2009 New England Patriots Training Camp Battles

(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Defense

Safety: Brandon Meriweather vs. James Sanders vs. Patrick Chung

Edge: Goes to Meriweather. It is still unknown what position Meriweather and Sanders will be playing this season. Personally I think Meriweather is better suited for free safety because he has more range than Sanders and also makes more plays on the ball.

Sanders is better suited for strong safety because he has the build for it. Chung as of right now is a special teamer, but he could play in sub packages if he can learn the defense.

Outside Linebacker: Pierre Woods vs. Tully Banta-Cain

Edge: Banta-Cain...Back in 2006, BB utilized Banta-Cain on pass rushing situations and he ended up with 5.5 sacks in the 5 games he started. Woods showed promise last year, but was injured quickly with a broken jaw.

Banta-Cain gets the edge because of his pass rushing skills and that's what the Pats really need out of their outside linebackers which we lacked last year.

Inside Linebacker: Tedy Bruschi vs. Gary Guyton vs. Paris Lenon

Edge: Goes to Lenon. He may have played on the win-less Lions last season, but he is good in run support and can play in pass coverage. The only thing that might hamper him starting is if he can learn the defense or not.

Guyton showed promise last season for being an undrafted free agent and will play in a rotational role along with Bruschi.

Cornerback: Leigh Bodden vs. Jonathan Wilhite vs. Shawn Springs vs. Terrence Wheatley vs. Darius Butler

Edge: Goes to Bodden. Another player from the win-less Lions last season, but has the play making ability to be a play maker and star. Bodden is both physical and fast, something that the Pats have been missing for a long time. He is rated as the 15th corner in the league right now.

Wilhite played well last season for a rookie and should start again this season. Springs is a question mark because of his age and has lost a step, but he was only brought in because he has fared well against Terrell Owens in the past.

Wheatley played well last season until injured and was stride for stride with Marvin Harrison down the field, he also deflected almost every pass thrown to him in that game too.

In college Butler was known as one of the best cover corners and also played on offense. As of right now I see him as a return man and a sub package corner if he can learn the defense.

Other Notable Mentions

Backup Nose Tackle: Mike Wright vs. Ron Brace

Edge: Goes to Wright. Wright gets the edge because he knows the defense and has more durability than Brace. Wright has been a serviceable backup over the years and has also played defensive end.

Brace could be a dominant player in a few years after learning the defense and learning from Vince Wilfork. Brace would be an excellent fit for the rare 4-3 scheme that BB uses on occasion because of his size (6'3", 330 lbs).

Only problem with Brace is that his college coaches had said he has poor durability, if Brace wants be a dominant player he will have to work hard in training camp.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?