’ 6’4”, 222-pound frame and versatility (WR, RB, Wildcat QB) add intrigue. How will head coach Matt LaFleur distribute snaps among them, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks? OTAs will offer the first clues, potentially shaping Green Bay’s explosive offense.
Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson’s Health
Second-round pick Will Johnson (47th overall), CBS Sports’ top-ranked cornerback from Michigan, is a high-risk, high-reward addition for Arizona. Despite a stellar college career—allowing a 31.0 passer rating when targeted—knee, toe, shoulder, and hamstring injuries dropped him in the draft. If Johnson moves well in OTAs, his elite coverage skills could transform Jonathan Gannon’s defense into a fierce unit. However, any signs of lingering injury concerns could temper expectations for the Cardinals’ secondary.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr.’s Opportunity
The Falcons’ decision to sign Kirk Cousins to a $180 million deal and draft Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall in 2024 raised eyebrows. Cousins’ 16 interceptions and limited mobility post-Achilles tear in 2024 exposed his age (36), while Penix’s 737 passing yards in Weeks 16-18 showed promise. With offensive coordinator Zac Robinson now free to incorporate play-action passes (Atlanta’s 7.6% rate was the NFL’s lowest), Penix could shine alongside Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. If Penix looks polished in OTAs, could Atlanta trade Cousins to a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, reshaping their QB room?
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan’s Chemistry
Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, showed growth in 2024, posting 20 touchdowns to eight turnovers in his final 10 games. The Panthers bolstered him in 2025 by drafting Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, the nation’s leader in receiving yards (3,423) and 20+ air yard catches (35) from 2022-24. Their chemistry during OTAs will be pivotal, as McMillan’s big-play ability could elevate Young and make or break Carolina’s season.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams Under Ben Johnson
Rookie QB Caleb Williams endured a tough 2024, taking 68 sacks—the third-most in a single NFL season—partly due to his 3.13-second average time to throw. New head coach Ben Johnson, fresh off leading the NFL’s top-scoring offense (29.0 points per game) with the Lions, aims to refine Williams’ decision-making. OTAs will reveal if Williams can release the ball faster and play smarter, potentially unlocking Chicago’s offensive potential.
Dallas Cowboys: Secondary Uncertainty
With Jourdan Lewis now a Jaguar and Trevon Diggs recovering from a second knee surgery, Dallas’ cornerback group faces questions. Third-round pick Shavon Revel Jr. (ACL tear) and 2024 fifth-rounder Caelen Carson (shoulder) may start camp on the PUP list, leaving trade acquisition Kaiir Elam and All-Pro DaRon Bland as key pieces. OTAs will show how this young secondary gels, critical for Dallas’ defense.
Detroit Lions: John Morton’s Offensive Vision
With Ben Johnson now in Chicago, Lions passing game coordinator John Morton takes over as offensive coordinator. His lone OC stint (2018 Jets) produced a 23rd-ranked offense, raising concerns about maintaining Detroit’s high-powered attack. OTAs will offer the first look at whether Morton preserves or tweaks the Lions’ approach, impacting stars like Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Other Notable NFC Storylines
New Orleans Saints: With Derek Carr retired, second-round pick Tyler Shough’s health and performance in OTAs will determine if he can provide hope or if the Saints must seek another QB.
New York Giants: Rookie Jaxson Dart (10.8 yards per pass attempt in 2024) could challenge Russell Wilson for the starting QB job in OTAs, echoing Wilson’s own rookie takeover in 2012.
Philadelphia Eagles: Young cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, and safety Andrew Mukuba must step up in Vic Fangio’s scheme after veteran departures.
San Francisco 49ers: Christian McCaffrey’s participation in OTAs, after Achilles and knee injuries limited him to four games in 2024, will signal San Francisco’s 2025 hopes.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold’s adjustment to a shaky offensive line (39.4% pressure rate in 2024) will be key in non-contact OTAs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield’s chemistry with new OC Josh Grizzard, his eighth in eight NFL seasons, will determine if he sustains his Pro Bowl form.
Washington Commanders: Deebo Samuel’s role in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, after a career-low 2024, will reveal if the 29-year-old can regain his dual-threat magic.
The NFC’s OTAs are a treasure trove of storylines, from J.J. McCarthy’s quest to lead Minnesota’s explosive offense to the Packers’ crowded wide receiver battle and beyond. These early workouts will set the tone for training camps and the 2025 season, offering fans a glimpse of which teams might dominate the NFC. Will rookies like McCarthy and veterans like McCaffrey rise to the occasion? Share this article to join the conversation—NFL OTAs are where dreams of Super Bowl LX begin!