Predicting Every NFL Team's Most Heated Camp Battle
The NFL offseason is nearly over, meaning training camp is on the horizon. Every team has holes throughout its roster, which sets up many meaningful camp battles. We will identify and predict the outcome of the most heated camp battle for each team.
There are always surprising stars from the preseason. Claiming a starting job or pivotal backup role is an impressive feat, especially when a young player beats out a veteran. But sometimes there are factors that prevent this from happening.
High-priced veterans and touted rookies will always receive preference when a battle is close. Coaches want “their guys” to play and succeed for various reasons, including trust and politics.
Let’s jump in to look at your favorite team. What is the most heated camp battle you’ll be watching, and what will be the outcome? Tell us what you think will happen in training camp in the comments section.
Arizona Cardinals: Starting Right Tackle
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The Arizona Cardinals stayed true to their draft board in the first round, selecting offensive tackle D.J. Humphries 24th overall. Humphries didn’t fill an immediate, more pressing need, but he is very talented. Now the team will pit him against incumbent starter Bobby Massie.
Massie is in the last year of his contract, making this a fascinating situation. His 2014 play was erratic, allowing seven sacks and 27 quarterback pressures, per Pro Football Focus. But will Humphries be able to provide a more consistent presence than Massie right away?
Prediction: Massie beats Humphries.
Atlanta Falcons: Starting Running Back
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The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant push to improve their woeful run game this season. Adding offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and running back Tevin Coleman are major steps in the right direction. After all, quarterback Matt Ryan needs more balance for this team to succeed.
All involved in the race should covet Atlanta’s starting running back position. Incumbents Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith will join Coleman. Each brings a different playing style to the table, but the zone-blocking scheme traditionally favors the more consistent runner.
Prediction: Coleman wins the starting job.
Baltimore Ravens: Starting Tight End
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When the Baltimore Ravens selected Maxx Williams in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft, their intent was to either replace incumbent starter Dennis Pitta or pair the two players for a terrific duo. Whether this becomes a battle will be determined by the health of Pitta, who injured his hip but has since recovered enough to walk normally. Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com writes that Pitta’s future is in the hands of doctors at this point.
“It’s between Dennis and the doctors right now,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “I’ve got my fingers crossed, but only for what’s best for Dennis. There’s no way in the world that you want anything other than the fact that he can be safe.”
Hopefully Pitta will be able to play, making this a legitimate camp battle. If he’s ready to go, then his blocking ability will allow him to separate from Williams. Williams is the better receiver, though, so the two could end up on the field quite often.
Prediction: Pitta wins the starting job, if healthy.
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Buffalo Bills: Starting Quarterback
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The Buffalo Bills have amassed an impressive collection of talent. Their defense is loaded with playmakers on every level, which should keep them in every game. But on offense, the quarterback position is a major weakness that must produce at least decently for the team to compete for the playoffs.
The EJ Manuel project has been a disaster thus far, and unless he overhauled his footwork and fixed his accuracy, his outlook is bleak. Even surrounded by an elite playmaker like Sammy Watkins in 2014, Manuel couldn’t lead an average offense. Thus, veteran Matt Cassel could pull away from Manuel and Tyrod Taylor in camp.
Prediction: Cassel wins.
Carolina Panthers: No. 2 Wide Receiver
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In an effort to finally surround quarterback Cam Newton with adequate weapons on offense, the Carolina Panthers added receiver Devin Funchess in the second round of the draft. Funchess joins 2014 first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin as another young stud on the receiver depth chart.
Funchess will face veteran competition for the No. 2 receiver position from Jerricho Cotchery, who isn’t dynamic but is consistent with his performance. As Funchess develops as a route-runner, it wouldn’t be surprising for Cotchery to be named starter while the rookie is brought along slowly.
Prediction: Cotchery wins.
Chicago Bears: Starting Center
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To help prepare themselves for a playoff run in 2015, the Chicago Bears acquired numerous veterans this offseason. However, there aren’t many camp battles at this time beside a hole at offensive center that must be addressed.
Center Will Montgomery, 32, was a solid starter in Denver last season. But the Bears added a third-round center in Hroniss Grasu. Expect the youngster to push Montgomery for playing time in camp.
Prediction: Montgomery wins the starting job.
Cincinnati Bengals: Starting Defensive Tackle
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On what is possibly the deepest roster in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals could have just one starting spot up for grabs. Their defensive tackle position next to star Geno Atkins has seen steady decline in play from incumbent Domata Peko, leaving the door open for competition.
The free-agent addition of Pat Sims was unheralded, but could prove valuable. Sims graded as a significantly better run-stuffer than Peko in 2014 (0.1 versus minus-11.5), per Pro Football Focus. That should give him the edge.
