Friday 16 June 2017 20:48, UK
We take a look at some of the stories to emerge after the completion of mandatory mini-camp.
Even if these practices are not padded, plenty of storylines emerge after mandatory mini-camp as the players return and go through their paces in light fashion.
While most of the press conferences are little more than lip service, there are one or two clues for the season ahead - whether it's injuries that might look a little worse than we first thought, or coaches delivering a timely pep talk.
Here's the pick of the news from the last few days...
Andrew Luck has not thrown a football since January as he rehabilitates from his shoulder injury, meaning the Indianapolis Colts quarterback will have to re-familiarise himself with his throwing mechanics and motion.
The 27-year-old has missed 10 games over the past three seasons and his time out suggests his surgery was more invasive than anticipated.
Cam Newton still has been unable to work with his Carolina Panthers team-mates after his shoulder went under the knife in March.
Ron Rivera admitted he had got his dates confused and Newton was never expected to be throwing, but there is some significance as it prevents the QB from developing chemistry with his receivers - particularly rookies Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel.
A solid rapport is especially important for Newton, who has lacked accuracy throughout his career.
Questions were asked over whether a 30-year-old Marshawn Lynch, who had spent a year away from the game, would be able to return looking like his pre-injury self.
Judging by the above video tweeted by Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, 'Beastmode' is well and truly back - even if there are no pads involved.
Meanwhile, Lynch's impact on the Raiders' roster has even extended to punter Sebastian Janikowski. 'Seabass' approached a rare press conference with the media in Beastmode fashion, saying "I'm just here so I won't get fined".
The damaged nerve in Jaylon Smith's knee continues to regenerate. Smith was one of the best linebackers in the nation at UCLA before he suffered a gruesome injury.
The Cowboys took him in the second round of the 2016 draft in spite of this, and their belief looks to have been rewarded. Although he displayed a slight limp at times, he is "starting to show... quickness and instincts," according to Dallas linebackers coach Matt Eberflus.
2013 Detroit third-round pick Damontre Moore on the defensive line is another gamble that Dallas might win.
He showed real interior disruption on passing downs in Seattle until he was cut following a DWI. The Seahawks' loss is the Cowboys' gain, with Moore impressing in camp.
It's unsurprising that Richard Sherman would back his quarterback publicly. Yet his response to a question on his relationship with Russell Wilson was reassuring to Seahawks fans, with the cornerback answering "It's fantastic... we have a great appreciation for how tough our quarterback is."
The outspoken Michael Bennett has also defended his quarterback in the media; this really does appear to be a case of 'quiet off-season' talk.
While the Super Bowl 49 loss was soul destroying, this team is still united. Tensions may exist, but that is typical of any NFL team or workplace in general.
Furthermore, drama surrounding Pete Carroll's Seahawks is by no means a new phenomenon.
Aside from an increasingly intense kicker battle between 2016 second-round draft pick Roberto Aguayo and veteran free agent pick-up Nick Folk, the Buccaneers' offence has been the major talking point in Tampa Bay practice.
Head coach Dirk Koetter has increased the red zone conversion target to 60% from last year's target of 50% and this seems doable, with big-bodied receiver Mike Evans joined by DeSean Jackson.
At tight end, Cameron Brate is looking dominant and is joined in the equation by rookie tight end OJ Howard, who has already developed a chemistry with Jameis Winston.
The running game suddenly has more reason for optimism too. At the end of last season, you would have been forgiven for thinking Doug Martin's time as a Buccaneer was done, as the back struggled with personal issues - but this off-season, Martin has returned looking ripped and explosive.
Very bad, given the Jets' openness over tanking for a high pick in next year's draft.
In camp, the effect on the offence of letting Nick Mangold, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker go was apparent.
In a drill involving no defence, Jets offensive co-ordinator John Morton lost his temper after his unit repeatedly failed to get out of the huddle fast enough - it is going to be a long season for fans of Gang Green.
It is very early to forecast a side of the ball's decline, particularly a prediction involving such a good group.
On the other hand, Kyle Shanahan - whose offensive play-calling was a large factor in Matt Ryan's career year - has departed.
More recently, two of the Falcons' receiving weapons missed OTAs through injury.
Star wideout Julio Jones is battling back from foot surgery and Taylor Gabriel has a lower leg strain that kept him out of OTAs. Both are expected to be back for training camp in July, so Atlanta will hope all is well.
With the threat of fines if players decide to not attend mandatory mini-camp, those who missed earlier parts of the off-season often turn up.
This year was no exception. Jaguars left tackle Branden Albert, Eagles left tackle Jason Peters and linebacker Marcus Smith, Washington running back Matt Jones, and Panthers tackle Michael Oher returned for mandatory OTAs.
The only player not to attend was LeVeon Bell. This is unsurprising: the Pittsburgh Steelers' running back has no obligation to attend, as he is currently franchise tagged and negotiating a new contract.
Three of the league's biggest talents were able to fully participate in mandatory OTAs.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson, Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski all appear to have completely recovered from their injuries - great news for the league, with each player bringing a unique brand of excitement and entertainment.
