As NFL training camp begins, each team is optimistic at this point of the year. All 32 teams are excited about their offseason additions and eager to see how the entire roster will perform during training camp and preseason games.
While several roles on each roster are already solidified, there are plenty of important position battles that will take place in the coming weeks around the league. Here’s one position battle to watch for all 32 NFL teams.
Top Position Battles To Watch in NFL Training Camp
Arizona Cardinals: Left Guard
While the Arizona Cardinals look to take a step forward in 2024, they will have an important competition at left guard. Arizona wants to protect franchise quarterback Kyler Murray from getting injured once again, making this an important battle.
Veteran interior offensive lineman Evan Brown appears to be in the lead for the starting spot. He could be challenged by rookie Isaiah Adams, though, with the potential to from offensive tackle to guard in the NFL. Elijah Wilkinson started at left guard for the Cardinals last season, but he struggled.
Atlanta Falcons: Cornerback
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell has locked up one of the starting spots on the outside. However, the spot opposite him is still up for grabs, even though Clark Phillips III is viewed as the early favorite to win it. Phillips will have to defeat Antonio Hamilton Sr., Kevin King, and Mike Hughes in what could be a feisty training camp battle.
Baltimore Ravens: Right Tackle
The Baltimore Ravens will be AFC contenders in 2024, but they made a questionable decision this offseason by trading away former starting right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.
Now the Ravens will likely lean on an unproven, young player at a key position along the offensive line. Daniel Faalele and rookie Roger Rosengarten are set to duke it out for Baltimore’s starting RT spot. It remains to be seen if that was the right decision for the Ravens to make this offseason.
Buffalo Bills: Wide Receiver
After trading away Stefon Diggs and allowing Gabe Davis to walk in free agency, it’s clear that the Buffalo Bills are ready to move in a different direction at wide receiver. Now star quarterback Josh Allen will be tasked with elevating talent around him.
It will be interesting to see who wins the position battle for targets between Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, among others.
Carolina Panthers: Running Back
Despite Chuba Hubbard’s impressive performance for the Carolina Panthers last season, the franchise still added a notable name in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now Hubbard is set to battle underwhelming veteran Miles Sanders and second-round pick Jonathon Brooks for the top spot in Carolina’s backfield.
Chicago Bears: Center
The Chicago Bears are certainly trending in the right direction, following a strong end to last season and the addition of franchise quarterback Caleb Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the Bears have a serious question regarding who will be snapping Williams the ball.
Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton are set to battle it out to be Chicago’s starting center. Bates is currently viewed as the early favorite, but Shelton has played more snaps at center in the NFL and certainly has a chance to win the battle.
Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback
After a disappointing defensive performance last season, the Cincinnati Bengals overhauled that side of the ball this offseason. This will force some reshuffling in Cincinnati’s secondary, as Dax Hill will move from safety to cornerback. Hill will likely battle DJ Turner II for the starting spot opposite Cam Taylor-Britt.
Cleveland Browns: Defensive Tackle
The Cleveland Browns are stacked at several positions, including along the defensive line. Which is why it’ll be interesting to see which defensive tackles stick around in Cleveland.
While Shelby Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson are the likely starters, the Browns could be forced to cut a promising player, such as Maurice Hurst II, due to the team’s depth at the position.
Dallas Cowboys: Left Tackle
After moving on from long-time starting left tackle Tyron Smith this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are heading in a new direction at the position. In Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected Tyler Guyton, pegging him to be Smith’s replacement.
There is the chance, however, that Dallas plays it slow with Guyton and moves Tyler Smith to LT instead.
Denver Broncos: Quarterback
It’s clear that the Denver Broncos are embracing a rebuild, having moved on from several notable players this offseason. Now Denver will host one of the most uninspiring quarterback battles in NFL history between rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, and Zach Wilson. Nix seems like the obvious choice and should win the battle outright.
Detroit Lions: Wide Receiver
Following Josh Reynolds’ departure this offseason, the Detroit Lions need to find a new WR3 for Jared Goff to target. Reynolds served as one of Goff’s favorite targets, and Kalif Raymond appears to be the early favorite to replace him in 2024. Donovan Peoples-Jones showed flashes at times, though, and could win the battle over Raymond.
Green Bay Packers: Cornerback
Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander has established himself as one of the best players at the position. Yet, the Packers must figure out who will start across from him on the outside.
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Eric Stokes is currently viewed as the favorite to win the CB2 spot, but Carrington Valentine played well when he was forced to replace him in 2023.
Houston Texans: Cornerback
Similar to the Packers, the Houston Texans will have an interesting battle for the second starting CB2. Derek Stingley Jr. is a rising star and cemented as one of Houston’s starting outside cornerbacks. Now Jeff Okudah, C.J. Henderson, and rookie Kamari Lassiter will battle it out during training camp and preseason for the other spot.
Indianapolis Colts: Wide Receiver
The Indianapolis Colts enjoyed plenty of offensive success during Shane Steichen’s first season as the franchise’s head coach. Now the Colts will look to build on that in 2024, but they must figure out which wide receiver will start opposite of Michael Pittman Jr.
Alec Pierce has failed to take hold of the role to start his career and has left the door open for someone else to take it. Indianapolis selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which is why he’s currently viewed as the favorite to win the WR2 job.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Left Tackle
Although Cam Robinson has been the Jacksonville Jaguars’ long-time starting left tackle, his days could be numbered. Walker Little filled in admirably last season and could be viewed as the team’s long-term starter. In fact, the Jaguars could actually save $17 million in cap space by moving on from Robinson in 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs: Left Tackle
Despite winning back-to-back Super Bowls, the Kansas City Chiefs are going with a bold strategy at left tackle in 2024.
