The Biggest Spot Up for Grabs in Each NFL Training Camp
Now that training camp has arrived for a select number of NFL teams, it’s time to focus on the upcoming season. Whether a fan of a Super Bowl contender or a rebuilding franchise, the fact that football is back feels great.
Even the most promising teams have a to-do list for training camp. Coaches must identify and address all potential weak spots on the depth chart. Every team has at least one starting position on on the line.
We’re going to look at the biggest spot up for grabs for each NFL team. Whether the battle is for a starting job or a key reserve role, these are the issues that could define a team’s 2015 season. The wrong decision could set a team back greatly when the regular season begins.
After seeing what your favorite team’s biggest spot up for grabs is, predict the outcome in the comments section below.
Arizona Cardinals: No. 2 Cornerback
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The Arizona Cardinals have a solid roster that figures to again compete for the playoffs in 2015. One of the side effects of acquiring competent talent throughout the roster are the positional battles. Arizona will likely have several in training camp.
The most prominent battle at this time comes at cornerback. The Cardinals stuck with their veteran options instead of investing in free agency or the draft. Obviously Patrick Peterson will be the No. 1 cornerback, but who plays the most after him is a toss-up.
Arizona’s best three options are Jerraud Powers, Justin Bethel and Damond Smith. Powers played 761 snaps in 2014, per Pro Football Focus, so he’s the most likely to win the starting job. That would leave Bethel and Smith to battle for the slot and No. 4 jobs.
Atlanta Falcons: Free Safety
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Led by new head coach Dan Quinn, who has a more demonstrative persona than the previous coaching regime, the Atlanta Falcons have a new feel entering the season. Adding edge-rushers like Vic Beasley and Brooks Reed should be massive upgrades on the defense. Getting healthy and hiring Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator are positives for the offense.
With the offense mostly set for the season, the defense features an intriguing training camp battle. The free safety position will likely either go to Charles Godfrey or Ricardo Allen. This assumes that the Falcons will keep Dezmen Southward at cornerback, which Quinn explained to AtlantaFalcons.com is a possibility (h/t The Falcoholic).
While Godfrey has been able to gain experience since 2008, he hasn't been an overly effective player. Allen’s size must be considered a negative, as he’s just 5’9” and 187 pounds. Godfrey at least has average size for a safety, and the Falcons may prefer his experience and size.
Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver
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As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to achieve another postseason appearance, there are a few housekeeping details that must be tended to. Baltimore’s veteran roster is one of the more impressive in the NFL because of the time this team has been together. One position that must be hashed out is wide receiver.
Steve Smith is clearly the top option in 2015. Rookie Breshad Perriman figures to earn a significant amount of snaps eventually as well. He should take Torrey Smith’s role as a vertical threat for Joe Flacco.
Behind Perriman is a bit of a cluster of average options. The foursome of Michael Campanaro, Marlon Brown, Jeremy Butler and Kamar Aiken strike zero fear into opponents right now. Baltimore must find a consistent threat for Flacco to check down to.
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Buffalo Bills: Quarterback
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The Buffalo Bills roster is filled with talent from top to bottom. A renewed energy from adding Rex Ryan as the head coach is a big reason for optimism for the Bills’ future. But the quarterback position is likely to hold this team back from fulfilling their upside.
Still, finding the best option is imperative. Veteran Matt Cassel may be the most stable of the three candidates, but he is also the most physically limited. The Bills may want to avoid starting Cassel.
EJ Manuel and Tyrod Taylor are more athletic presences to varying degrees. Manuel’s pocket-passing talent must develop for him to really show strides as an NFL quarterback, but he offers at least some upside for the Bills to work with. It may not be realistic to believe Taylor can be more than a backup, as he’s thrown just 35 career passes.
Carolina Panthers: Right Tackle
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The Carolina Panthers are looking to win the NFC South for the third consecutive season. The division remains a difficult one to project, which means the Panthers are likely to at least be in the mix for the playoffs when the season concludes. That’s not a bad spot to be in.
Most of the team’s starters on defense will be back for this year. Losing defensive end Greg Hardy hurt, but the unit already was without his services for most of 2014. That leaves the offense as needing help.
Whoever will be protecting Cam Newton is a major concern. Right tackle was a position of weakness in 2014, so the team added Daryl Williams in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. Either Nate Chandler or Williams must emerge as a solid option.
