2017 NFL Training Camp: Predicting the Winners of Biggest Camp Battles

NFL training camps are here. The battles about to ensue to determine supremacy won't be as fierce as those faced in Game of Thrones, yet each player is looking for the same outcome: to rule his position with an iron fist. 

Being thrown into the fray with a chance to emerge victorious is all an individual can ask for, but he may experience the stark reality of a challenger being more worthy, talented or placed in a better position to succeed.

In the NFL, quarterbacks are royalty and demand attention. Thus, the competitions behind center will drive storylines around the league. 

The Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans enter their summer sessions with wide-open competitions at the game's most important position. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers appear to be leaning toward starting experienced options without allowing their young signal-callers a legitimate chance to compete. 

Others with the ability to affect the scoreboard are also of significant interest. A couple of offensive line and cornerback clashes made the list as well. 

These battles will define the 2017 campaign. But those who eventually sit atop the depth chart can't become complacent because the conquered are only one or two plays away from winning the starting spot. The following training camp battles are expected to be highly competitive.

Honorable Mention

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Competition is constant during training camps. Even those who appear to have their starting role well in hand can and will face numerous challengers. 

Five scenarios, in particular, are interesting even if they didn't qualify for the biggest training camp battles: 

• Cincinnati Bengals: Running Back - Jeremy Hill enters his fourth season among a loaded Bengals backfield, and his number of carries is expected to decrease with Giovani Bernard healthy and recent second-round pick Joe Mixon added to the rotation. 
  
  
• New Orleans Saints: Running Back - Mark Ingram is coming off the best season of his career. The Saints organization responded by signing future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson and selecting Alvin Kamara in the third round of April's draft. All three will be featured in a revamped Saints run game.  
  
  
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Wide Receiver - Antonio Brown is a three-time first-team All-Pro performer. His status within the Steelers offense isn't in question. Beyond that point, Pittsburgh needs to decipher who will receive the most targets. Returning from a year-long suspension, Martavis Bryant will compete for looks alongside Sammie Coates, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Eli Rogers and recent second-round pick JuJu Smith-Schuster. 
  
  
• San Francisco 49ers: Offensive Line - Kyle Shahanan brings an entirely different offensive approach and scheme than the one employed by previous head coach Chip Kelly. Shanahan prefers more agile and smaller blockers. How players like Trent Brown, Joshua Garnett and Daniel Kilgore fit into the mix has yet to be determined since every starting spot except for left tackle is available. 
  
  
• Minnesota Vikings: 3-Technique - Sharrif Floyd opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list, and his status for this season remains undetermined as he deals with nerve damage in his knee. A combination of Datone Jones, Tom Johnson, Shamar Stephen, Will Sutton and rookie Jaleel Johnson are expected to fill the void. 

Cleveland Browns: Quarterback

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Cody Kessler vs. DeShone Kizer vs. Brock Osweiler

A year ago, the Houston Texans organization was abuzz about the potential of quarterback Brock Osweiler. The free-agent quarterback agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract with the intention of becoming the face of the franchise. 

Life came at Osweiler fast. 

A year later, he's no longer a member of the Texans, and he may need to fight for a roster spot, let alone a starting position. After playing poorly and butting heads with head coach Bill O'Brien, the Texans traded Osweiler to the Cleveland Browns in a salary dump, while Cleveland recouped a future second-round pick. 

A funny thing could happen between that point and the end of training camp: Osweiler may prove to be the best starting option on the roster. He's already the Browns' highest-paid player at $16 million this season. 

The quarterback's contract is guaranteed for 2017. Unless the organization plans on taking a massive financial hit by releasing Osweiler or finds a trade partner, head coach Hue Jackson and his staff will work with the 26-year-old signal-caller to see if he develops into the player the Texans thought he could be. 

Cody Kessler will enter training camp as QB1, though. Last year's third-round pick flashed during his eight starts. The USC product completed 65.6 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and only two interceptions. He enters this offseason with the best understanding of the team's offense, which provides an edge. 

But Kessler is limited. While he worked to become stronger and more mechanically sound this offseason, he'll never be the presence behind center most teams prefer. Last season, Jackson pulled Kessler because of the rookie's unwillingness to take shots down field. 

