Position Battles?

[Splat]

What are the key position battles for your team going in to TC and pre season?

Chiefs

#2 WR - Jeff Webb vs Devard Darling vs Will Franklin

FB - Oliver Hoyte vs Mike Cox

#2 DT - Ron Edwards vs Tank Tyler

LDE - Alfonso Boone vs Turk McBride

#2 CB - Brandon Flowers vs Brandon Carr

K - Connor Barth vs Nick Novak

RT - Damion McIntosh vs Barry Richardson

Donnie Edwards,Napoleon Harris and Demorrio Williams seem to be fighting for two spots OLB and MLB Derrick Johnson is for sure a starter at one OLB spot.

We are such a young team and have so many question marks there could be more but thats a good start.:)

[UKfan]

For the Colts, probably RG wth Johnson and Pollak. An argument could be made for WR as well, both Harrison's spot and the depth guys. Oh and number 2 TE as well, that is wide open.

[doingthisinsteadofwork]

RB: Fargas vs DMAC
RT: Cornell Green vs Mario Henderson
C: Chris Morris vs John Wade
RDE: Spires vs jay Richardson vs Kalimba Edwards
SLB: Robert Thomas vs Sam Williams vs Edgerton Hartwell
KR: DMAC vs Tyvon Branch vs Higgins

[Gay Ork Wang]

QB: Kyle Orton and Grossman

What a surprise here

[terribletowel39]

Larry Foote and Lawrence Timmons.
Nate Washington and Limas Sweed.
Justin Hartwig and Sean Mahan.
Anthony Smith and Ryan Clark.
Bryant McFadden and Deshea Townsend.

[Suits]

Redskins:

1. Safety
FS Schweigert vs. SS Doughty

Laron will play FS or SS depending on who wins out, although according to Blache the skins group all safeties together as one position rather than designating them as SS or FS

Prediction: Doughty's solid play at the end of last season and familiarity with the defense earn him the start.

2. Wideout
Everybody but Santana Moss duking it out

Santana is the team's number one, but outside of that numbers two through five/six are up for grabs. Randle El will likely start the season at #2 shifting to slot in 3/4 WR formations, although a strong showing from either Thomas or Kelly could push ARE into a permanent slot role earlier

Prediction: Malcolm Kelly has been impressive in OTAs (more so than Thomas). He will bounce ARE to the Slot and become the skin's #2 after week 3 against the Cards. Thomas will see a lot of time as a #3 as the fragile ARE and Moss bounce in and out of the lineup.

Possible battle to keep an eye on: DT

Could this be the year Cornelius Griffin finally gets bounced from the starting lineup in favor of high effort 2006 6th rounder Gholston?

My 2 cents: unless cornelius produces, send his old ass packing

[umphrey]

Incumbent Nick Collins vs. 2nd year player Aaron Rouse at FS
Incumbent converted tackle Daryn Colledge vs. 2nd year player Allen Barbe at LG
Brady Poppinga vs. free agent Brandon Chillar at SLB. Most likely both will be used.
James Jones vs. rookie Jordy Nelson at WR3. Most likely both will be used.

[JF4]

Incumbent Nick Collins vs. 2nd year player Aaron Rouse at FS
Incumbent converted tackle Daryn Colledge vs. 2nd year player Allen Barbe at LG
Brady Poppinga vs. free agent Brandon Chillar at SLB. Most likely both will be used.
James Jones vs. rookie Jordy Nelson at WR3. Most likely both will be used.

Don't forget the battle for the nickel CB spot between Tramon Williams, Patrick Lee and Will Blackmon.

[Draft Ginger]

Don't forget the battle for the nickel CB spot between Tramon Williams, Patrick Lee and Will Blackmon.

I'm going to bet on Williams. I think he'll be a starter once Harris or Woodson is done. Lee should make it interesting though as he appears to have the tools to be an effective player but I think he might be a year or two away. Blackmon just isn't consistent enough due to his injuries so I can't see him being better than the Dime.

[yourfavestoner]

LT: Khalif Barnes vs Richard Collier (6'7" 330 lb undrafted manbeast that the Jags have been developing for the past three years)

SLB: Justin Durant vs Clint Ingram

[Sniper]

Eagles

SS: Quintin Mikell vs. Sean Considine
Please, Mikell, win this.

