Key Vets on Each NFL Team Who Could Ride the Pine After Training Camp

NFL training camps are the next phase before the 2012 NFL season gets underway. Each team has key veteran players that could easily ride the pine by the time the season kicks off. 

Sure, NFL OTA's and minicamps may be ongoing, but they are just an appetizer before training camps begin in late July. 

Training camp can be the most vital part to the season for many NFL teams as rookies cut their teeth, veterans look to stay on top and teams start to develop chemistry. 

The NFL is a dog-eat-dog world, and every year experienced veterans are displaced by younger players who display an added dimension and youthful exuberance. 

Seeing fan favorites fall to the latest NFL youth movement can be a bitter pill to swallow, however, seeing future stars blossom is also always invigorating. 

As training camp nears, keep an eye on these key veterans as they fight for their NFL lives. 

The Extra Point: Will LaDainian Tomlinson and Ed Reed Actually Retire?

There is no doubt that NFL stars LaDainian Tomlinson and Ed Reed are future Hall of Famers. 

The only thing in doubt at the moment is if the two men will add 2012 to their storied NFL careers. 

While LT's retirement seems to be more certain than Ed Reed, no real NFL fan wants to see them go. 

Tomlinson may not be as electric as he used to be, but he once demanded the attention of everyone who ever played, watched and loved the sport. 

As for Reed, even at 33 years old, he is still one of the best the game has ever seen. 

The NFL will lose two of its greats when these men decide to hang'em up, but that will only open the door for thirsty young blood waiting to make the most of the opportunity. 

Everybody Knows That Kevin Kolb Is on the Hot Seat in the Desert

Who the starting quarterback will be when the Arizona Cardinals' 2012 season starts is a mystery at the moment. 

Kevin Kolb was supposed to be the franchise quarterback the team desperately needed when they traded for him in 2011, but lackluster play and injuries opened the door for backup John Skelton last season.

The Cardinals showed their faith in Kolb this offseason by paying his $7 million roster bonus, so it is safe to say that he will get his shot. 

Now healthy and with an added weapon in rookie wide receiver Michael Floyd, it is now or never for Kolb.

If he falters at all, the organization will quickly turn to Skelton who went 5-2 as a starter in 2011 to lead the way. 

Center Todd McClure's Days May Numbered in Atlanta

Todd McClure has been a staple in the middle of the Atlanta Falcons offensive line for over a decade now, but the key addition of center Peter Konz during the 2012 NFL draft means McClure's days are numbered. 

McClure has started 179 games under center for the Falcons and is one of those guys diehard fans hate to see go. But, fading into the shadows in the NFL is inevitable and McClure's time is nearing. 

Konz was once projected to be a first-round talent, but fell to No. 55 in the draft and the Falcons didn't think twice about drafting the offensive lineman from Wisconsin. 

Although it is said that Konz is competing for a starting spot at right guard, the Falcons may realize it is best to keep him at the position where he has the most experience. After all, what's the point of Konz playing a new position for just a year or two before he is moved to center?  

Now 35 years old, McClure will have his hands full trying to fend off Konz for the starting job in 2012. 

Billy Cundiff's Job Is on the Line This Offseason for the Baltimore Ravens

Place kickers in the NFL and relief pitchers in the MLB have similar job security—one bad outing could cost them their paycheck. 

Last year, Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal in the waning seconds of the AFC Championship Game that cost his team a shot at the Super Bowl.

In 2011, Cundiff was 28-for-37 in his attempts and his last try brought-on competition for 2012. 

Competing against Cundiff in training camp will be Justin Tucker, a rookie from the University of Texas who went undrafted in April. 

While Cundiff still has the benefit of the doubt, the Ravens won't be shy on pulling the plug. 

After Leading the League in Interceptions, Ryan Fitzpatrick Has to Be Careful

While his contract extension in 2011 gives him the upper-hand to be the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills in 2012, Ryan Fitzpatrick has to elevate his game from the get-go.