DeShone Kizer is the wild card. This year's second-round pick has all the talent a team wants in its quarterback. He's 6'4" and 233 pounds with plenty of arm strength. Kizer is competing with himself in an attempt to prove to the coaches he's capable of understanding and executing an NFL offense. 

Due to the uncertainty regarding Kessler and Kizer, Osweiler has a chance to emerge. He's the most experienced and still presents some upside. If he grasps Jackson's offense without making too many poor on-field decisions, the 6'8" quarterback has a legitimate chance to be the Browns' Week 1 starter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Winner: Osweiler

Denver Broncos: Quarterback

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Trevor Siemian vs. Paxton Lynch

The quarterback competition that began in Denver last year will bleed into another Broncos campaign. 

Trevor Siemian and former first-round pick Paxton Lynch are being asked to compete after neither established himself last season. 

Even though the quarterback challengers remain the same, plenty changed this offseason with a new coaching staff in place, which brings a different offensive scheme. 

"As I've said to all the players, not just [the quarterbacks]: Learn the system," coordinator Mike McCoy said, per ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold. "That's the most important. I consistently say, 'When you leave this office, you have to study.' Everybody has talent; the key is learning [the plays] and knowing what to do. Everybody, including [the quarterbacks], has to put themselves in a position to come back here for camp ready to compete for a job."

This seems to favor Siemian because of his previous starting experience and understanding of the game. 

Lynch is still a developmental prospect. Despite having all the physical tools to thrive, the Memphis prospect entered the NFL ranks as a blank slate. His collegiate offense didn't ask him to make pro-style throws. Instead, he relied on simple passing concepts. 

Denver traded up to acquire Lynch knowing full well he wasn't a finished product. When placed in the lineup last season, the first-year signal-caller displayed poor pocket presence. 

Siemian had his issues, too. But he still provided an 18-to-10 touchdown-to-interception ratio as a first-time starter. Natural progression should occur in his second year. When blitzed last season, Siemian also posted the league's lowest sack rate behind a suspect offensive line, per Pro Football Focus' Mike Renner (h/t BSN Denver's Zac Stevens). 

The safe choice is the right choice for a team with playoff aspirations. 

Winner: Siemian

Houston Texans: Quarterback

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Tom Savage vs. Deshaun Watson

The Houston Texans placed themselves in a difficult position. Does the team attempt to win in the short term or build toward the future? These two approaches aren't mutually exclusive. The team can achieve both depending on the decision it makes in regards to its starting quarterback. 

First, the franchise had to crawl out of the quagmire it created with Brock Osweiler's acquisition. The team appeared to be stuck with the $72 million quarterback. However, Houston found a trade partner in the Cleveland Browns to take Osweiler (and next year's second-round pick) off their hands. 

After moving Osweiler, the Texans reconnected with the Browns during the NFL draft. Houston traded up from the 25th overall pick to the 12th selection for the opportunity to acquire Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

Despite making these drastic moves to completely renovate the team's quarterback room, a holdover could enter the season as the Texans' starter. 

Head coach Bill O'Brien provided Savage, who has spent the last three seasons in his system, with the benefit of the doubt. With the veteran receiving first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, he built a rapport with his receivers. 

"I like his leadership," DeAndre Hopkins said last month, per ESPN.com's Sarah Barshop. "... Now that he's in that role, it's no surprise to anybody on this field that he deserves that role. He has earned it, not just from playing, but from the chemistry he has built in the locker room with everybody."

"Earned it" may be a bit much. Savage has started two games in his career with zero touchdown tosses. While he may serve as a bridge, the Texans made the bold move to acquire Watson for a reason. The reason is Savage shouldn't be viewed as a starting quarterback. 

Watson needs time to acclimate to the professional ranks, but he was a special talent at the collegiate level. His learning curve may be shorter than expected, too. 

"The one thing that stood out to me is, really, his work ethic and how dedicated he is to doing it," quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said, per Barshop. "... His approach to it, how serious he is about it and his professional demeanor for a young guy has been impressive for me."

