NFL Training Camp Standouts at Each Offensive Position

While it's never wise to put too much stock in the early goings of training camp, the first week of NFL camps has given birth to some offensive standouts.

A number of quarterbacks, running backs, receivers and tight ends have lit up camps early on, and most give the impression that this isn't just a one-week flash in the pan.

In the following five slides, we'll run down some of the players impressing early on in NFL training camps.

Quarterbacks

Jake Locker, Titans

While engaged in one of the NFL's more fascinating quarterback duels to start camp, it appears Locker has begun to separate himself from veteran Matt Hasselbeck.

According to Michael Lombardi of NFL Network, Locker is the favorite to begin the 2012 season as the Titans starter.

That should come as no surprise, especially when you consider how decisive with the football Locker has been early in Titans camp. In reality, Tennessee was always going to have a problem keeping the big-armed, former first-round pick off the field.

Matt Flynn, Seahawks

Like Locker, Flynn was thrust into a quarterback competition this offseason. Despite the fact that he signed for $10 million guaranteed, nothing was handed to the former Packers backup.

However, according to Hawk Blogger—who has been on site at Seahawks camp every day—Flynn has already won the starting job. It hasn't really been close either, despite the national media's love affair with rookie Russell Wilson.

"Nobody that is watching this competition unfold could argue the three players were not given a fair shot," he wrote. "Flynn is simply a better player."

Running Backs

Doug Martin, Buccaneers

Was there ever really a running back competition in Tampa Bay? If there was, Martin crushed it.

The Tampa Bay Times reported early this week that Martin was receiving most of the first-team reps and that he "looks...like the Bucs' primary running back." The same report went on to say that Martin looks quick, decisive and fast at the second level.

If that's truly the case, LeGarrette Blount isn't going to be seeing many carries in 2012.

Stevan Ridley, Patriots

The Patriots let starting running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis walk in free agency, but Ridley is showcasing early on why they were content with that move.

According to ESPN Boston, Ridley has taken the clear lead to be the Patriots' starter, while displaying decisiveness once the football is in his hands. Mark down Ridley's name as the overwhelming favorite to assume most of Green-Ellis's touches next season.

Bilal Powell, Jets

The Jets' quarterback circus gets the most attention in New York, but Powell has slowly but surely put himself into the running for snaps during camp. Every day, it seems Powell is making a play or two that opens eyes.

Shonn Greene (starter) and Joe McKnight (third down) have the defined roles for now, but don't count out an emerging Powell for a big role in the Jets' sure-to-be run-heavy offense.

Receivers

Randall Cobb, Packers

The Packers already have enough offensive playmakers, but Cobb has shown early in camp that he's ready for a much bigger role in his sophomore NFL season.

In terms of his ability to line up at several positions offensively and the running talent he has once he has the football, Cobb is drawing favorable comparisons to Percy Harvin.

Eric Decker, Broncos

The addition of Peyton Manning at quarterback was always going to be a boon for Broncos receivers, but it appears Decker is the one best suited to take full advantage.

According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, Decker has a decent chance of being one of the NFL's reception leaders in 2012 barring injury. So far in camp, Manning and Decker appear to be on the same page.

Josh Gordon, Browns

The Browns spent a 2013 second-round pick on Gordon in the supplemental draft, so you always knew there was underlying talent here. So far in camp, Gordon has been a bright spot.

According to Vic Carucci of the Browns' official site, Gordon has already been inserted as one of the starting receivers and has established himself as the team's "most physically gifted" pass-catcher. His potential is through the roof.

Brandon Lloyd, Patriots

The Patriots' beat writers can't say enough good things about Lloyd, whom New England brought in via free agency to be the team's answer at the X receiver spot. So far, so good.

According to ESPN Boston, Lloyd has helped bring "shades of 2007's offensive fireworks" and looks like he's been playing with Tom Brady for a decade. Considering Lloyd's familiarity with Josh McDaniels' offense, we don't doubt it.

Alshon Jeffery, Bears

The 2012 draft love child of Bleacher Report's Matt Miller, Jeffery is "catching everything in sight" at Bears camp so far, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Chicago expects Jeffery to contribute early on opposite Brandon Marshall, so this news can only be encouraging. Of course, it reaffirms—for now—why Miller was so enamored with Jeffery in the lead-up to the draft.

Jonathan Baldwin, Chiefs

With Dwayne Bowe not in Chiefs camp, Baldwin has stolen the receiving show.

According to Jim Trotter of Sports Illustrated, Baldwin has displayed a heightened sense of maturity in Year 2, and he's continually made catches in camp that have media members shaking their heads. Considering Bowe might be out a while, Baldwin's emergence is right on time.

Jerrel Jernigan, Giants

According to USA Today, Jernigan has been the Giants' "surprise player" in camp.

A third-round pick in 2011, Jernigan has displayed "an impressive blend of vertical speed and sure hands" so far. While the Giants added LSU's Rueben Randle in the second round of the 2012 draft, it may be Jernigan who's in line to help fill in for Mario Manningham's departure.

Tight Ends

Kyle Rudolph, Vikings

The Vikings added former Seahawks tight end John Carlson in free agency this offseason, but one of their top picks from a year ago is the shining star so far in Mankato.

According to NFL Network's Michelle Beisner (via Rotoworld), Rudolph is being considered the team's camp MVP so far. Vastly underrated coming into this season, Rudolph could be ready for a big jump into the game's elite stratosphere of tight ends.

Antonio Gates, Chargers

You don't see many veterans on lists like these, but sure enough, Gates has been one of the more surprising tight ends of NFL training camps.

Healthy for the first time in forever, the 32-year-old Gates has been a monster early on in Chargers camp. He could be primed for another big season with the Chargers in 2012.