Bills fans should be thrilled that the team was aggressive in the free-agent market and 2012 NFL draft, but now the team must win.

The team tasted winning in 2011 with a 3-0 start, but only finished 6-10. Part of that was due to the fact that Fitzpatrick led the league with 23 interceptions. 

The Bills' front office decided to bring in Vince Young to give Fitzpatrick some honest competition. Despite receiving plenty of criticism over his six-year NFL career, Young has a 31-19 record as a starter.

While Fitzpatrick has been told that his job is secure, nothing is definite in the NFL. 

Every Carolina Panthers Wide Receiver Except Steve Smith Should Be En Garde

The Carolina Panthers hit the jackpot when they drafted quarterback Cam Newton and injected life back into wide receiver Steve Smith's career—now it is time to add weapons to the growing arsenal. 

The Panthers did just that when they drafted wide receiver Joe Adams in the fourth round this year. Albeit small, Adams looks like he has shot out of a cannon on a football field. 

His blazing speed and punt returning ability means he will already crack the starting lineup in 2012 for the Panthers. The real question is how many touches will he get receiving.

The addition of Adams to the Panthers means nightmares for opposing coaches in the near future. Smith is already hard enough to cover down field, now the opposition will need to be aware of both of them. 

Adams should make an impact in Carolina this season and sounds like a late-round fantasy sleeper. 

The Chicago Bears Have Already Cleared the Way for Their New-Look Offense

Out with the old, in with the new is an old cliche that the Chicago Bears lived by this offseason. 

Bears fans have to be thrilled that quarterback Jay Cutler finally has viable weapons in wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. 

The organization also signed running back Michael Bush in the offseason, which will add much needed depth at the running back position. 

Now all the Bears need to do is convince running back Matt Forte to sign quickly so things can get up and running by the time training camp begins. 

Thanks to the upgraded offense, the Bears are serious contenders in 2012, but have to live up to the hype in the tough NFC North. 

Sure, the Bears will have plenty of battles go down in camp, but a sigh of relief has already come to fans. 

Will Nate Clements Still Have a Starting Role in Cincinnati?

The Cincinnati Bengals have a good problem on their hands—they have too many good cornerbacks. 

The team signed free agent cornerbacks Terence Newman and Jason Allen, and drafted Dre Kirkpatrick in the offseason. 

Leon Hall will have a spot on the field when he returns for an Achilles injury, which means Nate Clements may be the odd man out for the Bengals. Clements is a 12-year NFL veteran who is still effective, but should begin to embrace a mentor role for the team.

Regardless of who starts, the Bengals will always have fresh legs at the cornerback position in 2012.

Does Anyone Believe That Colt McCoy Will Start in 2012?

The Cleveland Browns made a bold move when they drafted 28-year-old quarterback Brandon Weeden with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. 

That leaves incumbent quarterback Colt McCoy fighting for his job when training camp begins this summer. 

McCoy is average at best as the Browns continue to tread water in the AFC North and need a change for the better. Combined with running back Trent Richardson, Weeden could be part of a dynamic rookie duo for the Browns in 2012. 

In what will be one of the more highly publicized quarterback battles of the offseason, McCoy is now behind the eight ball. 

Mike Jenkins Is Suddenly Fighting Playing Time in Dallas

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins went from being the best at his position to playing third fiddle this offseason.

With the team signing Brandon Carr and drafting Morris Claiborne, Jenkins now wants to be traded. Tough luck for the four-year veteran as his wish won't be granted. The NFL is a pass-heavy league and a team can never have enough good men like Jenkins. 

The only way he can solidify his status as a starter is by winning the job in camp. 

Expect this situation to get uglier before it gets any better. 

Running the Ball in Denver Is Up for Grabs as Willis McGahee Ages

The Denver Broncos have long been known for turning unknown running backs into stars, and they will have to rely on that again this season. 

