NFL camp round-up: Mendoza's rise, Hunter's heroics, and more

From rookies dominating out of the gate to competition battles and eye-opening highlight reels, there's plenty to get fans excited about with the 2026 season rounding into view.

Want to catch up on the latest? DAZN News have got you covered.

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Fernando Mendoza starring early

The Raiders opened camp with Kirk Cousins as QB1, a move we've known for months is designed to allow first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza to find his feet before he's thrown into the fire.

But how long will it be until the Heisman winner takes over? The early impressions from camp suggest it may not be as long as we first thought.

"He's taking total command of the offense," receiver Jalen Nailor told reporters. "He's just growing each and every day, and seeing that progress from the first day he got here to now, his total command of the offense, the playbook, and just being himself and playing ball."

Kubiak, speaking with NFL Network the same day, also raved about the young signal-caller.

"I've been really pleased with him," he said. "Just a really solid work ethic, [a] good young man that's got the right head on his shoulders."

Travis Hunter dominating on both sides of the ball

Travis Hunter is excelling on both sides of the ball in the Jacksonville Jaguars' camp, first with an interception, then a twisting 35-yard grab three snaps later.

ESPN's Michael DiRocco charted 17 reps for Hunter in Sunday's 11-on-11 work, seven on offense and the other ten on defense. That's 22 offensive snaps against 34 defensive ones for camp overall.

Asked how many snaps he wants each week, Hunter made his feelings very clear. "All of them. I can't stay on the sideline," he said.

Jahmyr Gibbs' hold-in continues

Gibbs' hold-in continued, with the Lions' back missing his fourth straight practice while he waits on what we know will be a mammoth extension, perhaps one even rivalling Saquon Barkley's position-topping $20.6 million-per-year deal.

His teammate Jameson Williams clearly believes Gibbs is worth the money: "I wouldn't even say look at the stats, look at the film," Williams said. "Nobody close."

Bijan Robinson continues to sit out

Robinson was at Falcons practice again on Saturday, but for the fourth straight day he wasn't an active participant as he pushes for a new payday.

Coach Kevin Stefanski addressed it Friday, telling reporters, "There's a business side to everything we do, and there's the football side, and sometimes you're living in both worlds, if you will."

Robinson stayed involved from the sidelines, encouraging teammates and doing push-ups with the group.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport said Robinson "is going to reset the market."

Jeremiyah Love is RB2... on paper

Arizona released their first unofficial camp depth chart, ahead of Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against Carolina, and it has Tyler Allgeier above Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick this spring.

Love's talent and draft capital leave no doubt he should eventually have a bell-cow role, but he's being made to earn it.

Lamar Jackson embraces new spot under center

New Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle plans to keep Lamar Jackson under center more often than the quarterback is used to, but Jackson's fine with the changes.

"I haven't been consistently under center since youth football," he said via the team website.

"We did it here and there in the past, but with this balanced type of offense, I feel like it will help us out a lot, identifying the defense, really keeping the defense on their toes.

"Just learn it to the best of my ability," Jackson added. "Try to learn it like the back of my hand. Sky's the limit."

Tune into NFL Game Pass for more training updates

For comprehensive training camp news, NFL Game Pass subscribers should tune into DAZN to watch daily shows Good Morning Football, from 5pm to 7pm BST in the UK, and Inside Training Camp, from 7pm to 10pm BST.