Breaking Down the NFL's Biggest Position Battles

Several NFL teams have some big-time decisions to make in training camp this year. There are lots of undecided position battles going on around the league, and they could have a huge effect on the league. 

Here is a look at five major position battles that could change the trajectory of several teams' seasons in 2012.

Doug Martin vs. LeGarrette Blount

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded back into the first round to grab Doug Martin with the 31st pick in the first round, it became clear that LeGarrette Blount's status as the team's top running back was in doubt. 

Martin is a versatile back who can make plays as a receiver out of the backfield, as well as be the kind of guy who can make defenders miss in the open field. Blount hasn't proven he can do either of those things, which means Martin makes more sense as a true No. 1 back.

Still, in new head coach Greg Schiano's offense there should be plenty of carries to go around. Blount will likely be Tampa Bay's short-yardage back, and the two should form a solid 1-2 punch. But it will be interesting to see how Blount reacts if he loses his starting spot to the rookie from Boise State.

Kevin Kolb vs. John Skelton

When the Arizona Cardinals traded for and signed Kevin Kolb to a six-year, $65 million contract, they didn't expect he might lose his job to a fifth-round pick out of Fordham like John Skelton. 

After Kolb was injured midway through the 2011 season, Skelton stepped in and stopped the team's six-game losing streak. He ended up leading the Cards to a 5-2 record in seven starts.

All the pressure in this situation is on Kolb since he must prove he is worth the big contract Arizona gave him. He will be healthy in training camp, and he'll be given every opportunity to win the job. 

Kolb has just 16 career starts, while Skelton has 11. So neither guy has a real experience advantage. 

It will be fascinating to see who earns the opportunity to throw passes to Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd in 2012.

Matt Moore vs. David Garrard

Ryan Tannehill has likely been completely removed from the Miami Dolphins' quarterback competition. That means David Garrard and Matt Moore are set to go toe-to-toe for the team's No. 1 spot under center. 

The 34-year-old Garrard sat out last season after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars. For his career, he has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 16,003 yards with 89 touchdowns and 54 interceptions. In nine seasons, he has a career passer rating of 85.8.

Last year, Moore played in 13 games for the Dolphins and was solid but not spectacular. He completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,497 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His passer rating on the season was 87.1.

The Palm Beach Post is reporting that Garrard is the current leader in the competition. Tannehill will likely be sitting as the third quarterback this season, so whoever wins between Garrard or Moore will be expected to lead Miami in 2012.

Stevan Ridley vs. Shane Vereen

Now that BenJarvus Green-Ellis is in Cincinnati and will be toting the rock for the Bengals, the New England Patriots need to find a new primary ball-carrier. 

The competition will almost certainly come down to a battle between Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. Both guys were drafted in 2011 to provide a boost to the team's running game. And while neither has made a huge impact yet, they will both get the chance this year. 

Ridley is more of a power back, and he played in all 16 games in 2011. He finished the season with 441 yards on 87 carries (5.1 yards per carry average) and one touchdown. 

Vereen is a speed back who can help in the receiving game. He played in just five games as a rookie and had 57 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. 

Both guys will almost certainly be heavily involved in the team's offense this year. Meanwhile, Danny Woodhead and former Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai are expected to help out as well, but Vereen and Ridley are expected to see more of the carries.

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Jake Locker

Jake Locker took over for an injured Matt Hasselbeck during Week 11 against the Atlanta Falcons. He played in five games total as a rookie in 2011. In that time he completed 51.5 percent of his passes for 542 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions. For the season his passer rating was 99.4

Locker did a nice job in relief of Hasselbeck, and as a result, there will be an open competition between the two this summer. 

Hasselbeck played in all 16 games in 2011, completing 61.6 percent of his passes for 3,571 yards with 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His quarterback rating for the year was a pedestrian 82.4.

Locker is definitely the future for the Titans, but Hasselbeck has the experience to help win games now. If Locker can improve his accuracy, then the job should be his to lose. But if he doesn't show an improved ability to complete passes, then the veteran will likely open the season under center.