I think that's about it.

[nfrillman]

Rams

3rd WR- Reche Caldwell, Donnie Avery, Keenon Burton, Marques Hagans
C- Richie Incognito, Brett Romberg
RG- Mark Setterstrom, Richie Incognito
RT- Alex Barron, John Greco (long shot to surpass Barron)
SLB- Quinton Culberson, Chris Draft
4th CB- Jonathon Wade, Justin King
First to hold Lombardi Trophy- Torry Holt, Steven Jackson, Marc Bulger

[jballa838]

¿Packers QB: Favre vs Rodgers vs Teh Jordyzzz?
Hey, it could happen.

[islandboy843]

Titans WR


1. Reserved for Next year
2. We have are going to pick a random name out the hat.

[BlindSite]

Panthers;

RG: Fonuti, Brown, Bridges, Hangartner

WR2: DJ Hackett v Mushin Muhummad v Dwayne Jarrett

ROLB: Landon Johnson, Na'il Diggs, Dan Connor

LDE: Tyler Brayton, Charles Johnson, Stanley McClover

[Go_Eagles77]

Eagles

SS: Quintin Mikell vs. Sean Considine
Please, Mikell, win this.

I think that's about it.

That's probably the main one, but there's also:

Jason Davis vs. Luke Lawton - FB
Juqua Parker vs. Victor Abiamiri - Starting LDE
Correll Buckhalter vs. Lorenzo Booker - Backup HB
Jason Avant vs. DeSean Jackson - Slot receiver

And a couple more depth ones like backup DT and OL.

[SaintsMan]

New Orleans Saints

Offense

Left Guard Jamar Nesbit, Carl Nicks
#2 Wide Receiver David Patten, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, Adrian Arrington
#3 Wide Receiver David Patten, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson, Adrian Arrington

Defense

Free Safety Josh Bullocks, Kevin Kaesviharn
Weak Side Linebacker Scott Shanle, Mark Simoneau, Marvin Mitchell
Right Cornerback Randall ***, Tracy Porter
Nickle Cornerback Randall ***, Tracy Porter, Jason Craft, Jason David, Jerametrius Butler, Aaron Glenn
Dime Cornerback Randall ***, Tracy Porter, Jason Craft, Jason David, Jerametrius Butler, Aaron Glenn, Usama Young

Special Teams

Kick Returner Pierre Thomas, Skyler Green, Aaron Stecker, Lance Moore, Tracy Porter
Punt Returner Reggie Bush, Skyler Green, Aaron Stecker, Lance Moore, Tracy Porter
Kicker Martin Gramatica, Taylor Mehlhaff

[Wide Right]

#2 CB
Jabari Greer v. Leodis McKelvin

The Bills got a log jam at this position with William Peterson, Ashton Youboty and Reggie Corner fighting for reps.

Starting TE
Derek Schouman v. Robert Royal

DT
John McCargo v. Kyle Williams v. Spencer Johnson

FS
Ko Simpson v. George Wilson

[SuperMcgee]

#2 CB
Jabari Greer v. Leodis McKelvin

The Bills got a log jam at this position with William Peterson, Ashton Youboty and Reggie Corner fighting for reps.

Starting TE
Derek Schouman v. Robert Royal

DT
John McCargo v. Kyle Williams v. Spencer Johnson

FS
Ko Simpson v. George Wilson

First one is the biggest. James and Corner should have an edge over Youboty for depth, Greer vs McKelvin will be interesting

McCargo should take the starting job, backed by Johnson with Williams being depth at both spots and the main backup to Stroud

Schouman at TE instead of H-back has me iffy and not sure what to expect. Like the guy, but I don't know.

Better be Ko, straight up. Wilson is not starting material. Depth project still.

[MetSox17]

Dallas Cowboys

1. #3 WR. Is Terry Glenn gonna be on the team? Will it be Hurd? Stanback? Austin?