The Texans may take a slight step back with Watson as their starter, but he's the future of the franchise. He may not even be much of a step back in the short term when Savage is the alternative. 

Winner: Watson

New England Patriots: Running Back

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James White vs. Mike Gillislee vs. Rex Burkhead vs. Dion Lewis

LeGarrette Blount ran for 1,161 yards and led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns during the 2016 campaign. How was he rewarded for his services? The New England Patriots decided to go in another direction during free agency. 

In fact, the organization went in multiple directions. Instead of re-signing the 30-year-old back, New England handed James White a three-year, $12 million extension, signed Rex Burkhead and snatched Mike Gillislee away from the Buffalo Bills as a restricted free agent. 

On account of the amount of talent found in the Patriots backfield—including holdovers Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden—a running back-by-committee approach is expected because each provides a different skill set. 

White proved his value during Super Bowl LI with a record-setting 14 receptions for 110 yards. His role as the Patriots' third-down back won't change. It's unlikely he'll be considered the team's lead back, though. 

Instead, the Patriots need to find a physical presence to replace Blount. Burkhead and Lewis are well-rounded options, but neither is considered a bulldozer.

Gillislee may have been the most overlooked running back in the NFL last season. With the spotlight on teammate LeSean McCoy, Gillislee's effectiveness didn't receive enough recognition. According to Sharp Football Stats' Warren Sharp, he was one of three running backs last season to rank among the top 10 overall in success percentage, missed yards per attempt and YAS percentage (explosiveness) with a minimum of 95 attempts. The Dallas Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott and Green Bay Packers' Ty Montgomery were the other two backs to accomplish this feat. 

The 219-pound back also finished third in average yards after contact, per Pro Football Focus. 

Advanced statistics from a small sample size don't necessarily extrapolate when a player is asked to shoulder a more significant load. However, 577 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in limited opportunities is impressive. It shows Gillislee can be effective even when he's splitting carries—which he'll do in New England. 

The running back has the potential to become a breakout star this fall. 

Winner: Gillislee

Minnesota Vikings: Running Back

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Latavius Murray vs. Dalvin Cook

For 10 seasons, running back Adrian Peterson served as the face of the Minnesota Vikings franchise. Peterson established himself as the focal point of the offense and a Hall of Fame performer. 

In February, the Vikings decided not to pick up Peterson's option for the upcoming season, and he became a free agent. Peterson eventually signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. 

With Peterson gone, Minnesota addressed running back in both free agency and the draft. 

The team came to terms with Latavius Murray a week into the new league year. He received a three-year, $15 million contract to take over as the lead back. At least, the franchise planned to have the former Oakland Raider take over for Peterson.

Minnesota didn't expect one of the draft's class' top running backs to be available in the second round. When Dalvin Cook experienced a draft weekend slide, the Vikings traded up to the 42nd overall pick to acquire Florida State's all-time leading rusher. Cook was viewed as a first-round talent throughout the evaluation process, yet concerns lingered regarding a poor combine workout and off-the-field incidents. 

Considering Murray's contract status, he should still be the favorite to win the job. Last season, he led the Raiders with 788 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The Vikings coaching staff likely has the 230-pound back earmarked for a short-yardage role, per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune's Matt Vensel. 

Cook will be provided with a head start, though. Murray missed all of spring OTAs and minicamp while he recovered from offseason ankle surgery. The team placed the veteran on the physically unable to perform list at the onset of training camp, per ESPN.com's Ben Goessling. 

"It's very difficult, because those [other] guys, they have the upper hand," Murray said. "They've been out there practicing. Dalvin, he’s been in the system. ... I would say that they’re ahead of the game right now, so when I do come back I have some making up to do. I have to bust my behind to make sure I set myself apart."

With Murray out of the lineup, Cook can build an insurmountable lead in this competition and never look back, much like when he breaks a long run.  

Winner: Cook

Seattle Seahawks: Running Back

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Eddie Lacy vs. Thomas Rawls vs. C.J. Prosise 

Marshawn Lynch isn't walking through the doors of Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Yes, Beast Mode chose to return to the NFL after a year-long hiatus, but he wanted to play for his hometown Oakland Raiders, and the Seattle Seahawks obliged. 

