5 Most Exciting Dallas Cowboys Position Battles to Keep an Eye on This Summer

The National Football League is officially America's favorite pastime.

With all due respect to the boys of summer and opening day, most Americans are salivating over the thought of the opening of training camp for the NFL. It is where all football fans place their hopes—with thoughts of a magical Super Bowl run on the shoulder pads of a star quarterback or nasty linebacker.

The Dallas Cowboys are one of those famous 32 teams where the fans have extreme hopes for almost unattainable success. Dallas fans, and team owner Jerry Jones, are in desperate need of a Super Bowl trophy. The New York Giants have won two Super Bowls in the past five years while the Cowboys can't make it past one playoff win.

The thirst and hunger are palpable.

This summer, Dallas will have more than a few position battles that fans will want to keep an eye on. Some of those battles are important because of the position—like offensive line or cornerback.

Before the Cowboys head into training camp in just a few months, here are five positions battles that fans will want to remember to keep an eye on.

Center: Phil Costa vs. Kevin Kowalski

The center position is vital, just ask Peyton Manning. They make adjustments at the line of scrimmage just as quarterbacks do. Not only are these players like an extra set of eyes and ears, but they are key cogs in the success of any good offense.

Costa is young and so is Kowalski. Both players are still growing into the position, but which one is best for the team moving forward?

Because Costa has more experience and may be more familiar than Kowalski with Romo, he seems to have an upper hand. But fans will remember his bad snaps and accusations of simulated snap counts (via ESPN).

Both men need to grow, and they’ll have to do it fast in training camp.

Running Back: DeMarvo Murray vs. Felix Jones

This is Murray's job to lose; Jones is too inconsistent and has issues with durability. Murray proved himself well last year and he rushed for almost 300 yards against the Rams.

This one isn't necessarily a battle, but a response by both players. Murray is coming off of a fractured ankle and Jones needs to prove himself for the Cowboys and the rest of the NFL.

Felix is in the last year of his contract and needs to have a good training camp and season if he wants to stay in Dallas or earn a starting job with another team.

Inside Linebacker: Bruce Carter vs. Dan Connor

The Cowboys signed Dan Connor a few weeks ago to compete for the left inside linebacker position with Bruce Carter (via ESPN). The team has high hopes for Carter—they believe he’ll be just as dependable as Sean Lee.

Or at least that is the optimistic point of view.

Connor is a hard working player who will push Carter to his limit. Bruce is looking for his chance to shine and Connor will be looking to prove himself as viable. Both men will receive their opportunity to show and prove, but it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

Outside Linebacker: Anthony Spencer vs. Victor Butler

Butler was expected to break out this past season, but it just did not pan out that way. He was terribly inconsistent and never lived up to what the expectations were.

He needs to push Spencer as Butler has the potential to do so. Spencer was recently tagged as the team’s franchise player, but only because the market for his position was marshmallow soft (via The Star-Telegram).

He was the best available and Dallas has to re-sign him.

This is Butler’s opportunity to show the team that he can be the replacement they need, the player who rushes the passer and plays the run. It should be an interesting “battle.”

Slot Reciever: Kevin Ogletree vs. Dwayne Harris or TBD Player

Ogletree was re-signed in late March to continue his play as the Cowboys slot guy (via ESPN). He was brought back because last year’s surprise find, receiver Laurent Robinson, left the team.

Ogletree is still growing but I don’t believe his ceiling is that high. Dwayne Harris may not make the team, so this battle may be between Ogletree, Harris or a to-be-determined player. Either way, I believe the Cowboys will look around for a player to push Ogletree or replace him.