With Willis McGahee leading the way in 2011 with 1,199 rushing yards, the Broncos will depend on him to carry the load in 2012. The only downside is that McGahee is now 30 years old, which is the magical age for NFL running backs to start decaying. 

NFL teams now need a stable of backs and the Broncos are no different as someone will have to emerge as a breakout back this offseason. 

Candidates are Lance Ball, the often injured Knowshon Moreno and rookie Ronnie Hillman, and long shots Jeremiah Johnson and Mario Fannin. 

Competition promises to be fierce at the running back position in Broncos camp. 

Gosder Cherilus' Job Is in Serious Jeopardy Right Now in Detroit

With Reilly Reiff falling into the Lions lap this offseason, right tackle Gosder Cherilus has to prove himself during training camp.

While Reiff is someday expected to become the franchise left tackle, the Lions are hoping current left tackle Jeff Backus can recover from a biceps injury at the end of last season.

With Reiff's talent, he is expected to play immediately and will likely oust Cherilus of his job in 2012. 

Cherilus is a former first-round pick, but has been lackluster at times over his five-year career. 

Lions fans have been waiting for reliable lineman and Reiff will instantly become a fan favorite. 

After Serving His Suspension, Anthony Hargrove's Role May Be as a Backup

Green Bay Packers veteran defensive end Anthony Hargrove signed with the team in the offseason before he learned that he would be suspended eight games for being involved in the Saints' scandal. 

Hargrove will be 29 years old by the time he gets to suit up in 2012, and will have to fight for playing time with rookies Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy. 

By the time Week 9 rolls around, the Packers first two picks of the draft will be getting used to the NFL and will have had time to impress. 

Both Perry and Worthy will do just that for the Pack in 2012 as Hargrove will struggle to find playing time because of the rookie tandem. 

Shaun Cody's Tenure as a Starter May Be over with the Texans

In his three seasons with the Houston Texans, Shaun Cody has started 45 out of 46 games he has played in at nose tackle. 

Now 29 years old, Cody has 24-year-old Earl Mitchell hunting for his job.

2012 will be Mitchell's third season in the league and has made a statement this offseason when he added considerable weight. 

Mitchell now has all the confidence he needs and Cody may not be able to thwart the freight train that Mitchell is conducting. 

When 2012 is all said and done, Mitchell will be noticed by fans across the league. 

The Colts Have Wiped the Slate Clean as Only a Few Positions Are Guaranteed

What a roller coaster the Indianapolis Colts franchise has been through over the past calendar year. 

Fans had to be bummed about losing Peyton Manning, but have to be thrilled to have Andrew Luck as their new future. 

Combined with a new GM and coaching staff, the Colts have created a new identity faster than a NASCAR pit stop. 

Here is where props go to Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, who re-signed with the only team he has ever known despite the known changes and challenges to come. 

The Colts may not win many games in 2012, but they will win more than the two they won in 2011. This is a team that will find the essential chemistry that is needed to become winners quickly. 

Times of the recent past may have been tough for diehard Colts' fans, but the fun has just begun. 

Mike Thomas Won't Be the No. 1 Receiver in Jacksonville

Jaguars wide receiver Mike Thomas has been their "go-to guy" by default the last couple seasons. The only problem is there isn't much "go" in him. 

Thomas only had 44 receptions in 15 games last for a total of 415 yards and a lone touchdown in 2011. The sad part is that Thomas' numbers led the team last season, but then again everything about the Jags' passing game was sad in 2011. 

Now that quarterback Blaine Gabbert has a new targets in Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson, Thomas' days as the No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville are done.

Maybe the fact that the Jags selected Blackmon with the No. 5 overall pick in the latest draft will light a fire under Thomas.

The Jaguars also brought in Lee Evans, who is looking for redemption after his debacle in the AFC Championship Game last season that Thomas will have to compete with for touches. 

If Thomas wasn't owed nearly $6 million over the next two seasons, he might not even have a job right now. 