Chicago Bears: Outside Linebacker
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In an effort to be more competitive in 2015 than 2014, the Chicago Bears bolstered their starting lineup through the draft and free agency. This is now a veteran-laden team led by head coach John Fox. That’s fitting, as Fox has gravitated toward relying on older players than young options.
The Bears’ depth chart is unlikely to change much barring injuries. It’s not an especially deep roster yet. But the defensive front may have some shuffling.
Chicago's linebacker group includes talented pass-rushers like Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen. None are really fit to be full-time players based off their usage last season, so the Bears must divvy up snaps. Training camp is the place to determine that.
Cincinnati Bengals: Linebacker
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After an offseason where the Cincinnati Bengals mostly stood pat as far as major acquisitions go, the franchise is hoping continuity provides a boost. We’ll see whether the team should have invested into a more impactful free agent than they did. Right now, this seems like a team stuck in third gear.
The Bengals defense should benefit from Michael Johnson’s return at defensive end. It’s not an overly athletic front seven, though. That could create issues against more dynamic offenses.
Even after adding linebacker A.J. Hawk to the team, the Bengals linebackers could be a weak spot to watch. Both Hawk and Rey Maualuga struggle in coverage, while Vontaze Burfict hasn’t been the impact player he once was in prior seasons due to injuries.
Cleveland Browns: Quarterback
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Like a select few other teams in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns have a strong roster with only one major eyesore position. Unfortunately, that is the quarterback position. Almost any other position could be compensated for, but not quarterback.
The options for the Browns are limited. Veteran Josh McCown seems more likely than not to win the job. But starting him would put a firm ceiling on just how good this team will be in 2015.
If Johnny Manziel can earn the job, then things get more interesting. Manziel was horrible in 2014, but he probably has more natural talent than McCown. Whether he can consistently show that talent is the big storyline entering training camp.
Dallas Cowboys: Running Back
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The obvious hole on the Dallas Cowboys is at running back. After the Cowboys rode DeMarco Murray so hard in 2014, it wasn’t surprising the team didn’t re-sign him in free agency. It was surprising the Cowboys didn’t try to find an adequate replacement, though.
Dallas’ offensive line is great, but the thought that this unit will open running lanes for any back to be productive is misguided. Murray is more talented than any of the backs on Dallas’ roster, and that’ll show this season.
The trio of Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar haven't proven much in the NFL. Whether one stands out more than the others to grasp the starting job will be the biggest spot up for grabs on this roster.
Denver Broncos: Left Guard
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Protecting quarterback Peyton Manning from taking hits will be as important as ever in 2015. Manning showed serious decline late last season when he was dealing with a quad injury. The Denver Broncos must know they cannot win many games without Manning at full health.
The problem for the Broncos is who will protect Manning. They are on track to start four new linemen this year after free agency, the draft and injuries took their hits. That’s not promising news.
Of the positions up for grabs, left guard will be interesting. Veterans Ben Garland and Shelley Smith aren’t bad players, but the one who wins the starting job must improve pass-protection ability. Losing left tackle Ryan Clady to a torn ACL sustained during OTAs will be a sorely needed crutch whom the team will miss.
Detroit Lions: Slot Receiver
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The Detroit Lions went through a minor roster overhaul this offseason after losing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in free agency. Their defense still figures to be one of the best in the NFL, but losing an elite playmaker will force an adjustment period.
The more interesting training camp battle will occur on offense. Getting Calvin Johnson back from injury for this season will be huge. Plus, Golden Tate established himself last year as a big-time weapon.
Whoever plays the slot must be effective in limited targets. Either Jeremy Ross, Corey Fuller or Ryan Broyles must give Matthew Stafford a reliable and consistent playmaker, as they’re likely to be open quite often. That’s a big perk of playing with such great receivers.
Green Bay Packers: Defensive End
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It’s been a rough offseason for the Green Bay Packers defensive line. Suspensions were handed out like candy to this unit after some offseason troubles with the law. Both Datone Jones (one game) and Letroy Guion (three games) will miss time at the start of 2015.
The only positive for this unit is Mike Daniels right now. Daniels is an excellent player at defensive end, but there’s not much proven talent available to the Packers coaches. They must find quality depth in training camp.
Young players like Khyri Thornton and Bruce Gaston do offer some developmental upside. If one can show promise, then a platoon with Josh Boyd may not be too bad the first few weeks of the regular season.
