The Biggest Spot Up for Grabs in Each NFL Training Camp

All eyes will be on the battle to grab the starting quarterback spot for the New York Jets as training camps begin. But the duel between rookie Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez isn't the only contest worth watching.

Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers will find out who will lead their respective ground attacks in 2013. Over in the NFC East, two fierce rivals need some credible starters to emerge at safety.

Speaking of life in the East, the Philadelphia Eagles could play host to the most entertaining battle. Three diverse quarterbacks will compete to lead a new-look offense for first-year coach Chip Kelly.

Here are the biggest positions up for grabs in this year's training camps, beginning with the NFC East.

1. Dallas Cowboys: Safety

It's strange that the Dallas Cowboys would hire a man who runs a defense so reliant on safeties, without the players at the position to make it work.

That is the challenge facing new Dallas defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. He must find credible starting safeties to make his schemes a success.

Unfortunately for Kiffin, the roster offers slim pickings. Veteran Will Allen might have the edge at one spot, given the 31-year-old played for Kiffin with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers way back when.

The other position is anybody's guess. Rookie J.J. Wilcox surely has to beat out an underwhelming crowd to earn a starting role next to Allen.

Runner up: Strong-side Linebacker

The Cowboys have the right fits at two of their three linebacking positions, in the form of dynamic youngsters Bruce Carter and Sean Lee.

Now Kiffin must identify his starter on the strong side. Justin Durant played in a Cover 2-style zone scheme for the Detroit Lions similar to the one Kiffin might favor. He makes the best candidate.

For Kifffin's concepts to work, the Cowboys must use camp to find quality options at these vital positions.

2. New York Giants: Middle Linebacker

It is tough to remember when middle linebacker was not a problem position for the New York Giants in recent years. Heading into this year's training camp, Big Blue still might not have the right man in the middle.

They will hope that former Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys starter Dan Connor can make the job his own. Mark Herzlich has the frame for the position and Keith Rivers is more athletic, but the Giants will need Connor's greater downhill instincts at the heart of their defense.

Runner up: Third wide receiver

Unlike middle linebacker, third wide receiver is a position where the Giants will hope youth wins over experience. They will want second-year pro Rueben Randle to beat Louis Murphy for the job.

Finding the right solution for the middle of their defense has to be the camp priority for the four-time Super Bowl champions.

3. Philadelphia Eagles: Quarterback

Can Michael Vick prove he still has something left by fending off competition from two youngsters? That will be the question every Eagles fan will want answered during camp.

Vick is fighting to save his status as Philadelphia's starting quarterback. Not only must he battle with current understudy Nick Foles, but he has to also contend with fourth-round pick Matt Barkley.

The clash of styles between the usually big play-or-bust Vick and the more traditional pocket passers Foles and Barkley will be fascinating to track.

Runner up: Safety

New recruits Patrick Chung and Kenny Phillips will have to supplant Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman if the Eagles hope to be better at safety in 2013.

New head coach Chip Kelly has boldly remade most of his roster this offseason. However, there is no avoiding the fact that his rebuilding project depends on the decision made at quarterback.

4. Washington Redskins: Safety

Like their hated rivals the Cowboys, the Washington Redskins need to find fresh options at safety. Ideally, they need a pair of rookies to prove themselves starting material.

Fourth-round pick Phillip Thomas has the ball-hawking instincts to be a real asset in Washington's zone-blitz schemes. He has every chance of pushing incumbent Reed Doughty aside and claiming a starting berth.

Sixth-rounder Bacarri Rambo might not find it as easy to supplant Brandon Meriweather. The veteran missed most of 2012 with a torn ACL. When healthy, he is a big hitter and a capable zone defender.

Both safety spots are up for grabs, but the Redskins might not want to risk two rookie starters in their secondary.

Runner up: Backup running back

Given the success of head coach Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking ground attack, the battle to back up starter Alfred Morris should be one of the more intense at Redskins camp.

Shanahan has 2011 draftees Evan Royster and Roy Helu set to compete with this year's rookies, Jawan Jamison and Chris Thompson.