Prediction: Sims wins over Peko.
Cleveland Browns: Starting Quarterback
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The Johnny Manziel era hasn’t really started yet in Cleveland. After a tumultuous rookie season where Manziel struggled with everything from the playbook to being a professional, his future is already in doubt. His competition for the starting position is relatively weak in 2015, though.
Veteran Josh McCown has been a journeyman throughout his career for a reason. He is limited as a quarterback. If Manziel cannot even beat out McCown, his career could be over before it ever really began.
Prediction: Manziel wins the starting job.
Dallas Cowboys: Starting Left Guard
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There’s little doubt the Dallas Cowboys were a big winner in the 2015 draft. Their headlining free-agent signing after the event was offensive lineman La’el Collins, who should push to start right away at left guard.
Veteran left guard Ronald Leary won’t just roll over for Collins to start, though. Pro Football Focus graded Leary as a top-five run-blocker in 2014, which Collins is unlikely to beat. Don’t be surprised if Collins is forced to sit early while the Cowboys continue to run all over their opponents behind Leary and Co.
Prediction: Leary starts over Collins.
Denver Broncos: Starting Right Tackle
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When Peyton Manning took a pay cut prior to the offseason starting, he likely was hoping the Denver Broncos would improve his offensive line. Instead, the team has been mostly stagnant this offseason. There is a gaping hole at right tackle entering training camp.
If rookie Ty Sambrailo beats out veteran Chris Clark, expect the Broncos offense to change philosophies. Sambrailo is much better as a run defender than in pass protection. To lower the pressure and hits on Manning, the Broncos will need to run more often than in past years.
Prediction: Sambrailo starts at right tackle.
Detroit Lions: Starting Strong-Side Linebacker
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The Detroit Lions have one of the better defenses in the NFL, boasting star talent at every level. Their linebacker group is especially talented, with Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy. At strong-side linebacker, Josh Bynes and Kyle Van Noy must battle to start.
Van Noy had an impressive collegiate career, which led to the Lions taking him in the second round in 2014. Injuries held him back last year, but expect him to grab the starting spot early in camp. His ability to play in coverage and blitz should be determining factors.
Prediction: Van Noy wins the starting job.
Green Bay Packers: Starting Inside Linebacker
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The Green Bay Packers released both starting inside linebackers from 2014, but did not adequately address the position in free agency or the draft. Fourth-rounder Jake Ryan had a nice collegiate career at Michigan, but he’s more of a hustle player than a good run defender or coverage player.
Nevertheless, Ryan will be up against Carl Bradford for the inside linebacker position. Bradford was a standout strong-side linebacker at Arizona State, but was moved inside last year for Green Bay. This is an intriguing, albeit risky, move. Expect Bradford to win the battle because he is a much better athlete in space than Ryan.
Prediction: Bradford starts at inside linebacker.
Houston Texans: Starting Quarterback
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Coming off a successful 9-7 season in 2014, the Houston Texans are looking to reach the playoffs in year two under head coach Bill O’Brien. The major question mark in 2014 was the quarterback position, and it still is.
The addition of Brian Hoyer isn’t an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick, who wasn’t good enough in the first place. Houston was in a tough spot, without any other realistic option to upgrade the position. If Hoyer wins the starting job, it’s an indictment on Ryan Mallett and Tom Savage.
Prediction: Hoyer wins the starting quarterback job.
Indianapolis Colts: Starting Strong Safety
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One of my favorite selections in the 2015 draft came when the Indianapolis Colts picked Central Florida safety Clayton Geathers. He was a four-year starter for UCF head coach George O’Leary, gaining valuable experience and learning how to be an impact player. He’ll battle Dwight Lowery for the starting job.
Lowery has been a journeyman throughout his career. His latest adventure in Atlanta proved fruitless. Geathers has more size and natural talent, which can help him overtake Lowery in training camp.
Prediction: Geathers wins the strong safety job.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Starting Running Back
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If you have four running backs, do you actually have any? The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a strong offseason as they build around quarterback Blake Bortles, but one position they must hash out is the running back spot.
Rookie T.J. Yeldon will contend with veterans Toby Gerhart, Denard Robinson and Storm Johnson to start. Yeldon is probably the most talented member of the group. Can he separate enough from the more experienced members of the backfield, though? I think he will.
Prediction: Yeldon beats out the field to start.
Kansas City Chiefs: Starting Right Tackle
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The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line was a mess in 2014, which contributed to the team failing to make the playoffs. For the Chiefs to be a serious playoff contender, the right side of the line must play better in 2015. Donald Stephenson and Jeff Allen are replacing Ryan Harris and Zach Fulton, but they’ll be pushing for exact positions.
