Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 Most Crucial Training-Camp Position Battles to Watch

It's no secret that training camp is one of the final battlegrounds of the offseason in the NFL, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are no different. Multiple battles at various positions could really shape the starting lineup and the final 53-man roster.

Various players are entering this offseason's training camp with hopes to break into the starting roster or to solidify their spot. These are the battles that will mold the starting 22 as well as change the Jaguars' style, albeit in a small way.

For others, it's one of the last times they'll get to prove their worth, especially for some of the undrafted free agents. They don't get the benefit of having experience or history with the Jaguars, and so training camp is one of the biggest moments of their first offseason.

Training camp will likely have the positive atmosphere that we've seen in OTAs and minicamp, but that's not telling of the intense battles that will happen on the field. It may be fun on the outside looking in, but it will be a series of tough matchups for the players.

Stefan Wisniewski vs. Luke Bowanko

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Stefan Wisniewski is essentially the "new kid on the block," but he's a couple of years older than Luke Bowanko and a bit more familiar to new offensive coordinator Greg Olson's offense. 2014 starter Bowanko will look to take him on head-to-head for the starting job at center.

Bowanko performed beyond his draft selection (sixth round, 205th overall) in his rookie season, but he wasn't perfect. It should be his job to lose, but Wisniewski has experience and familiarity on his side.

He snapped the ball for Olson's offense the past two years in Oakland, and that's a big plus. He knows what Olson wants out of him and likely the rest of the line, and his 61 total starts in the NFL would bring more experience to the O-line.

Despite all this, it will likely come down to their battle in training camp. Wiz may have experience, but if he can't beat Bowanko in training camp, it'll be hard to start him. 

Bowanko is aware of the entire situation and will be coming hard at training camp. This is a chance to prove that he's the deserving starter, and Wiz better be ready for Bowanko at his best.

Corey Grant vs. Denard Robinson, Tandon Doss, Ace Sanders

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Corey Grant has SEC pedigree and speed, and while the Jaguars don't have a running back at his speed, they do have Denard Robinson. His quickness and developed vision pretty much handle that requirement in a running back.

Where Grant can make the team, though, is on special teams. He was deadly on occasion at Auburn, as seen here, but he isn't a lock as a return man. If he's been working on it all offseason, however, he could impress at training camp.

Grant will compete with Robinson and fellow returners Tandon Doss and Ace Sanders for a spot, and he'll have to really stand out to earn a roster spot. The three are variously specific to the return game, but Grant will need to prove that he's vital as well.

While Grant could beat out RB Storm Johnson for the fourth spot, the Jaguars might be unlikely to drop Johnson, even with his struggles this offseason, as Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reported. 

Johnson showed a lot of promise last season, and Grant can't count on Johnson to leave him a spot. However, he can definitely earn a spot on special teams; he just has to beat out the current crop.

Ryan Davis vs. Andre Branch vs. Chris Smith

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The three-way battle between Ryan Davis, Andre Branch and Chris Smith is for the backup "Leo" defensive end spot. However, the back end of this battle could see players get cut, so it's not your average battle.

All three will start the season behind veteran DE Chris Clemons, but at 33, he's prone to injury and fatigue. Securing the backup spot could mean a starting job at some point this season, and all three know that.

For Davis and Smith, they're used to coming off the bench to make their impact, and their 6.5 and 3.0 sacks, respectively, last season will aid their cause. Both look ready to move forward with their game; it's just a matter of earning their snaps.

Branch has seen the starter sheet and the bench, and after he tallied six sacks in 2013, he amassed just three in 2014, although he saw less time on the field. It's fair to expect that Branch will make the roster, thanks to his high potential and presence on the team. 

Therefore, unless Branch is severely outplayed in training camp, the battle will likely narrow down to Davis and Smith. Both have their pros and cons, but it'll be their head-to-head performance that will make the final impact for the Jaguars staff.

James Sample vs. Sergio Brown

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James Sample's freak injury to his arm has put him at a major disadvantage in this battle, but it's far from over. While fellow free safety Sergio Brown has experience and energy, he's reached his ceiling as a player, and it seems like Sample could be better with time.

Sample will enter training camp late and not in top shape, but he should have enough time to prove himself in head-to-head battles. It will be talent versus experience in this battle, but the talent side will face an uphill battle.

While Sample has talent, it's easy to see why Brown is the proper option. He has spent time with some of the best teams in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots, and that championship attitude is what head coach Gus Bradley has been trying to create.

Brown is consistent in his play, but he's not going to be a statistical leader in the secondary, and the Jaguars can't look at him as a playmaker. Sample, who had four interceptions last season at Louisville, has greater potential, and his ball skills are his strongest aspect.

The Jaguars will have to decide between a proven veteran and a possible playmaker, but this battle at training camp will likely be the final factor. Both players have their pros and cons, and it's almost time to see who's the outright winner in training camp.

Zane Beadles vs. A.J. Cann

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While Wisniewski and Bowanko will be battling at center, guards Zane Beadles and A.J. Cann will be battling at guard. The second of the two major offensive line battles, this one features an adapting veteran and a talented and experienced rookie.

Cann was a four-year starter at South Carolina. His ability seems to be high enough for him to start, and he's likely to improve with time. Cann has the ability and the experience; it's just a matter of beating out Beadles.

While Beadles' first season didn't go as planned, he's been working to fit new offensive line coach Doug Marrone's gap-blocking scheme, according to Jaguars.com's John Oesher. Most veterans don't make big changes to stance or footwork at this point in their careers, but Beadles isn't afraid to.

However, as surprising and impressive as Beadles' changes are, he'll need to beat Cann in training camp. His lackluster play last season really hurt his overall stock, and Cann will be putting his best foot forward to earn that spot.

Neither player seems to have the advantage or momentum, mostly thanks to Beadles' work this offseason. The Jaguars seem to be in a good situation at left guard either way, but the matchup could be a turning point for both players.

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.