Helu and Thompson offer speed and receiving skills, while Royster and Jamison are more classic workhorse types. Shanahan is not shy about featuring multiple backs in his offense and needs another productive runner to ease the burden on Morris.

Fixing the safety position is the priority, but the duel for carries in the backfield will be the most entertaining part of Redskins camp.

5. Chicago Bears: Middle Linebacker

Rookie Jon Bostic has a chance to become the first player to fill the Brian Urlacher-sized hole at the heart of the Chicago Bears' defense. Bostic proved himself an instinctive thumper at the collegiate level, but will have to see off the challenge of veteran castoff D.J. Williams.

The Bears have two punishing tacklers lining up to replace Urlacher. This spot is likely to stay up for grabs for most of camp.

Runner up: Left defensive end

With Israel Idonije now departed, the left defensive end spot is up for grabs on Chicago's otherwise fearsome front four. Corey Wootton and Shea McClellin are the two prime candidates.

Wootton is more of a force against the run and can shift inside on passing downs. That could give him the edge on McClellin, who is a better natural edge-rusher.

The Bears still have the pieces of a strong defense in place. But that won't stop them from hoping for answers at two key positions on the unit.

6. Detroit Lions: Defensive End

The Detroit Lions are set at tackle with behemoths Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh. However, things are a little less clear at defensive end.

Top rookie Ezekiel Ansah will be fancied to finish camp ahead of Willie Young at one spot. But the really interesting battle will be on the other side, between veterans Jason Jones and Israel Idonije.

Jones is a quick rusher but usually works best from the inside. He knows the type of defense head coach Jim Schwartz favors, having briefly played for him with the Tennessee Titans.

Idonije can rush the edges, but is better against the run than Jones. Both players can be moved inside on passing downs, and there is little to choose between the two.

Runner up: Strong-side linebacker

There is a vacant spot on the outside of Detroit's linebacking trio. Tahir Whitehead, Travis Lewis and Cory Greenwood should all vie for the job. That is not necessarily good news.

As is frequently the case, the Lions again enter camp with significant issues to fix on defense.

7. Green Bay Packers: Running Back

The Green Bay Packers need a productive starter at running back. They used a pair of draft picks on Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin in the hopes of finding one.

The rookie duo must be able to outshine Alex Green, DuJuan Harris and James Starks at a wide-open position during camp. Harris showed some potential in last season's playoffs, but Lacy has the look of a true every-down back and that is what the Packers desire.

Runner up: Right tackle

When Marshall Newhouse, Don Barclay and Derek Sherrod are competing for the same position, that spot is well and truly up for grabs. One of this uninspiring trio has a great chance to be Green Bay's starting right tackle by the time camp concludes.

The Packers will hope they can rectify two key areas of their otherwise potent attack during camp.

8. Minnesota Vikings: Middle Linebacker

The Minnesota Vikings need a definite starter to emerge at middle linebacker. The main contenders are Desmond Bishop and Erin Henderson.

Bishop, a former Packer, is a real hitter and also boasts good blitzing skills. Henderson has more range, but has never matched consistency to his talent.

Henderson told Tom Pelissero of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities that it has angered him to hear accusations that he is not a three-down linebacker.

If he can prove the doubters wrong, Henderson will occupy a crucial spot along the Vikings defensive front.

Runner up: Nose tackle

Speaking of defensive front, the Vikings must identify their starting nose tackle. Fred Evans and Letroy Guion received a vote of confidence from head coach Leslie Frazier, according to Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.

Now one of these two hulking tackles must take their chance to earn the starting nod.

The Vikings needs their defense to be a team strength in 2013. That means making the right choices in the middle.

9. Atlanta Falcons: Cornerback

The Atlanta Falcons have a major vacancy at one cornerback spot opposite opportunistic veteran Asante Samuel. Ideally, the NFC South club would love top draft choice Desmond Trufant to make that spot his own.

The former Washington standout certainly has the skills for the job. The real problem is a potential fight over his first pro contract.