As of now, Wanya Morris and rookie Kingsley Suamataia are set to battle for the starting job to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. However, if neither player impresses the Chiefs during training camp and preseason action, Donovan Smith is still available in free agency.
Las Vegas Raiders: Quarterback
Despite the clear frustration of star wide receiver Davante Adams, the Las Vegas Raiders will be hosting a QB battle in 2024, with Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell set to battle it out for the starting job.
Las Vegas made several improvements on defense, but it’s hard to imagine the Raiders going far given the team’s current quarterback situation.
Los Angeles Chargers: Wide Receiver
Similar to the Bills, the Los Angeles Chargers have revamped the WR group this offseason. The Chargers have moved on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams while embracing younger and cheaper players at the position. It will be interesting to see who wins the battle for targets between Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, and DJ Chark Jr.
Los Angeles Rams: Safety
As the Los Angeles Rams look to move forward following Aaron Donald’s retirement, they’ll likely have several new starters in the secondary. Kamren Curl is cemented at one of the starting safety spots, but the job next to him is up for grabs — which veteran John Johnson III and rookie Kamren Kinchens will compete for.
Miami Dolphins: Running Back
The Miami Dolphins have an embarrassment of riches at running back. Although Raheem Mostert led Miami’s backfield last season, he’ll have to beat out a healthy De’Von Achane for the top spot in 2024.
Rookie Jaylen Wright also has a ton of talent and only adds to Miami’s versatility and explosiveness at the position.
Minnesota Vikings: Quarterback
Following Kirk Cousins’ departure in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings are ready to start a new era at quarterback. Therefore, Sam Darnold will compete with first-round pick J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. Although the Vikings could elect to bring McCarthy along slowly, he’s clearly the team’s best long-term option.
New England Patriots: Quarterback
The New England Patriots are ready to embrace a new era in 2024, from top to bottom. Following the departure of Bill Belichick and Mac Jones, New England is going in a new direction at both head coach and quarterback.
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While the Patriots selected Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, he might not start immediately in New England. Veteran Jacoby Brissett will likely win the starting job if the Patriots want to bring Maye along slowly as a rookie.
New Orleans Saints: Cornerback
Despite the New Orleans Saints failing to reach the playoffs last season, they quietly had one of the best secondaries in the NFL. And they added another talented weapon at cornerback this offseason, selecting Kool-Aid McKinstry in Round 2 of the draft.
Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Alontae Taylor have established themselves as arguably the top cornerback trio in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how McKinstry competes with those three and potentially earns playing time in 2024.
New York Giants: Cornerback
New York Giants second-year cornerback Deonte Banks is cemented as one of the team’s starters, but the spot opposite him is still yet to be determined. Cor’Dale Flott is viewed as the early favorite to win it, but it will be interesting to see if rookie Dru Phillips, Tre Hawkins III, or Nick McCloud challenge him for the starting spot.
New York Jets: Safety
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas addressed many of the team’s biggest questions this offseason. Yet, the safety situation could be a fun battle to watch during training camp and the preseason. While veteran Chuck Clark is expected to start next to Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis showed flashes last season and should have a role.
Philadelphia Eagles: Cornerback
Following an embarrassing end to last season, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman revamped the team’s secondary this offseason. While Darius Slay is still CB1 in Philadelphia, the starting job across from him will be a feisty competition.
Isaiah Rodgers reportedly impressed during OTAs and is currently viewed as the favorite to be the CB2. The Eagles, however, selected CB Quinyon Mitchell in the first round, so it’s safe to assume that he’ll start at some point as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback
After several years of mediocre QB play, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going with a unique approach in 2024 after adding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason.
While Wilson certainly has the upper hand given his experience and success, Fields could make things interesting if he shows flashes of his dual-threat ability.
San Francisco 49ers: Wide Receiver
Regardless of what happens with Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers will have some interesting decisions to make at wide receiver. Deebo Samuel and Aiyuk are clearly atop the depth chart, yet Jauan Jennings could be pushed by rookies Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing. It will be interesting to see how this situation pans out.
Seattle Seahawks: Right Guard
Second-year guard Anthony Bradford failed to impress as a rookie with the Seattle Seahawks. As a result, Seattle selected Christian Haynes in Round 3 of this past draft cycle. The two will compete to be the team’s starting RG throughout training camp and the preseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Left Guard
After surprisingly reaching the playoffs last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to build on the team’s success in 2024. However, the Buccaneers need to sort through the situation at left guard, given that two new faces — Ben Bredeson and Sua Opeta — will be battling it out.
Tennessee Titans: Right Tackle
The Tennessee Titans have added several offensive weapons this offseason, but there’s a major question at RT. Thus, Tennessee is set to host a three-way competition for the starting job between Nicholas Petit-Frere, Jaelyn Duncan, and Leroy Watson.
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Following Duncan’s struggles last season, Petit-Frere is viewed as the early favorite in a certainly uninspiring competition.
Washington Commanders: Left Tackle
As the Washington Commanders usher in a new era led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, they need to protect his blindside. The Commanders are set to host a battle for the starting job at left tackle between veteran Cornelius Lucas and rookie Brandon Coleman.
Despite Lucas’ experience, Coleman seems like the better option given his athleticism and long-term upside.