2. DT. Jay Ratliff is penciled in at the moment, but he could slide out to end and basically swap positions with Spears.

3. #3 CB. Do you go with the first round pick Mike Jenkins, or Adam Jones, who hasn't played in close to two years? If Anthony Henry and Terence Newman stay healthy, i can imagine packages where you see all four of them on the field at the same time.

4. SS. Will Roy Williams gain his confidence? He's pretty much a linebacker now since he gets removed on passing situations, but he is being given the shot to show up, one.. last.. time. Will he do it? Hopefully.

5. ILB. Bradie James has one spot on lock down. Zach Thomas seems like he's gonna start alongside him. But we have a first and a second round pick sitting behind them, both of whom possess tremendous athleticism. Is this the year they really turn it into production?

[no love]

49ers

QB: Alex Smith v. Shaun Hill
Flanker: Bryant Johnson v. Arnaz Battle
RT: Jonas Jennings v. Barry Sims
RG: David Bass v. Chilo Rachal

LDE: Sopoaga v. Balmer
NT: Aubrayo Franklin v. Ronald Fields
RDE: Ray McDonald v. Justin Smith (not really a competition but Smith might play ROLB)
RILB:Jeff Ulbrich v. Dontarious Thomas
Nickel CB: Shawntae Spencer v. Tarrell Brown v. Reggie Smith

KR: Allen Rossum v. Reggie Smith v. Morgan

[Sniper]

That's probably the main one, but there's also:

Jason Davis vs. Luke Lawton - FB
Juqua Parker vs. Victor Abiamiri - Starting LDE
Correll Buckhalter vs. Lorenzo Booker - Backup HB
Jason Avant vs. DeSean Jackson - Slot receiver

And a couple more depth ones like backup DT and OL.

My bad, I quickly typed that one. I really expect Abiamiri, Booker, and Avant to win those spots, so I didn't type those bad boys out. Jackson, I think, is strictly a PR/KR this year.

And I most certainly am drunk.

[JT Jag]

Jaguars:

Mike Peterson, Daryl Smith, Justin Durant and Clint Ingram fighting for 3 starting spots

Khalif Barnes v. Richard Collier for the starting left tackle spot

Mo Williams v. Uche Nwanari for the starting left guard spot

Brian Williams v. Gerald Sensabaugh for the starting SS spot

The loser of the previous battle v. Scott Starks v. Trae Williams for the nickel corner position

[Yung Flippa]

Baltimore's Offense:
QB: Troy Smith vs. Joe Flacco vs. Kyle Boller(has like NO chance at winning it)
Prediction: Troy Smith wins.

RB#3: Allen Patrick vs. Cory Ross vs. Pj Daniels
Prediction: Pj Daniels wins, but we keep Allen Patrick on the practice squad.

WR#4: Marcus Smith vs. Yamon Figurs vs. Matt Willis vs. Kerry Reed
Prediction: Marcus Smith, no real competition here.

OT, 1st Backup: Mike Kracalik vs. Oniel Cousins
Prediction: This is a toss-up.

[PackerLegend]

Another for the Packers would be the RB battle. Grant is likely #1 if he ever gets signed but #2 RB and #3 RB are pretty open. Brandon Jackson may have a leg up but DeShawn Wynn, Noah Herron, Vernand Morency among others all have a shot.

Id also say our #2 TE... Jermicheal Finley vs Troy Humphrey

[kalbears13]

Browns

QB- Brady Quinn/Derek Anderson (It will be a battle sooner than you think)
2nd RB- Jerome Harrison/Jason Wright
2nd ILB- Leon Williams/Andra Davis/Beau Bell
3rd TE- Martin Rucker/Darnell Dinkins
SOLB- Antwan Peek/Willie McGinest
RG- Rex Hadnot/Ryan Tucker
3rd DLineman (starter on opening day [4 man rotation with Williams/Rogers])- Shaun Smith/Robaire Smith

[Caddy]

Buccaneers

#2 RB: Earnest Graham is the starter, but Warrick Dunn, Michael Bennett and possibly even Cadillac Williams will be fighting for plenty of playing time.

#2 QB: Luke McCown vs Brian Griese for the number 2 spot on the depth chart. I'm hoping they go with McCown as he is possibly the starter of the future.