Mike Florio of Profootballtalk.com reports that Trufant and the Falcons could well have trouble coming to terms. That could give second-round pick Robert Alford a great chance to supplant Trufant in the pecking order.

Whichever rookie takes the initiative, the Falcons need to find an answer at cornerback.

Runner up: Right tackle

Since they parted ways with Tyson Clabo, the Falcons have seemed content to let camp decide who plays right tackle in 2013. Lamar Holmes will compete with Mike Johnson. The Falcons need Holmes to win the battle.

Defense proved to be Atlanta's undoing in last season's playoffs. The Falcons will hope some of the new faces they have added to the unit show up and make a positive impression during camp.

10. Carolina Panthers: Cornerback

The Carolina Panthers have a lot of playmakers up front on defense. But the efforts of pass-rushers like Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy won't count for much if the secondary is weak.

The main issue is at cornerback, where the Panthers need savvy veteran Drayton Florence to make one spot his. Josh Norman has some talent on the other side, but Florence is steady and experienced.

Those qualities could prove invaluable against the calibre of quarterbacks in the NFC South, including Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.

Runner up: Safety

Things just aren't pretty in the Panthers secondary, with their problems extending to safety. In particular, free safety is an area of concern.

Haruki Nakamura has been a good special teamer and is a useful blitzer. But the ex-Baltimore Raven must prove that he can be a starter and fend off untested Robert Lester.

The Panthers have weapons on offense and a ferocious looking defensive line. But all that could be undone by their threadbare secondary.

11. New Orleans Saints: Nose Tackle

For their new 3-4 defensive front to work, the New Orleans Saints need the right nose tackle. Veteran Brodrick Bunkley is a rugged run defender but has spent his career anchoring 4-3 schemes.

His transition to a three-man front won't be made easy by competition from mammoth rookie John Jenkins. The 346-pounder offers more bulk for the physical demands of absorbing multiple blockers in a 2-gap 3-4.

The position is there for the taking in new coordinator Rob Ryan's system. This duel between age and youth is sure to have pivotal implications for the Saints' new-look unit.

Runner up: Left tackle

Who will replace the departed Jermon Bushrod as the blindside protector for Drew Brees? Rookie Terron Armstead has the quick feet and agility to succeed in pass blocking on the edge.

Those qualities could give him the edge over below-par veterans Charles Brown and Jason Smith. The Saints cannot afford to enter a season with inadequate blocking in front of Brees.

Nor can they risk losing another campaign to the struggles of a woeful defense.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nose Tackle

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boasted the toughest run defense in the NFL in 2012. An unheralded but key part of that success was selfless nose tackle Roy Miller.

His departure in free agency has created a pressing void at the heart of a capable defensive line. Veteran Gary Gibson was Miller's understudy last year, but he faces strong competition for the starting spot.

Derek Landri joins the group and is a natural plugger in the middle. So is fourth-round pick Akeem Spence, who could easily supplant the senior pair.

Runner up: Cornerback

This might not have looked like a spot up for grabs until very recently. However, since the botched trade and subsequent release of Eric Wright, there is even more pressure on rookie Johnthan Banks to start right away.

He certainly has the skills to do so and does not have a great deal of competition. But Banks is sure to be tested often playing across from Darrelle Revis.

So the Bucs had better hope the rookie is not easily overwhelmed by the extra responsibility.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Running Back

Things are very interesting in the offensive backfield for the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals. Veteran castoff Rashard Mendenhall is joined by two intriguing rookies.

Of course, Mendenhall played for new Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That should give the bruising power back the edge.

But it would be too easy to simply dismiss fifth-round pick Stepfan Taylor and sixth-rounder Andre Ellington. Taylor can get yards between the tackles and is an excellent receiver.

Ellington is also a threat as a pass-catcher and offers legitimate breakaway speed. He is a good zone runner and offers a nice complement to Mendenhall's style.

With Ryan Williams still in the mix, this position is completely up for grabs in Arians' first camp in charge.

Runner up: Outside linebacker

The Cardinals have pass-rusher Sam Acho on one side but fail to generate much pressure from the other. The likes of former Redskins special teams ace Lorenzo Alexander and fourth-rounder Alex Okafor will vie to change that.