Each has experience at right tackle. The question is who will win out. If the Chiefs want more athleticism, Stephenson will be the victorious lineman.
Prediction: Stephenson wins the right tackle job.
Miami Dolphins: Starting Strong-Side Linebacker
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The Miami Dolphins have purged their expensive free-agent splurge of 2013 this offseason, and were able to add actual impact players this time around. One area they did not spend significant resources at was the outside linebacker position. Now, the starting strong-side linebacker position will be decided between a journeyman and a second-year player.
Miami added Spencer Paysinger in free agency, but he was sparsely used while with the New York Giants. The odds-on favorite right now should be Chris McCain, who went undrafted in 2014 due to character concerns. But McCain was a training camp star last year, endearing him to the coaching staff.
Prediction: McCain wins the starting linebacker spot.
Minnesota Vikings: Slot Receiver
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There aren’t many positions up for grabs on the Minnesota Vikings roster. General manager Rick Spielman has done well in recent years to build the core of his team. Now, he's building depth.
The slot receiver position will be decided between several young candidates. 2013 first-round pick Cordarrelle Patterson will get the first shot, but veteran Jarius Wright has been the better player thus far. Rookie Stefon Diggs is the dark horse, but he’d have to thoroughly impress to claim the slot receiver position.
Prediction: Wright beats out the competition.
New England Patriots: Starting Cornerbacks
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Free agency proved costly to the New England Patriots, who lost several key cornerbacks. Now the team has scraps left over, which will put immense pressure on safety Devin McCourty to make up for the lesser talent. New England must figure out who will start at cornerback.
The two most talented cornerbacks are Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler. Each will compete against veterans like Bradley Fletcher and Justin Green for the starting spots. In the end, expect the Patriots to go with the more consistent and talented pair.
Prediction: Ryan and Butler emerge as the starters.
New Orleans Saints: Starting Left Tackle
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It’s impossible to blame the New Orleans Saints for addressing their declining offensive line in the draft. By selecting Andrus Peat in the first round, the Saints now must play a bit of musical chairs. Peat is a pure left tackle, lacking any semblance of versatility.
The Saints are able to make some minor moves, though. Terron Armstead should move to right tackle and be more effective there than he was on the blind side, while Zach Strief can move back inside to guard. This would allow Peat to move to his natural left tackle spot, and the entire line would be stronger.
Prediction: Armstead moves to right tackle. Peat plays left tackle.
New York Giants: Starting Left Tackle
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"Ereck Flowers is lined up at LT in Giants first OTA practice. Pugh at LG, Jerry RG, Newhouse RTackle
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) May 27, 2015"
Until William Beatty and Geoff Schwartz come back from injuries, the New York Giants offensive line is among the worst in the NFL. There’s no guarantee either will return to full form, so quarterback Eli Manning better be prepared. If not, the Giants could be in for another long season.
While Beatty is out, the Giants must figure out who should play left tackle. The choices aren’t pretty, as rookie Ereck Flowers and veteran Justin Pugh each struggle with functional strength. Backup Marshall Newhouse hasn’t proven to be consistent, either.
Prediction: Flowers starts at left tackle.
New York Jets: Defensive Line
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Few, if any, teams can boast a defensive line as good as the New York Jets. Adding potentially the best prospect in the 2015 class to an already-potent group is going to make for a terrifying task for opposing offenses. But who will get snaps, and how many?
It won’t be hard to get Leonard Williams on the field, but can he beat out incumbent Muhammad Wilkerson for the starting position? This will be the top battle to watch for the Jets if you love trench play. The Jets offensive linemen will surely be glad when camp is over.
Prediction: Wilkerson earns the starting spot.
Oakland Raiders: Starting Right Tackle
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The Oakland Raiders on paper look much closer to becoming a highly competitive team. One sore spot on the offense is at right tackle. Last season’s starting right guard was Austin Howard, but he’s now in competition with Menelik Watson for the tackle spot.
Watson was a disaster last season, allowing 21 quarterback hurries in just 330 pass plays, per Pro Football Focus. But it’s hard to project Howard any better. Hopefully Watson takes a major leap in his development as he enters his third season.
Prediction: Howard claims the starting job.
Philadelphia Eagles: Slot Cornerback
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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly has been challenging traditional NFL ways this offseason more than ever. We’ll see how it works out on the field, but it has been fun to watch thus far. His willingness to put slot cornerback Brandon Boykin on the trade block is a bit of a head-scratcher, though.