#2 WR: Every receiver not named Joey Galloway is fighting for the position. Dexter Jackson, Antonio Bryant, Ike Hilliard, Paris Warren, Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall all have opportunities.

#1 LT: Luke Petitgout played well before injury last season but Donald Penn played well filling in. I'd be happy with either.

#1 LE: Will go to either run stuffer Marques Douglas or sack/fumble machine Greg White. Kevin Carter is in the mix too.

#3 CB: Eugene Wilson has apparently impressed but Aqib Talib will be used regularly on defense.

[Dam8610]

I would've said Wheeler v Hagler, but it looks like Hagler is out of that race. I thought Wheeler would win anyway, maybe Session could challenge for that starting spot?

The #2 guard spot (I guess that means RG) is up for grabs for sure, I'm guessing Pollak wins that one.

Other than that, the last few roster spots are probably the only areas up for grabs.

[Flyboy]

Weak Side Linebacker Scott Shanle, Mark Simoneau, Marvin Mitchell


gogogo Marvin Mitchell!

[Dam8610]

gogogo Marvin Mitchell!

Dan Morgan isn't playing WLB? I thought that was what they signed him to play.

[yourfavestoner]

Dan Morgan isn't playing WLB? I thought that was what they signed him to play.

I think he retired this offseason...

[Dam8610]

I think he retired this offseason...

He signed with the Saints, then retired? :confused:

[yourfavestoner]

He signed with the Saints, then retired? :confused:

http://sports.aol.com/nfl-players/dan-morgan/5458
He needs to protect his dome piece, or else he will be a vegetable.

[Dam8610]

http://sports.aol.com/nfl-players/dan-morgan/5458
He needs to protect his dome piece, or else he will be a vegetable.

Agreed, but usually when you sign with a team in Free Agency, you don't retire before you play a down for them. I guess his situation deteriorated over the offseason?

[SaintsMan]

gogogo Marvin Mitchell!

Man, I hope so! Mitchell looked impressive in the OTA's and showed some speed that surprised the coaches. I guess he has been working hard this off season and hopefully it pays off in the training camp battle for WLB.

[keylime_5]

#2 CB-Brandon McDonald vs Terry Cousin (gonna be McDonald)
LILB-Beau Bell vs. Leon Williams vs Andra Davis (I think Bell wins eventually but Leon plays in the nickel package)
RG-Ryan Tucker vs Rex Hadnot
Backup RB-Jason Wright vs Jerome Harrison (Wright is my guess)
#4 WR(or #3 if Jurevicius can't go)-Travis Wilson vs Kevin Kasper vs Paul Hubbard (wilson will win)

[BufFan71]

Bills:

2nd WR: James Hardy vs Josh Reed
2nd CB: McKelvin vs Greer
TE: Royal vs Schouman
FS: Ko vs wilson

[Gay Ork Wang]

Whats with Joshua Cribbs?

[keylime_5]

Whats with Joshua Cribbs?

Starting KR, PR, and gunner on kick/punt return coverage and a stud at all of those jobs. Not gonna use him on offense, it would hurt his special teams abilities. He will come in every once and a while for a trick play of a play featuring him in the slot on a reverse or fake reverse.

[wicket]

Pats QB1: Brady vs O'Connell

[BeerBaron]

Bears I can think of:

QB: Orton vs. Grossman (I'm pulling for Orton)
RB: Forte vs. AP vs. Wolfe (I think Forte has the best shot since AP is too valuable on special teams to start)
WR: everyone at every position (I think Booker will end up as 1 starter with everyone else fighting for the 2nd slot)
LG: Bunch of guys...no idea who will win it
DT: Someone to play next to Tommie Harris
S: A healthy Mike Brown gets one spot but the other is up for grabs between like 4 guys

[Bigburt63]

Bears I can think of:

QB: Orton vs. Grossman (I'm pulling for Orton)
RB: Forte vs. AP vs. Wolfe (I think Forte has the best shot since AP is too valuable on special teams to start)
WR: everyone at every position (I think Booker will end up as 1 starter with everyone else fighting for the 2nd slot)
LG: Bunch of guys...no idea who will win it
DT: Someone to play next to Tommie Harris
S: A healthy Mike Brown gets one spot but the other is up for grabs between like 4 guys

hows daniel mannning doing?