Identifying a feature back will be Arians' most pressing concern during camp, but he will also want another pass-rusher to emerge.

14. San Francisco 49ers: Cornerback

The San Francisco 49ers clearly were not satisfied with their options at cornerback at the end of last season. Why else would they have rescued Nnamdi Asomugha from the scrapheap and tried to complete a trade for Eric Wright?

There is a spot up for grabs somewhere in a rotation featuring Tarell Brown, Chris Culliver and Carlos Rogers. Asomugha could force himself into the mix if he can turn the clock back and produce a strong showing during camp.

Runner up: Wide receiver

The injuries to Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham obviously leave a space up for grabs at wide receiver. It is far less clear who will actually emerge to take that spot.

Flop 2012 first-rounder A.J. Jenkins is joined by this year's draftee Quinton Patton and fellow youngster Ricardo Lockette. These are certainly no longer the days of Jerry Rice and John Taylor.

15. Seattle Seahawks: Wide Receiver

Percy Harvin will help the Seattle Seahawks produce more big plays on offense in 2013. But true improvement in the passing game will come from finding the right receiver alongside Harvin.

That man could be Golden Tate, who enjoyed his best pro season in 2012. Of course, Tate will be pushed by Sidney Rice, who played next to Harvin for the Minnesota Vikings.

Former Stanford man Doug Baldwin cannot be easily overlooked either, making the second wide receiver spot truly up for grabs in Seattle.

Runner up: Backup running back

Seattle's offense could also use an able deputy to battering-ram runner Marshawn Lynch. Robert Turbin offers similar power, but could be usurped by rookie Christine Michael.

16. St. Louis Rams: Running Back

Replacing Steven Jackson in the backfield is a tall order, and the job is up for grabs as the St. Louis Rams enter camp. Last season's seventh-round pick Daryl Richardson might lead the way, but a 2013 rookie can provide real competition.

The Rams used a fifth-round choice this year to select Zac Stacy. He can offer greater power than Richardson and that could sway head coach Jeff Fisher.

The Rams have to find a credible running game during camp or else their commendable rebuilding efforts will stall this season.

Runner up: Outside linebacker

James Laurinaitis has the middle linebacker spot locked down, but things are not as simple on the outside. The Rams have Jo-Lonn Dunbar and also drafted Alec Ogletree with their top pick.

Yet they still felt the need to bring veteran Will Witherspoon into the mix. His experience could prove vital if Ogletree falters.

17. Buffalo Bills: Quarterback

The Buffalo Bills shocked a lot of people when they drafted quarterback EJ Manuel 16th overall in the 2013 draft. Perhaps the most surprised person would have been Kevin Kolb.

The veteran must have believed he had been acquired to assume the starting role in Buffalo. By drafting Manuel, the Bills announced that their quarterback spot is officially up for grabs.

Runner up: Wide receiver

It will help help whoever is throwing the passes if the Bills have a credible second receiver alongside Stevie Johnson. Rookies Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and Da'Rick Rogers make this an exciting battle.

Second-year pro T.J. Graham is also in the mix and should be a factor. Woods is the most polished receiver of the group. He runs excellent routes and can stretch defenses.

The ex-USC star should make this position his own.

18. Miami Dolphins: Running Back

The Miami Dolphins felt they could cut ties with Reggie Bush because Lamar Miller is ready to assume the starting running back job. That theory will be put to the test in camp.

Miller certainly has the edge in any race for starts. However, Daniel Thomas will also fight for carries. He is a more downhill runner than Miller, but lacks the same level of explosion.

The Dolphins spent big this offseason stocking up on receivers like Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson. But the AFC East outfit still needs an effective ground attack.

Runner up: Left tackle

Johnathan Martin should win the job at left tackle. He is the best of the contenders, and according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, Martin is already relishing the challenge of replacing Jake Long.

But Martin did struggle mightily at times as a rookie in 2012. Jackson notes that he allowed a league-worst 47 quarterback pressures.

