5 Most Exciting Miami Dolphins Position Battles to Keep an Eye on This Summer

The 2012 NFL draft hasn't even occurred yet, but the Miami Dolphins' position battles are already taking shape. 

David Garrard's arrival creates some ambiguity at the quarterback position, Brandon Marshall's departure drastically changes the wide receiver corps' outlook and Richard Marshall should create some competition in the secondary. 

Some new position battles are sure to arise after the draft, but for now, here the position battles we have to look forward to this summer. 

David Garrard vs. Matt Moore (vs. Rookie)

Well, don't expect this to become much of a competition. 

David Garrard is a 34-year-old recovering from back surgery, and the Dolphins will probably relegate whichever quarterback they draft (assuming they draft one) to clipboard duties.

Matt Moore deserves to enter this upcoming season as Miami's starting quarterback, and I don't see any scenario in which he doesn't. 

Reggie Bush vs. Daniel Thomas

Reggie Bush just completed the best year of his NFL career, but there's no guarantee he'll be Miami's feature back next season. 

The Dolphins traded up into the second round to draft Daniel Thomas last year, but injuries hindered him throughout the season. With a clean bill of health, though, Thomas could potentially dethrone Bush and get a majority of the team's carries. 

This could be the most exciting position battle to watch this summer, but regardless of the turnout, both should have prominent roles next season. 

Davone Bess vs. Brian Hartline vs. Roberto Wallace

Without Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins' offense is left devoid of an alpha wide receiver. Who will emerge as Matt Moore's go-to guy next season?

Davone Bess and Brian Hartline are the top candidates, and I have a sneaking suspicion that Roberto Wallace is in line for a bigger role. He's a physical clone of Brandon Marshall, and he might breakthrough if he's allotted ample reps. 

Expect the Dolphins to draft at least one—but probably two—wide receivers, but it's unfair to presume any rookie can or will start right away. 

Vontae Davis vs. Sean Smith vs. Richard Marshall

Vontae Davis, Sean Smith and Richard Marshall will all play major roles next season. But, which two will start and who will play nickelback?

Both of these questions will be answered during training camp. 

In all likelihood, Davis and Smith will retain their roles as the "starters," and Marshall will play nickelback. 

Chris Clemons vs. Reshad Jones vs. Tyrone Culver

Unless the Dolphins add a safety through free agency or the draft (which they probably will), then Chris Clemons, Reshad Jones and Tyrone Culver will battle for the two starting safety spots. 

Clemons and Jones should be considered the early favorites because both have started for extended periods of time. Meanwhile, Culver has merely filled-in when necessary. 

The thought of Clemons and Jones (or any combination of the three) starting is unsettling, but there's still hope that they can progress and become capable starters.