5 NFC South Minicamp Storylines: Can the Saints Still Rely on Michael Thomas?

NFL minicamps wrapped up Thursday, so here’s a peek at five notable and entertaining storylines from the four NFC South Teams.

Will Michael Thomas Be Ready For Training Camp?

https://twitter.com/Kat_Terrell/status/1536757905625587713

After missing 26 games, including the entire 2021 campaign, can the New Orleans Saints be confident wide receiver Michael Thomas is going to be the same impact pass-catcher he was through his first four seasons in the league?

DraftKings Sportsbook still lists Thomas at +3000 to lead the NFL in receiving yards – a bit of a head-scratcher.

Marcus Davenport Nursing Multiple Injuries Ahead of Training Camp

https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/1537153441323270144

Sticking with the Saints, Davenport doesn’t carry the same brand-name cachet as teammate Michael Thomas, but he might be just as critical to their success after his breakout 2021 campaign that included a career-high 39 tackles and nine sacks across just 11 games.

New Orleans allowed the fourth-fewest points per game last season, and the Saints will need to remain solid on that side of the ball if they’re going to make the playoffs. FanDuel Sportsbook has them at +130 to clinch a postseason berth this year.

Cordarrelle Patterson Receives Vet Treatment - Finally

https://twitter.com/tori_mcelhaney/status/1536738250618028035

The 2013 first-round pick scored nine times as a rookie, another 17 times over the following seven seasons with four different teams, and then added 11 touchdowns last year. Find another player with that career trajectory.

The Atlanta Falcons have a 4.5 win total at FanDuel, and if they’re going to approach it, they’ll need Patterson to have another explosive season.

Quarterback Remains Huge Question Mark for Panthers

https://twitter.com/DNewtonespn/status/1537464893636583424https://twitter.com/josephperson/status/1537465621704855552

After failing to aggressively address the position to this point of the offseason, the Carolina Panthers still don’t have a definite answer following minicamps.

Disgruntled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield almost certainly isn’t the answer, either. It could be another long season for the Panthers, as Carolina is heavily favored (-650) to miss the playoffs at DraftKings. 

Can Russell Gage Meet Tom Brady’s Expectations?

https://twitter.com/PewterReport/status/1534981153798725632

No pressure; Gage just needs to shift into peak Randy Moss mode, right?

Brady has the third shortest odds (+900) to win the Regular Season MVP Award, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also have the second-lowest number of winning Super LVII (+750) at Caesars Sportsbook. 

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