Boykin has been one of the best slot cornerbacks in the NFL since he entered the league. Once again he was in the top-five slot corners in 2014, allowing a passer rating of 78.2 when targeted, per Pro Football Focus. His competition is Walter Thurmond, who had some injury issues last season before joining the Eagles.
Prediction: Boykin wins the slot position.
Pittsburgh Steelers: No. 2 Starting Corner
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The Pittsburgh Steelers desperately needed to overhaul their defensive personnel this offseason, and they succeeded. Gone are washed-up veterans, as the Steelers added six rookies via the 2015 draft. One position with fierce competition is cornerback.
Veteran William Gay will likely return to the slot, and Cortez Allen should be the favorite to start as well. But rookies Senquez Golson and Doran Grant look to be the next-best options for the second cornerback spot. If Golson starts, expect the Steelers to play more zone coverage, while Grant would suggest more man schemes.
Prediction: Grant starts in front of Golson.
San Diego Chargers: Starting Inside Linebacker
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The era of Manti Te’o as the San Diego Chargers inside linebacker hasn’t been quite as good as the team hoped when it drafted him two years ago. Te’o has been poor in coverage, allowing five touchdowns over the past two seasons. Next to Te’o is Donald Butler, who is one of the worst run-stopping inside linebackers in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus.
All of this poor play led to the Chargers selecting linebacker Denzel Perryman in the second round of the 2015 draft. Perryman was an elite prospect two years ago before he bulked up too much. If he can return to that form and be effective, the Chargers may have themselves a major steal.
Prediction: Perryman starts over Butler.
San Francisco 49ers: Starting Cornerback
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Though the San Francisco 49ers have talent at cornerback, it’s hard to be overly excited about the immediate impact of the group. Second-year players Dontae Johnson and Jimmie Ward have upside to continue to improve, but neither is likely to plateau already. Veterans Tramaine Brock and Shareece Wright will likely be a more stable pair.
The issue with Brock is he missed almost all of 2014. He played well in 2013, earning a positive grade from Pro Football Focus. But to assume he will be back 100 percent is a big leap of faith at this point.
Prediction: Brock and Wright win the starting cornerback openings.
Seattle Seahawks: Starting Center
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The Seattle Seahawks swapped their 2015 first-round pick and starting center for star tight end Jimmy Graham earlier this offseason. The move was shocking, but will enhance their passing attack greatly. Now, the Seahawks are still without a proven center.
Currently there are three options for the Seahawks at center: veteran Lemuel Jeanpierre, rookie Mark Glowinski and second-year center Patrick Lewis. None is proven at all at the position, so this will be a heated battle that could last all of training camp.
Prediction: Lewis wins the starting job.
St. Louis Rams: Starting Right Guard
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After years of offensive line issues, the St. Louis Rams decided to go line heavy with their 2015 draft. Four of their first six selections were linemen. This was a bit of overkill, as only two of the group are likely to start.
The right guard contest should be a three-man race. Veteran Barrett Jones is more of a versatile backup-type, leaving rookies Jamon Brown and Andrew Donnal as main competitors. Brown’s collegiate film was slightly better, so he gets the nod.
Prediction: Brown starts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Starting Strong Safety
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When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released safety Dashon Goldson, it seemed clear the team wanted a better coverage safety to play. But then they claimed former Texans safety D.J. Swearinger off of waivers. Swearinger’s play style is exactly like Goldson’s, but much less expensive.
With Swearinger’s main competition being Major Wright and Chris Hackett, it’s hard to see him losing that fight. He makes more of an impact than those two, despite his coverage limitations. If the Buccaneers want more help in coverage, then Wright may be a slightly better option.
Prediction: Swearinger beats out Wright.
Tennessee Titans: Starting Quarterback
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Potentially the most fascinating camp battle this year will be for the Tennessee Titans starting quarterback job. No. 2 overall pick Marcus Mariota faces an uphill climb in terms of mental preparedness for an NFL system. His competition will be second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
Mettenberger is less talented than Mariota, but he is ready to play right now. While Mariota learns the playbook and little nuances, Mettenberger should see the bulk of the first-team snaps. Ruining Mariota by playing him right away is the worst move possible.
Prediction: Mettenberger wins the starting job, but is replaced midseason.
Washington Redskins: Slot Cornerback
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The Washington Redskins cornerback position is somewhat difficult to gauge. On one hand, newly acquired veteran Chris Culliver is by far their best player. But behind him is the raw Bashaud Breeland, and the recovering DeAngelo Hall.
Breeland doesn’t have the skill set to play in the slot, although he is not a better overall player than Hall right now. But Hall’s skill set can work in the slot. That leaves Hall against David Amerson for the position. If Hall is healthy, he should win there.
Prediction: Hall plays in the slot.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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