Houston Texans: Quarterback
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As the Houston Texans prepare for the 2015 season, it must be understood that this is one of the better rosters in the league. Their defense is especially notable with the presence of J.J. Watt, Vince Wilfork, Brian Cushing and a good secondary. If Jadeveon Clowney can fulfill his potential, then this could be a top-five unit.
Bill O’Brien’s offense could be an effective group as well. A healthy Arian Foster is a top-three back who is capable of carrying this offense once again. The question mark is at quarterback.
If Ryan Mallett wins the starting job, it’s because he offers a bit more upside than Brian Hoyer. Hoyer’s ceiling is so limited that he will eventually hold the Texans back. But Mallett’s playing potential hasn’t been seen yet.
Indianapolis Colts: Center
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The Indianapolis Colts offense figures to be an explosive unit once again in 2015. Led by quarterback Andrew Luck, the Colts also have a deep receiver core and a solid running back in Frank Gore. This unit is ready to challenge for the best offense in the NFL.
The one weakness of the Colts offense is a mediocre offensive line. This group is one injury away from being a porous one because of the lack of viable backup quality players. The center position is the only one with a competition.
Second-year center Jonotthan Harrison and third-year center Khaled Holmes will battle for the job. Harrison may have the upper hand since he played more in 2014. The Colts will need better play from whichever earns the starting gig.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Left Guard
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As the Jacksonville Jaguars set out to show improvement in 2015 after rebuilding for a few seasons, they’ll have to figure out their offensive identity. The Jaguars were a zone-blocking team last season, but their free-agent signings and draft class suggest more gap-blocking elements being favored.
The battle at left guard isn’t flashy, but it is important. If the Jaguars want to continue with the zone-blocking scheme, then Zane Beadles should have the upper hand at the position. But a move to more power blocks would likely favor rookie A.J. Cann.
It’s important the Jaguars build the offense based on personnel. Quarterback Blake Bortles needs as much help as possible to succeed. Choosing the best scheme will be critical.
Kansas City Chiefs: Strong Safety
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After the Kansas City Chiefs did the right thing by extending Justin Houston’s contract, it’s time to focus solely on how this team will do on the field. Most of last year’s roster is back, with the exception of star safety Eric Berry. The strength of the Chiefs is still on the defense, despite adding Jeremy Maclin in free agency.
If linebacker Derrick Johnson can return from an Achilles tear in good form, then this could be one of the best defenses in the league. Johnson is one of the top linebackers in the NFL when he’s 100 percent.
The biggest camp battle will come at Berry’s position, strong safety. Kansas City added Tyvon Branch as competition for Ron Parker this offseason. Both are capable starters, but Branch’s resume looks a little stronger as camp begins.
Miami Dolphins: Left Guard
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After overhauling an expensive and underachieving receiver core this offseason, the Miami Dolphins have one of the youngest offensive groups in the NFL. That’s a big reason for optimism on Miami’s future. New, more dynamic and younger receivers could lead to a massive season for quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
The Dolphins offensive line still has some questions, though. Second-year guard Billy Turner will be on the right side, but there is an important competition on the left side. Rookie Jamil Douglas and third-year guard Dallas Thomas are the top two options on the roster currently.
Thomas should benefit from spending all offseason and training camp at one position. He’s been cross-trained at several spots throughout his first two seasons, which undoubtedly affected his growth. Douglas is the more natural left guard. He spent three seasons there at Arizona State.
Minnesota Vikings: Right Guard
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Possibly the most popular offseason choice to be a playoff newcomer in 2015 is the Minnesota Vikings. It’s easy to buy into this team. They possess an excellent backfield with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson.
The area that really held this team back in 2014 was the offensive line. Left tackle Matt Kalil hasn’t been overly effective since he was a rookie. Injury issues decimated the rest of the line throughout the season.
With a healthy unit, the Vikings should be a solid offense. The only position up for grabs is right guard. This will be a critical battle between young players. Rookies T.J. Clemmings, Tyrus Thompson and second-year guard David Yankey are all candidates for the job.
New England Patriots: Cornerback
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In an effort to help mitigate the issues the New England Patriots have at cornerback, the Patriots added veteran Tarell Brown. Brown should be able to compete for at least the nickel or outside starting job with New England, based on his past play. The other options aren’t too promising.