It's All About the Key Vets the Kansas City Chiefs Get Back in 2012

2011 was a nightmare for the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans. 

Injuries successfully depleted the roster as Matt Cassel, Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry all missed a considerable amount of the season. 

It is almost as if the Chiefs will have an entirely new team this year and fans should be happy to start over. 

The AFC West promises to be a crap-shoot thanks to the unpredictable San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders, not to mention the addition of Peyton Manning to the Denver Broncos. 

The Chiefs will be out to prove that they are the team to beat in the division. If they can return healthy and effective, they will be a playoff contender in 2012. 

Brian Hartline and Davone Bess' Jobs Are Threatened by a Group of Thirsty Rooks

The biggest story in Dolphins' camp is obviously the battle for the starting quarterback spot, but the overlooked question is who is going to be the No. 1 receiver for the Dolphins? 

Now that Brandon Marshall is gone, the Dolphins are left with Brian Hartline and Davone Bess as their elder statements of the receiving corps. 

While these guys are not terrible receivers, they certainly don't scare opponents. Rookies like B.J. Cunningham, Rishard Matthews or Derek Moye could easily earn a starting spot in the Dolphins lineup. 

The idea of having a legitimate shot at being the teams' No. 1 receiver has to be all the motivation those rookies need. 

That being said, if the Dolphins were smart they would sit rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill to avoid a similar season that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert had in 2011. 

The Starting Safety Position in Minnesota Is Up for Grabs

The Minnesota Vikings are inexperienced at the safety position to say the least. 

With five years under his belt, Eric Frampton has been in the NFL the longest, but has never started a game.

2012 will be Jamarca Sanford's fourth year in the league. He started 15 games last season. He will have to defend his spot against second-year man Mistral Raymond and rookie Harrison Smith. 

Raymond started five games in 2012 and many have the first-round pick Smith penciled in as a Week 1 starter. 

Due to inexperience, it is survival of the fittest for the Vikes at the safety position in 2012 as fans hope their men adapt quickly to the speed of the game. 

Kyle Arrington Will Have Prove His Worth Against New England's Newcomers

Cornerback Kyle Arrington has been a starter in the defensive backfield for two seasons now, but he will have to fight for his starting role in training camp. 

The Patriots will have Alfonzo Dennard and Ras-I Dowling make their case in 2012, and both men have tremendous potential.

Dowling is in his second year and is coming back from hip surgery while Dennard is a rookie this upcoming season. Dowling is said to be struggling early in OTA's, but that may be just a case of getting his strength back. 

Although his stock dropped in the draft, Dennard has the capability of being a starter sooner than later in the NFL. 

It is Arrington's job to lose, but both Dowling and Dennard could win the spot. 

Drew Brees May Choose to Ride the Pine If the Saints Don't Pay Him

Due to the penalties from Bountygate, the New Orleans Saints have suffered one of the worst offseasons in NFL history. 

With a number of coaches and players suspended for much, if not all of the 2012 season, the door is open for many players to emerge for the Saints.

Positions to watch include defensive end, linebacker, cornerback and quarterback—yes, quarterback. 

If the Saints can't meet quarterback Drew Brees' demands, their bad offseason will turn the Saints back into the 'Aints. 

Now That Hakeem Nicks Is Sidelined, Who Will Become a Playmaker in New York?

With the recent injury to New York Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks, there is now a gaping hole for the G-Men. 

Looking to defend their crown, the Giants will need someone to become a star much like Victor Cruz did in 2011. 

The leading candidate may be rookie Rueben Randle, who was a second-round pick in the draft. At 6'4", he has got plenty of size and is said to be ready for the NFL. 

The team's inability to run the ball in 2011 is now a must in 2012, as running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and rookie David Wilson will have to bring balance to the offense. 

The Giants have been known to overcome adversity before, but this blow will be tough to overcome. 

