Alex Smith and 10 NFL Veterans Losing Position Battles Right Now

The lockout is fading out of people's memories and the NFL preseason is under way. This means that as the NFL season is creeping up, position battles are heating up. Every year multiple veterans get their position stolen away by someone younger, stronger, and faster. Here are some of these battles in which veterans are beginning to lose the battle to another player.

10. Mike Peterson

Mike Peterson of the Falcons was re-signed, but not in his familiar role as starting outside linebacker. Peterson has been one of the most consistent linebackers of this past decade.

Unfortunately for Peterson, the Falcons drafted Sean Witherspoon last year in the first round and also re-signed Stephen Nicholas, another outside linebacker. Age may be catching up to this 34-year-old veteran.

9. Derrick Mason

After having some good years in Baltimore as the first or second receiver, Derrick Mason is a member of the New York Jets. The Jets re-signed Santonio Holmes and signed ex-con Plaxico Burress, pitting the two of them at the first and second receiver.

Mason is now 37 years old and has virtually no shot at surpassing Burress, let alone Holmes, and is now looking to win the third spot. The gas tank is running out for Mason.

8. Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis

Green-Ellis has been one of the more reliable running backs in New England. After the Lawrence Maroney debacle, Green-Ellis stepped in and was a good compliment to Brady and his high-powered offense.

The Patriots drafted Stevan Ridley in the third round in this past draft and he has been wowing people in camp so far. He dominated in the first preseason game by rushing for over 60 yards and reaching the end zone three times. Pair Ridley up with first round pick Shane Vareen who proved in college that he has what it takes to be a NFL running back. Ben Jarvus may not be seeing much of the field this year.

7. Bruce Gradkowski

The Cincinnati Bengals' offseason has to be one of the worst in the NFL’s past decade. First, they fail to obtain any value for the “retiring” Carson Palmer. Secondly, they trade away Chad Ochocinco to the powerhouse Patriots for virtually nothing.

Now, they addressed both of these needs in the recent draft by drafting WR AJ Greene and QB Andy Dalton, but when was the last time rookies seamlessly filled the void left by proven veterans?

The Bengals signed Bruce Gradkowski in hopes of giving Dalton some time to mature before starting in the NFL. Reports have come in that veteran Bruce Gradkowski will most likely be in his familiar position as backup come Week 1.

6. Earl Bennett

The Chicago Bears have never been known for their offense, so they traded for Jay Cutler. This dramatically improved their quarterback position, but their wide receiving core was still considered one of the weaker ones in the NFC.

This offseason they signed Roy Williams after he was cut from the Cowboys in hopes of adding to the relatively poor receiving core. Now with Roy Williams in Chicago and the recent emergence of Johnny Knox, veteran Earl Bennett—who has established good chemistry over the years with Cutler—is most likely going to be on the outside looking in.

5. Chris Cooley

Redskins Tight End Chris Cooley's circumstances are a little different than the others. Going into camp it was thought that he was going to easily win the tight end job, once again, and produce the numbers the way he always has.

Currently, Cooley is nursing an ankle injury and former University of California standout Fred Davis is looking to capitalize on Cooley's not being able to practice. Look for this battle to heat up as Davis continues to impress and Cooley remains sidelined.

4. Charlie Whitehurst

Last season the Seattle Seahawks traded for Charlie Whitehurst, then renegotiated his contract for two years and eight million dollars. They took a chance on a player who has essentially never stepped on the field for a regular season game with San Diego.

The Seahawks had high hopes that he could replace Matt Hasselbeck when the time came. Well, the time has come and the Seahawks went out and acquired quarterback Tavaris Jackson, reuniting him with his former offensive coordinator and top receiving target Sidney Rice. I’m afraid Charlie Whitehurst is in some serious trouble.

3. Pierre Thomas

The New Orleans Saints have busted onto the national scene largely due to the passing attack led by pro bowl quarterback Drew Brees. Their running game has been mediocre at best these past couple of years with Pierre Thomas as the featured back. Pierre has never rushed for over 1,000 yards nor has he rushed for double-digit touchdowns in his career.

The Saints spent their first round draft pick on Heisman tailback Mark Ingram out of Alabama. Ingram looked very good in the first preseason game, rushing for a touchdown. Look for Pierre to start being phased out of the offensive game plans.

2. Rex Grossman

In Rex Grossman’s eight-year career he has only once played in all 16 games. This was back in 2006 when he was a member of the Chicago Bears team that lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl.

Rex has posted unimpressive numbers during his career and currently sits at 40 touchdowns with 40 interceptions. His completion percentage has never sniffed 60% as his career average is 54%. Currently, Rex sits atop of the depth chart in Washington, but will need to pick it up if he wants to hold off John Beck. Head Coach Mike Shanahan has been quoted saying that he really, really likes John Beck.

1. Alex Smith

Former number one overall draft pick Alex Smith has horrifically underachieved in his relatively short NFL career. Since graduating from Utah, Alex has yet to throw for over 3,000 yards and has only once touched the 60% completion percentage mark. In the five years that he has been in the league he has managed to throw only 51 touchdowns, compared to his 53 interceptions.

Two days ago head coach Harbaugh announced that the quarterback spot is open for competition and yesterday there were reports that the 49ers are bringing in veteran Daunte Culpepper for a workout to see what he has left in the tank.