If Martin fails to impress in camp, his position will soon come under threat.

19. New England Patriots: Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots have numbers, but little in the way of established quality at wide receiver. New signing Danny Amendola is the pick of the bunch, but it is unclear where his support will come from.

Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater are more useful on special teams. That leaves rookies Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce to pick up most of the slack.

That is a tough assignment for two first-year receivers, even with Tom Brady throwing the passes. Both possess decent size but will have to prove their game-breaking qualities as pros.

Runner up: Tight end

Rob Gronkowski's offseason back surgery leaves things unclear at the tight end position. The problem is compounded by the fitness history of Jake Ballard, who is returning after missing all of 2012 with a torn ACL.

The Patriots still have Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui. However, both are more in-line blockers and neither offers the same mobility and matchup problems Gronkowski poses to defenses.

Ideally, Ballard will be back to full health and recapture the form he showed with the New York Giants in 2011.

20. New York Jets: Quarterback

Few will be able to turn away once Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith begin their attempts to win the starting quarterback spot for the New York Jets.

This is already promising to be a fractious affair. Certainly, Smith did not endear himself to Ernie Palladino of CBS New York when he declined an invitation to Sanchez's Jets West camp.

However, Sanchez does not have many supporters left, and the moment could be ripe for Smith to take the reins in New York. The player himself certainly thinks so.

Runner up: Tight end

Jeff Cumberland and Hayden Smith will vie to replace the receiving outlet Dustin Keller once provided. Both are good blockers but lack Keller's knack for finding voids in zones.

A wild card in the mix is veteran Kellen Winslow. His durability has always been a major issue, but Winslow can be a true playmaker in the passing game.

The Jets need a safety valve for whoever is under center to start the season.

21. Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver

The Baltimore Ravens have an open spot next to Torrey Smith in their wide receiver rotation. The battle to claim that spot could be a chaotic one, with The Baltimore Sun appropriately dubbing it a "Royal Rumble."

Deonte Thompson and Tandon Doss are the leading contenders, according to the same report in The Sun. However, there is also room for Tommy Streeter and David Reed.

The Ravens appear to be throwing numbers at their problem at wide receiver in the hope that something sticks.

Runner up: Inside linebacker

With Ray Lewis retired and Dannell Ellerbe having bolted to Miami, the middle of Baltimore's linebacking corps has been reinvented.

Second-round draft choice Arthur Brown will be given every chance to start from day one. He could be joined by ex-Jacksonville Jaguars starter Daryl Smith.

Jameel McClain is still in the mix, but he suffered a spinal injury last season and may not be ready to resume a starting role just yet.

22. Cincinnati Bengals: Running Back

BenJarvus Green-Ellis could find his job as starting running back for the Cincinnati Bengals under threat. Rookie Giovani Bernard can bring greater big-play potential to the rushing attack.

However, while he might not be as dynamic as Bernard, Green-Ellis did top 1,000 yards in 2012 and won't relent easily. The likes of Cedric Peerman and Bernard Scott will compete to be the third runner in this rotation.

Runner up: Wide receiver

The Bengals are not short of contenders to take some of the pressure away from A.J. Green in the passing game. Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones have the best chance, with Sanu a prime candidate if he can stay healthy.

However, Jones enjoyed a strong end to the season and offers excellent vertical speed. So does return specialist Brandon Tate, who has yet to mature into a competent wideout.

Andrew Hawkins is a typical fleet-footed and diminutive option from the slot. The Bengals need one of this quartet to assert himself in camp.

23. Cleveland Browns: Cornerback

The Cleveland Browns stockpiled pieces for the front seven of their new-look 3-4 defense. But the real intrigue comes in the secondary, starting at cornerback.

Joe Haden is a certain starter on one side, but the other spot is up for grabs. Buster Skrine started six games last season and endured some tough outings.

That likely prompted the Browns to draft Leon McFadden in Round 3. He is quicker than Skrine and possesses good instincts for the big play.

The Browns need a solid and capable starter to emerge from this duo.