The Battle Between Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow Is Entertaining to Say the Least

The New York Jets didn't trade for quarterback Tim Tebow this offseason simply to have him be the backup to Mark Sanchez. They brought him in to challenge Sanchez for his job.

After all, Tebow went to the playoffs in 2011 while Sanchez went home early. 

As the circus in Jets' camp officially got underway this week with OTA's, NFL fans may never hear the end of this quarrel. 

Even if Sanchez wins the role of starter, the slightest bit of poor play will leave him "Tebowing" for his job. 

Cooper Carlisle Is Hanging on by a Thread in Oakland

Cooper Carlisle is a 12-year veteran who was released by the Oakland Raiders this offseason, only to be re-signed a few days later. 

The Raiders moved him from right to left guard only to draft Tony Bergstrom in the third round to play that position. 

This is pretty much a no-brainer as Carlisle will be the backup to Bergstrom in 2012. 

Mike Patterson Has His Work Cutout for Himself in Philadelphia

With the Philadelphia Eagles drafting Fletcher Cox in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, that leads one to believe that seven-year veteran Mike Patterson to be on the outside looking in. 

Patterson has started 99 games as a member of the Eagles, but Cox was too good to pass up for head coach Andy Reid. 

If Patterson is to remain a starter, he will have to use his experience and outsmart the rookie in training camp. 

Another thing to take into consideration is that Patterson had brain surgery in January because of tangled veins that caused a seizure last year.

While he appears to be A-OK and able to play, his condition has to worry the Eagles front office. 

Casey Hampton Is Running out of Gas in Pittsburgh

Casey Hampton has been large and in charge at the defensive tackle position in Pittsburgh for the past 11 years, but his tenure as defensive anchor is nearing its end. 

The only man who is bigger in Steelers' camp is rookie Alameda Ta'amu, who is a whopping 348 lbs. Combined with third-year man Steve McClendon, who's a modest 280 lbs., the Steelers have a nice 1-2 punch on the defensive front. 

Hampton has long been a fan favorite as many won't like seeing one of their own fade away, but NFL careers cannot last forever.

He will get his chance to keep his job, but outplaying two much younger talents will be too much for Hampton. 

Believe It or Not, Antonio Gates' Battery Is Dead in San Diego

For nearly a decade Antonio Gates has been one of the most feared offensive threats in the entire NFL. 

His rare size and athletic ability has amazed fans across the league on a weekly basis, for he is one of those guys everyone was happy to watch play, even if he destroyed your favorite team. 

Unfortunately for Gates, injuries are beginning to take a toll on his body. For starters, he has plantar fasciitis which is an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot. This obviously hinders his ability to run and doesn't ever truly go away. 

The San Diego Chargers were proactive in the draft by selecting Ladarius Green from Louisiana-Lafayette in the fourth-round of the recent NFL draft. 

Now Gates will have to hit the ground sprinting in training camp as Green also has tremendous size. At 6'6", 238 lbs., they don't come much bigger than him.

There is no doubt that he will have to work hard and be brought up to speed, but if Gates is slowed by injuries, the job will be Green's in Week 1. 

Ted Ginn Jr.'s Title as Kick Returner May Be over in San Francisco

Ted Ginn Jr. found a role for himself in the NFL as kick returner for the San Francisco 49ers, but with the team drafting LaMichael James from Oregon, Ginn Jr. will have to put up or shut up in 2012. 

There is no doubt that Ginn Jr. has speed, but is he more explosive than James?

This is a key battle in Niners camp as the winner may be the difference between a very good team and a Super Bowl team this season. 

The 49ers are stacked on defense and have added multiple offensive weapons this offseason. To get noticeable playing time Ginn Jr. will have to win the position outright in camp. 

One thing that hurts Ginn Jr. is the buzz surrounding James, who proved to be a dynamic player at Oregon and was considered a steal as a second-round pick in the draft this season. 