[BeerBaron]

hows daniel mannning doing?

he's proven to be....a little soft. opens up the door for some of the other young guys. he could still win it

[MasterShake]

#2 CB-Brandon McDonald vs Terry Cousin (gonna be McDonald)


The winner of this job also gets a complimentary tube of KY from the team to be applied every sunday.

[keylime_5]

McDonald played very well at the end of last season, he shut down Andre Johnson and had a game clinching interception too against Houston. He should be a decent starter but he is very inexperienced is all.

[eaglesalltheway]

Eagles

SS: Quintin Mikell vs. Sean Considine
Please, Mikell, win this.

I think that's about it.

FB is also a major battle with Jason Davis and Luke Lawton fighting for the starting FB, 2nd TE is also up for grabs, with KRis Wilson and Brent Celek battling, 2nd stirng LDE (if you truly can call it that with how much we rotate) is also a battle with Chris Clemons and Juqua Parker (Thomas) I really don't know who will win any of these and there really is no clear cut choice for either. You could also say that backup MLB is a battle with Pago Togafu (sp.) and Joe Mays, and that too is also uncertain. Any WR slot is open too, but we Eagles fans are used to that, haha.

[Dam8610]

FB is also a major battle with Jason Davis and Luke Lawton fighting for the starting FB, 2nd TE is also up for grabs, with KRis Wilson and Brent Celek battling, 2nd stirng LDE (if you truly can call it that with how much we rotate) is also a battle with Chris Clemons and Juqua Parker (Thomas) I really don't know who will win any of these and there really is no clear cut choice for either. You could also say that backup MLB is a battle with Pago Togafu (sp.) and Joe Mays, and that too is also uncertain. Any WR slot is open too, but we Eagles fans are used to that, haha.

Go Lawton! (yes, I'm shamelessly rooting for a 7th round pick, how sad) What ever happened to Klecko playing FB? KLECKOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Splat]

Some Chiefs fans seem to think Bernard Pollard is in a battle with rookie Dajuan Morgan for SS but I'm not buying it.

[eaglesalltheway]

Go Lawton! (yes, I'm shamelessly rooting for a 7th round pick, how sad) What ever happened to Klecko playing FB? KLECKOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Apparently the Eagles gave up on him being a full-time FB, and I am thankful for that, but Lawton could win the job, but so could Davis, either one I am fine with, but I do like the idea of Lawton Starting a little mroe because of what he brings to Special Teams and he already has starting experience, along with the fact that Davis hasn't been able to make it out of the practice squad with the Eagles FBs the last few years.

[Bills2083]

First one is the biggest. James and Corner should have an edge over Youboty for depth, Greer vs McKelvin will be interesting

McCargo should take the starting job, backed by Johnson with Williams being depth at both spots and the main backup to Stroud

Schouman at TE instead of H-back has me iffy and not sure what to expect. Like the guy, but I don't know.

Better be Ko, straight up. Wilson is not starting material. Depth project still.


Other battles include...
- Reed vs. Parrish for slot receiver.
- Darian Barnes vs. Jonathan Evans for FB

[SuperMcgee]

Another one is Reed vs. Parrish for slot receiver.

Yeah, assuming Hardy doesn't slip up taking the #2 job

Parrish can be such a weapon there, but honestly Reed has shown to be more effective in the role. If Reed gets it, we have a solid slot receiver who is a very good blocker. If Parrish gets it then he's improved his game and we have a very dangerous option there. I'm happy with either one.

[Bills2083]

Yeah, assuming Hardy doesn't slip up taking the #2 job

Parrish can be such a weapon there, but honestly Reed has shown to be more effective in the role. If Reed gets it, we have a solid slot receiver who is a very good blocker. If Parrish gets it then he's improved his game and we have a very dangerous option there. I'm happy with either one.


I too agree that Reed has become a solid slot receiver for us, but Parrish needs to be on the field more. He's just so dynamic, and can break open the game on any play.
He reminds me of Afinogenov for some reason...