Runner up: Safety

The Browns are down to bare bones at safety. Long gone are the days when this franchise could rely on a pair of starters as good as Eric Turner and Stevon Moore.

Today the big question is whether sixth-round rookie Jamoris Slaughter can beat former undrafted free agent Tashaun Gipson to win the free safety job.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Running Back

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to reclaim their past status as a dominant running team. Those hopes could rest on second-round pick Le'Veon Bell.

He will compete with fellow bruiser Jonathan Dwyer for the lion's share of the carries. The Steelers also have LaRod Stephens-Howling and Isaac Redman in the mix, although both seem better suited for third-down action.

Runner up: Outside linebacker

There is an interesting battle brewing to grab the spot vacated by James Harrison. Top draft pick Jarvis Jones is far from a guarantee to assume the job, partly because of the play of Jason Worilds.

He has impressed in rotational duty in the last two seasons. The Steelers will hold Jones back while he still learns his craft, according to Alan Robinson of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

25. Houston Texans: Right Tackle

The Houston Texans boast one of the more stable offensive lines in the NFL. But if there is one area of concern, it would be right tackle.

Derek Newton has been the starter, but the knee surgery he underwent this offseason could provide an opening for Ryan Harris.

The former Denver Bronco is a natural zone blocker and did a creditable job filling in last season. He could force himself into a more regular role with a strong camp.

Runner up: Nose tackle

Nose tackle is tougher to predict in coordinator Wade Phillips' version of the 3-4 defense. Phillips favors a 1-gap front, akin to a 5-2. He will often use quicker and lighter nose tackles.

Earl Mitchell will be the front-runner for the job because of his experience. But youthful trio Chris Jones, Terrell McClain and David Hunter will push Mitchell all the way.

26. Indianapolis Colts: Running Back

The Indianapolis Colts may hope Ahmad Bradshaw can add more of a breakaway threat to their ground game. The veteran will be expected to usurp steady, but unspectacular second-year pro Vick Ballard.

However, while Ballard did not dominate any highlight reels as a rookie, at least he was dependable. Bradshaw was blighted by injuries and fumbling issues for much of his time with the New York Giants.

The starting job is up for grabs here and Bradshaw has a track record as a 1,000-yard rusher.

Runner up: Nose tackle

The Colts have a crowded field at nose tackle. Josh Chapman, a fifth-round pick in 2012, and ex-Raven Brandon McKinney are good scheme fits.

Both have played in similar versions of the hybrid 3-4 the Colts run. Yet neither made the field last season thanks to knee injuries. That encouraged the Colts to snare veteran Aubrayo Franklin in free agency.

Franklin is a classic stout 2-gapper in the middle of a three-man line. Phillip B. Wilson of Indystar.com noted the former San Francisco 49er was playing as the starter during minicamp.

This job should be Franklin's to lose.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars: Quarterback

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been clear about the competition at quarterback. That means 2011 first-round pick Blaine Gabbert will be locked in a battle to keep his job with veteran retread Chad Henne.

The latter was productive at times last season, but still has to convince the Jags to give up on Gabbert. That won't be easy if the youngster is revitalized by the presence of a new regime in Jacksonville.

Runner up: Defensive tackle

With Terrance Knighton leaving in free agency and Tyson Alualu moving to end, it is all change at defensive tackle. That is reflected by the number of new faces at the position.

Roy Miller and Sen'Derrick Marks are joined by former Patriots duo Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick. Miller should have one spot assured, thanks to his expertise as an anchor against the run.

The winner of the position next to the ex-Buccaneer is anyone's guess.

28. Tennessee Titans: Defensive Tackle

The Tennessee Titans have been trying to get bigger and better at defensive tackle for a while. They might have solved the problem with the addition of Sammie Lee Hill.

Overshadowed by some of the stars ahead of him in Detroit, Hill is still a capable, big-bodied interior lineman. He should win a starting tackle spot early on in Tennessee.

Next to him, things are not as clear. Ropati Pitoitua can play inside but would face strong competition from a quartet of youngsters.