The Seahawks could have held their former franchise running back hostage, but it already moved on with the acquisition of Eddie Lacy in free agency. Lacy signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract in March. The Seahawks hope he can return to form after faltering.  

Lacy ran for 2,317 yards during his first two seasons as a member of the Green Bay Packers. His production fell to 1,118 yards during the 2015 and '16 campaigns because of a combination of injuries, fluctuating weight and team discipline. 

Seattle is trying to keep Lacy in check with weight clauses in his contract. So far, so good. ESPN.com's Sheil Kapadia reported Lacy must remain below 245 pounds during the regular season. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll wants his running back to be big and physical, just not too big. 

"Whatever he likes, that's what I like," Lacy said. 

As long as Lacy stays within the parameters of his agreement and stays healthy, he'll be the offense's lead back. If he doesn't, it opens the door for others to claim bigger roles. 

Thomas Rawls looked like Lynch's heir apparent during the 2015 campaign. In taking over for an injured Lynch, the undrafted free agent from Central Michigan rumbled his way to 830 rushing yards on 5.6 yards per carry. Unfortunately, the rookie suffered a fractured ankle late in the season. He wasn't the same back in 2016. The Seahawks are still waiting for his explosiveness to return. 

C.J. Prosise brings a different element to the offense as a natural pass-catcher out of the backfield. He should earn the role of third-down back alongside Lacy and Rawls. If both stumble, Prosise could even become the starter. 

Winner: Lacy

Philadelphia Eagles: Slot Receiver

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Jordan Matthews vs. Nelson Agholor

The Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers became the focal point of last year's 7-9 campaign. The group let rookie signal-caller Carson Wentz down with multiple drops, and not a single one managed more than 804 receiving yards. 

Beyond Jordan Matthews' production, the situation became even bleaker. The rest of the team's wide receiver corps combined for 1,035 total yards. 

In response, the Eagles signed Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith in free agency. Their inclusion provides Wentz with reliable targets on the outside. Jeffery is a big, physical target at 6'3" and 218 pounds. During his career with the Chicago Bears, the wide receiver posted a pair of seasons with over 1,100 receiving yards. That said, he's been slowed by injuries and served a four-game suspension last season. 

Smith is a vertical threat. His 4.41-second 40-yard-dash speed must be accounted for at all times. Smith's production decreased in each of the past three campaigns, though. It's hard to imagine the 28-year-old target not eclipsing last season's 267 receiving yards. The San Francisco 49ers were a disaster, and Smith missed four games after suffering a concussion. The 49ers released him in March. 

With those additions, the Eagles are set at wide receiver, except the slot. 

Matthews and former first-round pick Nelson Agholor will compete to be the offense's third option. According to Pro Football Focus, Matthews has provided more yards (2,389) from the slot than any other receiver since the start of the 2014 campaign. He's a natural to continue in the role, but Agholor impressed during OTAs and minicamp. 

Agholor has been a major disappointment after the Eagles spent the 20th overall pick in the 2015 draft to acquire him. However, the light appeared to go on this spring. 

"He's always been an explosive guy, but boy, it sure seems like he might have gotten quicker and more explosive this offseason," quarterback Carson Wentz said, per ESPN.com's Tim McManus. "He's getting open, making plays. It's good to see."

Agholor will get a final chance to prove himself, but Matthews is a natural slot receiver, which gives him the edge. 

Winner: Matthews

Detroit Lions: Left Tackle

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Corey Robinson vs. Cornelius Lucas vs. Greg Robinson vs. Cyrus Kouandjio

Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker was one of the few players on the roster the team couldn't replace if injured. Decker suffered a torn shoulder labrum during minicamp and will miss four to six months, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. As such, his availability this season remains in question. 

In response to the injury, the Lions traded for former second overall pick Greg Robinson and signed Cyrus Kouandjio as a free agent. 

"We're happy to have them,” head coach Jim Caldwell said after their acquisitions, per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett. "Both guys give us an opportunity to get better and that’s the key."