Regardless of the outcome, Niners' fans have to be drooling for the new season to arrive. 

Will Tarvaris Jackson Be the Quarterback in Seattle?

The Seattle Seahawks have had an interesting offseason this year. They signed quarterback Matt Flynn in free agency, which caused everyone to think it would be Flynn's job in Seattle under center in 2012. 

The plot thickened when the team drafted Russell Wilson. But should Tarvaris Jackson be counted out as the starter, who was 7-7 in his only year in Seattle? 

Now, the Seahawks have an all-out duel on their hands. 

It is hard to believe that head coach Pete Carroll doesn't have a Week 1 starter in mind, but maybe his plan all along was to push his men to the brink to see how they perform under pressure from the opening snap of OTA's. 

In the end, the Seahawks will be a better team because of this competition as they reside in a revamped NFC West. 

Brian Quick May Immediately Become the No. 1 Receiver in St. Louis

The St. Louis Rams are thin at the wide receiver position and someone has to step into the leading role for quarterback Sam Bradford. 

With Brandon Lloyd now in New England, the Rams best receiver is Danny Amendola, but he is coming off a 2011 season where he missed 15 games due to an elbow injury. 

After Amendola, the Rams have Brandon Gibson and Danario Alexander who have both made minimal impact at best in their time with the team. 

The Rams brought in veteran Steve Smith, however he was supposed to break-out last year in Philadelphia and only managed to nab 11 catches in nine games. 

In comes rookie Brian Quick, who stands at a solid 6'5", 220 lbs. He has the build of a No. 1 receiver and could become Bradford's favorite by the end of training camp. 

Don't be surprised when Quick becomes the man in St. Louis. 

LeGarrette Blount Versus Doug Martin Is Very Intriguing in Tampa Bay

LeGarrette Blount powered his way into becoming the starting running back in Tampa Bay last season. 

Buccaneers' fans know it was last season which was a huge disappoint on all fronts, but this offseason has brought them good fortune and a rookie running back in Doug Martin who is pushing Blount for his job. 

Martin's name is hotter than a house on fire right now as it seems to be his job to lose, but Blount won't go down without a fight. 

It is not that Blount is an awful running back, it's just that he appears careless at times. The Bucs got his attention when they drafted Martin and it has been said that Blount is focused on winning the spot. 

The Bucs are in a win-win situation because having multiple reliable running backs is a necessity in today's NFL. 

Matt Hasselbeck Will Officially Become a Mentor for the Titans in 2012

The Tennessee Titans got what they needed out of 36-year-old quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in 2012 when he led the team to a 9-7 record.

Now it is time for second-year quarterback Jake Locker to take the reins in Tennessee. 

With Locker getting the time he needed to adapt to the NFL game in 2011, Titans' fans hope he can take flight in 2012. 

Not to say there won't be some bumps along the way, but Locker has all the tools necessary to be a franchise quarterback. At 6'3", 234 lbs., he possesses the prototypical size and strength of an NFL quarterback. 

If Locker can show the Titans that he is the leader they want in training camp, Hasselbeck will quickly become one of the better backups in the NFL. 

Leonard Hankerson Should Form a Bond with RG3 Early and Become His No. 1

The Washington Redskins signed multiple wide receivers in the offseason to become quarterback Robert Griffin III's favorite target, but Leonard Hankerson will become that man. 

While the likes of Pierre Garçon and Josh Morgan have been brought in, they aren't exactly No. 1 receivers. Santana Moss is still with Skins, but he is a guy they need in the slot position. 

The team needs Hankerson to become their No. 1 in his second year in the league. He only had 13 catches for 163 yards in his rookie campaign, but will have an extended role in 2012. OTA's and training camp this season have become the most pivotal time in his career. 

Forming chemistry with RG3 is a must as the two young players need one another to be successful in the near future. 

It's Hankerson's time to shine as his potential alone is scarier than Garçon and Morgan. 

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