Bill Belichick’s defensive genius is hard and unwise to doubt, but he’ll have to work major magic with this unit. The talent he’s working with is severely lacking. His best cornerback may have been signed off the street in late July.
Other options like Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler and Robert McClain will be potentially thrust into a much more important role than what they’re used to. Bradley Fletcher was a terrible cornerback in Philadelphia. New England must make chicken salad out of a lacking group.
New Orleans Saints: Inside Linebacker
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The New Orleans Saints are a tough team to peg entering training camp. It’s an old roster that desperately needs their recent draft classes to step up and contribute. The hope that a rookie tackle with no clear position to play will save their offense seems overly optimistic.
The reality for the Saints is they have to squeeze another good season out of aging players. This is entirely possible as long as Sean Payton is the head coach and Drew Brees is an elite quarterback. But it won’t be easy.
Defensively, the Saints must rebound from a bad 2014 campaign. Finding the right linebackers will go a long way there. The Saints must find two adequate starters at inside linebacker between David Hawthorne, Stephone Anthony and Dannell Ellerbe.
New York Giants: Free Safety
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It’s a critical season for the New York Giants. Stalwarts like Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning could be in make-or-break seasons in 2015. That creates a lot of urgency to succeed.
There are a lot of questions about the Giants right now, though. Their offensive line is a major concern. Losing Jason Pierre-Paul for any type of time could be devastating.
The secondary has a massive hole at free safety. Neither Cooper Taylor nor Mykkele Thompson has proven themselves as viable options. Nat Berhe is probably the best qualified player to start.
New York Jets: Right Guard
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The New York Jets must be given credit for the way they’ve tried to improve their roster this offseason. Acquiring highly talented players like Brandon Marshall, Leonard Williams, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie should prove to be massive upgrades this year.
But there are still big questions about this Jets roster. One of the biggest questions is along the offensive line. This is an aging unit that must hash out who is starting.
Signing James Carpenter as a free agent likely means he’ll start at either left or right guard. There will be an opening at the opposite guard position, though. Veterans Oday Aboushi, Willie Colon and Brian Winters must be a fruitful training camp battle.
Oakland Raiders: Right Tackle
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The Oakland Raiders figure to be more competitive this year than last. Not only has their young core of playmakers been bolstered after a strong draft and free agency, but incumbents are a year older. Second-year players Derek Carr and Khalil Mack must continue to show growth.
When the Raiders selected Amari Cooper in the draft and added Michael Crabtree in free agency, it was a clear sign this team knew Carr needed more help. His receivers are more competent now than a year ago. But what about his protection?
Adding center Rodney Hudson was a huge signing. The big question area is at right tackle. The Raiders must find out whether Menelik Watson is ready to fulfill his second-round draft status or if Austin Howard is still worth their $30 million investment in him.
Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback
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The Philadelphia Eagles are surely ready to hit the field after an eventful offseason. Chip Kelly’s first offseason as the lead personnel decision-maker has been fun to track. We’ll see how well the moves work out this fall.
Since the Eagles needed a secondary overhaul, the team acquired three corners between the draft and free agency. This is a good thing, as the talent is more credible now. But the team must determine playing time.
Byron Maxwell is clearly the top cornerback option. Brandon Boykin is the best slot option, as well. Expect the Eagles to see whether rookie Eric Rowe can beat out Nolan Carroll in training camp.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Outside Linebacker
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The Pittsburgh Steelers embarked on a defensive overhaul this past offseason. It will be odd to not see Ike Taylor or Troy Polamalu in a Steelers’ uniform this season, but the time was right to move on. The new-look Steelers defense must be more dynamic and youthful.
Pittsburgh’s offense will likely do much of the heavy lifting. The trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown could be the best three offensive players in the NFL. The defense just has to be effective.
Between Bud Dupree, James Harrison, Arthur Moats and Jarvis Jones, the Steelers must find a solid rotation at outside linebacker. These players are so vastly differing with their skill sets. Dupree and Harrison seem the most qualified to get the majority of snaps.
San Diego Chargers: Outside Linebacker
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Year 3 of the Mike McCoy era for the San Diego Chargers is about to begin. The Chargers have been close to taking the next step into the playoffs in each of McCoy’s first two seasons. Overall roster limitations and late-season failures have added up, though.
