Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has expressed strong admiration for rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson’s performance in the team’s offseason program, noting his ability to understand leverage and excel at releasing off press coverage. Johnson, picked in the seventh round of the draft, has impressed Mayfield with his explosiveness despite his smaller stature, making him a promising asset for Tampa Bay’s offense. Mayfield emphasized the importance of involving more players beyond the starting lineup to meet the team’s goals this season.

Tez Johnson is a guy that is obviously a later draft pick but a guy that has a lot of talent,

Mayfield said, via Brianna Dix of the team’s site.

Little guy, but he is really explosive and understands how to win on leverage and he is one of those guys that you really cannot touch in a phone booth. He is fun to watch when he releases off press coverage, so we are just trying to get as many people involved. Last year, we learned you are going to need a lot more than your starting 11 so we are trying to get everybody to elevate their standard.

Offensive Line Continuity and System Adjustments Focused On Progress

Mayfield also shared his thoughts on the Buccaneers’ offensive line, noting that continuity in this group is a key factor for growth. He mentioned that offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard is incorporating new motion elements into their offensive system, aiming to refine and enhance their strategies. Mayfield highlighted how the team built a foundational understanding last year and is now focusing on improving communication and decision-making at the line of scrimmage.

Yeah, if you look at the foundation that we tried to instill last year – we obviously evolved throughout the year and the season, so it’s nice for guys to not have to learn it from scratch,

Mayfield said.

There’s obviously a few tweaks and things – motions that ‘Grizz’ (Josh Grizzard) wants to get done, which is great. If you’re not trying to get better, you’re not going to survive. We’re doing that right now. For me, it’s continuing to overcommunicate at the line of scrimmage. That was a big step last year – the responsibility at the line of scrimmage…But, take it to the next level: really, really take ownership [and] overcommunicate to where if we get a certain pressure or coverage, guys know what I’m going to check to. That’s the part that I have to continue to try and elevate everybody else around me and take that ownership.

Jaycee Horn Maintains Fierce Attitude After Contract Extension

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn continues to display his trademark intensity and competitive spirit following a contract extension that solidified his role with the team. Horn remains focused on improvement and new challenges, refusing to change his approach despite the raised expectations that accompany his new deal.

He explained his mentality simply, saying,

“Ain’t nothing really changed, man,”

Horn said, via the NY Times.

I’m still trying to get better every day. Trying to go get some more money. That’s all I’m trying to do.

Horn’s persistence and attitude extend into the Panthers’ practice environment, where young quarterback Bryce Young constantly works to outshine the cornerback. Panthers head coach Dave Canales described how Young embraces the challenge Horn presents, leveraging Horn’s competitive nature to sharpen his own skills.

He just has a defiance to him and that’s just his way of competing. He’s not super animated with it, but he definitely thrives off that, feeds off that energy,

Canales said.

He takes his chances when he can because Jaycee’s trying to bait him into throwing the ball over there.

Setting High Standards in Practice with Jaycee Horn’s Leadership

Horn’s demanding approach in practice emphasizes relentless competition, encouraging his teammates to match his intensity every day. His belief is that consistent effort raises the level of play for everyone on the field, fostering a culture of accountability.

Everybody’s gotta bring that attitude. It shouldn’t just me and Bryce, or me and Chuba going back and forth. We’ve gotta come out here every day and compete,

Horn said.

Like coach Canales said, if you come out here and compete hard, the guy across from you ain’t gonna have no choice but to step his level up.

Saints Concentrate on Offensive and Defensive Line Development in Early Offseason

The New Orleans Saints have placed significant emphasis on developing their offensive and defensive lines during their offseason program, focusing on fundamentals and positional responsibilities. Head coach Kellen Moore acknowledges that much of the true evaluation will occur during training camp but values the groundwork being laid through organized team activities (OTAs).

O line, D line – a lot of this is going to get figured out in training camp,

Moore said, via Josh Deshazier of the team’s site.

That’s just the reality of OTAs. They’re doing everything they can, they’re competing. Love the heck out of those guys and once that comes, we’ll get a better feel for them. From a run game perspective on both sides of the football, you’re not going to get a real great evaluation this time of year. It’s more, ‘Hey, are they assignment sound, do they understand their responsibilities?’ The execution and what it looks like ultimately won’t happen until training camp, but these guys are doing everything they can from a fundamental perspective in individual (drills). Certainly, our defensive line and offensive line have spent a ton of time on individual – that’s really the bulk of their days this time of year. It’s going to be a growing process as we go through it.

Trevor Penning’s Transition to Guard Seen as Strategic Move

The Saints are transitioning Trevor Penning from right tackle to left guard, a move that Moore believes suits Penning’s physical attributes well. Moore noted the importance of anchoring effectively in the interior line and expressed confidence that Penning’s size and strength will allow him to handle the new position successfully.

You have to be able to anchor in this league in some capacity,

Moore said.

You’re going to get bull rushed – the bull rush, if someone can run through you there’s going to be challenges no matter what the circumstance is. Trevor playing at guard – he’s got size, he’s got mass, he’s got physicality that’s going to be perfect for that position. Our experience, the last couple of spots everyone (on the coaching staff) has been, has had those guys go from tackle to guard so we feel good about the transition.