Fact or Fiction: Top play from spring & more superlatives

John Schmeelk: Fiction – This is tough to argue against, but I’ll try. I would be surprised if Daniel Bellinger is not the base offense tight end when camp opens. Asking Theo Johnson to step in and start right away as a fourth-round rookie coming from a college offense that didn’t use him much in the passing game is asking a lot. I see Chris Manhertz and Jack Stoll competing for a blocking role, with Lawrence Cager as the initial move tight end. I’m more interested in how the running back depth chart develops behind Devin Singletary. Does Tyrone Tracy Jr. do enough to seize the passing down role or maybe even something bigger than that? Does Dante “Turbo” Miller’s speed put him in the mix on special teams? Does Eric Gray’s experience in his second year give him an upper hand? It’s a fun group and I’m curious to see how the team builds the room out.

Dan Salomone: Fact – Nothing was set in stone obviously, but we got a pretty good idea how things are shaking out at every position other than tight end. Without Darren Waller, there were ample opportunities for other tight ends to step up. Naturally, all eyes were on fourth-round pick Theo Johnson, and it doesn’t take a pro scout to see what the 6-foot-6, 264-pound rookie can do on the field. I’m sure coaches are eager to turn him loose in a live setting this preseason. “We’ll look at it once this gets settled down and over the summer know exactly how many numbers we want,” coach Brian Daboll said of the tight ends. “I feel good about our group.”

Matt Citak: Fiction – Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Jalin Hyatt will likely stand at the top of the wide receiver depth chart, but beyond that group, the competition heats up. I’ve spoken about this before, but there will be a battle during camp between veterans like Allen Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, and Miles Boykin, among others. There are also young players such as Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Dennis Houston, John Jiles, and Ayir Asante. How many roster spots are used on receivers, and which of the wideouts make the final cut, should be a fun competition to watch once the pads come on.