The Cincinnati Bengals open training camp on July 27 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Here's a closer look at the Bengals' camp:
Top storyline: If rookies Joe Mixon and John Ross don't bring enough excitement coming into training camp, then linebacker Carl Lawson might. After one of their biggest drafts in years (11 players selected), the Bengals head into camp bolstered by a youth movement that not only includes the aforementioned rookies but also linebacker Kevin Minter, who should take over Rey Maualuga's old spot in the middle. There's a lot to be excited about with so many new faces this season, but after a 6-9-1 season in 2016, the Bengals also have a lot of work to do to make it back to the playoffs.
QB depth chart: There won't be any surprises here. Andy Dalton will be the starter for the seventh straight year. The Bengals seem content to keep AJ McCarron despite offseason reports that he might be traded. The only question is whether they carry three quarterbacks on the active roster this season. Last year, they added Jeff Driskel as the third quarterback in a surprising move.
Bubble watch: It would be surprising to see Alex Erickson go anywhere after he averaged 27.9 yards per kickoff return last season. However, the competition got a lot tougher. Erickson was mostly competing with Brandon Tate for the returner spot. The Bengals drafted two new receivers in Ross and Josh Malone and also added running back Mixon, who could serve as a returner as well. With six wide receiver spots likely available, this competition could be an interesting one.
That rookie could start: Don't be surprised to see Mixon used early and often. The Bengals didn't pick him in the second round without reason. Mixon can add a dynamic element to Cincinnati's offense, whether as a traditional power running back or a pass-catcher. Expect to see him put into the running back rotation quickly next to Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard.
Injury questions linger: Tyler Eifert (back), Bernard (knee) and Ross (shoulder) all sat out of OTAs and minicamp with various ailments. Ross is recovering from offseason labrum surgery, and his participation during minicamp was limited to watching. It's possible they could start training camp on the physically unable to perform list, although they can come off the list at any time during the preseason.
Offensive line a work in progress: The Bengals have a lot of work to do on the line after allowing Dalton to be sacked 41 times last year, which was seventh-worst in the NFL. They've got to cut that number despite losing Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler to free agency. Now they'll have to break in three new players, with former Bengal Andre Smith returning to play guard, Cedric Ogbuehi moving to left tackle and Jake Fisher poised to start at right tackle. That's a lot of shuffling for one unit.
For daily updates at camp, check out the Cincinnati Bengals clubhouse page.