After bolstering the offense through the draft and free agency with additions like running back Melvin Gordon and wide receivers Jacoby Jones and Stevie Johnson, this looks like a difficult matchup for many defenses. Quarterback Philip Rivers has all the weapons needed to lead a terrific unit. His defense must show they can consistently slow down the opposition.
What could hurt the Chargers’ efforts the most is the talent at outside linebacker. They currently lack any type of proven pass-rusher within the unit. Watch for second-year linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu to step up.
San Francisco 49ers: Slot Receiver
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There will be many new faces starting for the San Francisco 49ers this fall. That’s not necessarily a negative, considering how the 49ers failed to live up to expectations last year. But it does create an air of uncertainty.
A small handful of positions are up for grabs in training camp. The receiver position may be the most interesting because of the difference in skill sets that are available.
If the 49ers want to be more vertical, then Bruce Ellington is the best option. He’s powerfully built and is capable of winning on deep passes. For the opposite approach, then Quinton Patton can be a more horizontal threat.
Seattle Seahawks: Wide Receiver
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There aren’t many areas of major weakness on the Seattle Seahawks’ roster. The offensive line has had its struggles in pass protection, but that unit looks fairly well set entering training camp. That leaves the receiver position to be hashed out.
Although the Seahawks lack a true No. 1 option in terms of wide receivers, they have a deep group of talent there. Incumbents Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse have done well with quarterback Russell Wilson thus far. But there is room for movement after those two.
Super Bowl standout Chris Matthews and rookie Tyler Lockett come to mind as the two best receivers besides Kearse and Baldwin. Each offer unique skill sets to this roster. Watch for them to secure roster spots with ease.
St. Louis Rams: Offensive Line
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If the St. Louis Rams fail to build a good offensive line, it won’t be for a lack of trying. The Rams spent five draft picks this calendar year on offensive linemen, including one 2016 pick on Isaiah Battle. Now this young group must gel quickly for the Rams offense to improve.
The left side of the Rams line should be set for the foreseeable future with Greg Robinson and Rodger Saffold at tackle and guard, respectively. The right side must establish two strong starters as well. Candidates include both Rob Havenstein and Andrew Donnal.
St. Louis can decide whether to go with better pass protectors in Donnal and Jamon Brown at tackle and guard, or vice versa. Havenstein and Cody Wichmann are two Big Ten plodders who excel in the run game. This should be a fun competition.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Strong Safety
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The outlook for Tampa Bay’s 2015 season features a lot of points. Not only should the Buccaneers score a ton of points, but this defense might be unable to stop the opposition, too. The on-field shootouts should provide excellent entertainment—if nothing else.
Tampa’s defense just doesn’t have many reasons for optimism. Even with top playmakers like Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David, the Buccaneers will struggle to create a solid pass rush with any consistency. Without that, offenses will be able to score effectively.
The Bucs do have good cornerbacks in Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks. Bad safety play haunted the secondary last season, so this defense must find better performers than what they got before. Either Major Wright, D.J. Swearinger or Bradley McDougald must step up at strong safety.
Tennessee Titans: Wide Receiver
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After selecting quarterback Marcus Mariota second overall in the 2015 draft, the Tennessee Titans are hoping to be a better team this season. The franchise has lacked good quarterback play for almost a decade. Now there is hope that Mariota can help erase the memories of the Jake Locker era in Tennessee.
For Mariota to really excel, he’ll have to maximize a receiving core that was overhauled this offseason. The future of Justin Hunter could be in doubt after a recent arrest. But he wasn’t showing much on-field promise before this arrest, so his impact could be limited anyway.
New additions Hakeem Nicks, Harry Douglas, Dorial Green-Beckham and Tre McBride must show competence early and often. No. 1 receiver Kendall Wright hasn’t had much help in his career, but if one of these receivers can emerge, then Mariota should be able to take advantage of mismatches often.
Washington Redskins: Strong Safety
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The Washington Redskins will be under the microscope all season. Not only must quarterback Robert Griffin III show that he’s capable of piecing his career back together, but head coach Jay Gruden is on the hot seat already.
Washington added several quality veterans in the offseason to help accelerate its improvement. The defense was the big concern after a disastrous year from the unit in 2014. By plugging gaps with more experienced players, the Redskins hope to be more consistent.
The secondary is a major concern still. The team added Jeron Johnson from Seattle to compete with Duke Ihenacho, but neither is proven. It is key for the Redskins to find a good complementary piece to free safety Dashon Goldson.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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