Better than what?

Neither is better than Decker. They're both a significant drop in talent compared to last year's first-round pick. Both may be better than what's already found on the roster, Corey Robinson and Cornelius Lucas.

Greg Robinson has a chance to finally realize his potential under the guidance of offensive line coach Ron Prince. The Auburn product came into the league as an unpolished prospect. The 332-pound blocker overwhelmed collegiate defenders with sheer size, strength and attitude. 

The NFL is a far more nuanced game. An offensive lineman's technique is an ever-evolving process. Robinson fell behind before he entered the league and never caught up. Prince's blocking schemes will allow him to be more aggressive than the Rams wanted him to be. 

The rest of those competing will only start if Robinson doesn't adjust well to the Lions scheme. 

Winner: Greg Robinson

Arizona Cardinals: Cornerback

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Brandon Williams vs. Justin Bethel vs. Harlan Miller vs. Rudy Ford

The war of attrition continues opposite Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson. The three-time first-team All-Pro enters the 2017 campaign at the top of his game.  

Despite the uncertainty and poor play from the second cornerback spot a year ago, the Cardinals didn't address it during free agency or with a high draft pick. Instead, the organization's biggest investment was 2017 sixth-round pick Rudy Ford.

Two seasons ago, the Cardinals finished 13-3 with a defense that was fifth in yards allowed per game. Those are the expectations placed upon this year's squad. Arizona has plenty of talent along the back line in Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, Tyvon Branch, Antoine Bethea and recent second-round pick Budda Baker. 

Outside of Peterson, none of them are capable cover men on the outside. Instead, Brandon Williams and Justin Bethel are considered the favorites in the Cardinals' corner competition.

Arizona spent a third-round pick on Williams last year. The running back-turned-defensive back played in 13 games as a rookie, but he was in over his head. After opening the season as a starter, head coach Bruce Arians benched the first-year defensive back.  

"I was never put in that kind of position before, going from a starter to being, basically, a bench rider," Williams said, per ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss. "I wasn't used to that. It took me a little while to refocus and get back on my feet. When I did decide to not let that bring me down, I was looking for revenge."

Williams eventually worked his way back into the rotation, but he needed the time to develop. He'll be far more comfortable during his second campaign. 

Bethel never fully recovered last season from a foot injury he suffered in 2015, but he feels close to 100 percent now, per Arizona Sports 98.7 FM's Craig Morgan. 

With his upside, Williams might be too tempting not to start. Clearly, the Cardinals staff believed in Williams a year ago. He just wasn't ready. He should be this fall. 

Winner: Williams

Dallas Cowboys: Cornerback

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Anthony Brown vs. Nolan Carroll vs. Orlando Scandrick vs. Chidobe Awuzie vs. Jourdan Lewis

The Dallas Cowboys finished 26th in pass defense last season. It's hard to believe the secondary will be improved after the organization gutted its defensive back depth chart this offseason. 

Barry Church, Brandon Carr, J.J. Wilcox and Morris Claiborne combined to start 39 games during the 2016 regular season. Each left and found new teams in free agency. 

Anthony Brown, Byron Jones, Jeff Heath and Orlando Scandrick return and could easily be the team's starting secondary to open the season against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. 

The organization added Nolan Carroll in free agency as well as Colorado's Chidobe Awuzie and Michigan's Jourdan Lewis during the draft. All three have the ability to claim a starting spot. 

Carroll started 16 games last season for the Philadelphia Eagles, but he was arrested by Dallas police on May 29 for driving while intoxicated, per USA Today. He may be suspended for the start of the season.

Lewis, meanwhile, recently dealt with his own problems. He was found not guilty Tuesday on two charges of alleged domestic violence incident, per Michigan Daily's Mike Persak. The 5'10", 170-pound defensive back displayed the most fluid hips and some of the best coverage skills in this year's draft class. 

Awuzie is a versatile and physical option, too. However, Brown's play over the final five games of the 2016 campaign should give him an edge. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed the fewest coverage yards per snap during that span. 

With his experience in Dallas, Scandrick will likely be awarded the other spot. 

Winners: Brown, Scandrick