Karl Klug is a good pass-rusher, but he is light for every-down defense in coordinator Jerry Gray's schemes. Mike Martin is more of a natural nose tackle in a three-man front.

DaJohn Harris has potential, but could struggle to supplant Jurrell Casey, who is probably the pick of this bunch.

Runner up: Cornerback

Gray needs third-round pick Blidi Wreh-Wilson to emerge as a starter across from Jason McCourty. The Titans don't want to have to rely on Alterraun Verner, Tommie Campbell, or Coty Sensabaugh.

29. Denver Broncos: Running Back

The decision to draft Montee Ball showed how serious the Denver Broncos are about improving their running game. But Ball will find it tough to beat Ronnie Hillman to the starting job.

According to Jeff Legwold of The Denver Post, Hillman enters training camp in pole position. Ball has better size, but Hillman's quickness and receiving skills out of the backfield might give him an edge.

Both players will be wary of Knowhson Moreno's latest attempt to prove he can still make the grade in the pros.

Runner up: Middle Linebacker

As close as things are at running back, they could be even tighter at middle linebacker. Veteran Stewart Bradley is the big-bodied run-plugger coordinator Jack Del Rio likes for his physical 4-3 front.

However, former special team standout Nate Irving offers greater athleticism. Joe Mays also remains in the mix.

30. Kansas City Chiefs; Inside Linebacker

The Kansas City Chiefs need to find a capable starting inside linebacker next to the dynamic Derrick Johnson. Fourth-round pick Nico Johnson could have the inside track.

He was active and productive in Alabama's diverse schemes and is a nice fit for a 3-4. But the rookie is likely to face strong competition from Akeem Jordan.

He played for new head coach Andy Reid in Philadelphia and could be superior in coverage. Zac Diles is also in the mix as a a more traditional thumper.

The spot next to Derrick Johnson is wide open, and the Chiefs need to fill it with the right man in order to complete an otherwise brilliant group of linebackers.

Runner up: Tight end

Reid has bolstered this position by signing Anthony Fasano and drafting Travis Kelce. The new arrivals will increase the pressure on Tony Moeaki to stay healthy and produce.

While the Chiefs will likely use a lot of two-tight end sets, a de facto starter will still emerge in camp.

31. Oakland Raiders: Cornerback

The Oakland Raiders have worked hard to completely revamp significant areas of their roster this offseason. Nowhere is the remodeling more obvious than at cornerback.

In addition to adding veterans Mike Jenkins and Tracy Porter, the Raiders also drafted D.J. Hayden with their first pick. They will likely form the Raiders' three primary corners, though what combination they will be deployed in is still an open question.

Phillip Adams and Joselio Hanson remain in the fold and add an extra element to an intense looking competition.

Runner up: Quarterback

This may have garnered a lot of attention, but Matt Flynn is still most likely to start at quarterback in 2013. Yes, he tanked in Seattle when he also looked as though he had been acquired to start.

However, that was more down to Russell Wilson performing above initial expectations. So far neither Terrell Pryor nor Tyler Wilson has caused enough of a buzz to indicate they can surpass Flynn.

32. San Diego Chargers: Wide Receiver

What was once a position of strength for the San Diego Chargers is suddenly looking murky. The options at wide receiver are a little unreliable for the underachieving AFC West side.

Malcolm Floyd and Danario Alexander should lead the way. Alexander can be a dangerous vertical threat, but has struggled to stay healthy during his short career.

Eddie Royal and Robert Meachem are veterans who have never really lived up to their potential. That could create opportunities for Vincent Brown and rookie Keenan Allen.

Brown has been touted for big things in 2013 after losing his entire 2012 campaign to an ankle injury. Allen is also one to watch, possessing reliable hands and a willingness to thrive over the middle.

Runner up: Running back

Ryan Mathews has fallen from grace after struggling to live up to his billing as a 2010 first-round pick. The Chargers kept Ronnie Brown on the roster and snared Danny Woodhead from the Patriots.

They are clearly preparing to take some carries away from Mathews. NFL.com's Chris Wesseling believes Mathews is no longer considered a three-down workhorse in San Diego.