TRAINING CAMP PREVIEW: QUARTERBACKS
In camp (3): Ryan Tannehill, Logan Woodside, DeShone Kizer.
Offseason developments: All three quarterbacks took part in offseason workouts, and the team's minicamp. It was an important time for Tannehill to get on the same page with his new receivers, from veterans Julio Jones and Josh Reynolds to rookies Dez Fitzpatrick and Racey McMath. It was also valuable work for Woodside, the team's No.2 quarterback last season. Earlier in the offseason, Woodside gathered some of the team's receivers and tight ends for throwing sessions in Nashville.
In the spotlight: Tannehill. Coming off a year when he threw for 3,819 yards, 33 touchdowns and seven touchdowns, Tannehill continues to get slighted by national observers. A recent ESPN Top 10 list of QBs didn't include Tannehill despite his recent success in Tennessee, where he's thrown for 55 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions over the past two seasons. Tannehill, of course, has more important things on his mind. He'll be throwing to plenty of new faces in 2021 while being directed by new offensive coordinator Todd Downing. Just how much things change on offense – and how Tannehill deals with it – with be fun to watch starting in camp.
Battle to watch: Woodside vs. Kizer. Heading into camp, I'm giving the edge to Woodside in the battle for the back-up quarterback spot behind Tannehill. Because of his experience in the system, he's ahead of Kizer when it comes to knowing the offense, reading coverages, and knowing where the football is supposed to go. He's been accurate in practices, and he's also shown good leadership skills. Kizer, however, closed the gap in offseason workouts. These two will have an opportunity to compete in practices, and preseason games, and how that goes will be key. Chances are, only two QBs will make the 53-man roster, so the runner-up could still stick on the practice squad for the season.
Keep an eye on: Kizer. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Kizer has all the physical tools. He's athletic, and he's shown the coaching staff he's willing to put in the work following a year when he served as the team's "quarantine QB." A second-round pick of the Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft, Kizer also has something Woodside doesn't – playing experience in the NFL. In 18 games with the Browns and Packers, Kizer has thrown for 3,081 yards, 11 touchdowns and 24 interceptions, along with 458 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns.
Next up: Running backs.
