Cleveland Browns Training Camp: 3 Position Battles to Keep an Eye On

Every year since the Browns have returned, Cleveland fans have had to endure countless training camp battles for the quarterback position.

Finally, we can sit back with a sigh of relief that Colt McCoy is the undoubted started and leader of the offense. But it still doesn't mean other position battles are not pivotal for both the offense and defense. 

Many of the team's positions are filled with quality starters. The offensive line, defensive line, linebackers and offensive backfield seem to be in pretty good hands. However, there are three battles that the fans should keep a watchful eye on. 

Free Safety: Usama Young/Mike Adams

The departure of former Brown Abe Elam allowed for an open competition at the free safety position.

Defensive back Mike Adams, who has been with the Browns for the past four seasons, has seen time at the safety position in the past. He also plays the nickelback position for the Browns, which has become an extremely important position in the current pass-happy NFL. However, many believe that Adams' versatility is the best part of his game. And if the Browns were to move him to the full-time starter at FS, then they would be limiting the different ways Adams could be used within the defensive backfield.

Depth was a concern at the safety position, so the front office did their due diligence and signed free agent Usama Young (formerly of the New Orleans Saints). Young has only started six games at the safety position, but that was due to the fact that the Saints have future hall of fame safety Darren Sharper and former Buckeye Malcolm Jenkins. So both the Browns and Young saw this as an opportunity for him to expand his role and become a full-time starter. Listed at 6'0'' 200 lbs., Young has the prototypical safety size with the speed and athleticism to go along with it.

Winner: Usama Young

Coach Shurmur said that they signed Young expecting him to compete and win the starting role. Also, I believe that the Browns see Adams' value as a backup who can provide quality play (if needed) throughout the season.  

No. 1 Wide Receiver: Mohamed Massaquoi/Brian Robiskie/Greg Little/Joshua Cribbs

Both former second-round choices of the short-lived Mangini era, Robiskie and Massaquoi have showed inconsistency throughout their first two seasons. They both have shown flashes of being a legitimate NFL wideout, but neither of them have the athletic ability that most teams covet as a No. 1 wide receiver. So far in training camp, Massaquoi has been injured and Robiskie has not done anything special to be awarded the No. 1 spot. Although they may be the starters come Week 1, don't expect that to last throughout the season.

Cribbs is an interesting option as the teams No. 1 receiver. His running-after-the-catch skills translate perfectly to the west coast offense. But Cribbs' value is as a kick and punt returner. He will get his looks at receiver during games, but the team's focus needs to be keeping him healthy. If they are able to do that, the offense will benefit starting at the 30 or 35-yard line rather than the 20-yard line.

Rookie Greg Little has been turning heads so far in camp. His toughness to break arm-tackles and leaping ability has been drawing rave reviews. But he has been prone to dropping a few easy passes. What people must realize is that Little has not played in a game situation in over 18 months, so to expect him to come in Week 1 of training camp and catch everything thrown his way is unrealistic. He's going to have a little bit of a learning curve, but once he is able to gain some confidence, the sky is the limit.

Winner: Greg Little

He may not be the starter day one against "the nasty," but by season's end, he will have established himself as the No. 1 for next season, and hopefully beyond.

Tight End: Ben Watson/Evan Moore

Last season, Watson established himself as the Browns' best receiving threat. He is deceptively quick with great hands. He also had a respectable season (68 rec. 763 yards 3 TDs) in former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's horrendous offense. But after suffering a concussion early in training camp, Watson has opened the door for Evan Moore.

Moore is big, fast and plays like a receiver. He's bigger than defensive backs and quicker than most linebackers, which is why he has become such a nightmare matchup for most defensive coordinators. Also, with collegiate experience at the WR position, it easy to spread Moore outside in the formation to get a favorable matchup against a smaller defensive back. 

Winner: Watson will be the starter, but expect Moore to be more of an impact player. Early word out of training camp is that, during red zone drills, Moore brings down at least three to four TDs. And if Watson would to go down with an injury, expect Moore to take full advantage and maybe secure the job for himself.