NFL Positional Battles to Watch

 

As with every training camp, there are positional battles to monitor across the NFL. Some of these battles are more enticing for fans as they involve high upside talents impacting contending franchises. Others are not quite as exciting, with some teams trying to find the lesser of two evils between placeholders. We'll take a look here at some of the battles we'll see in the 2022 training camp:

Quarterback Battles

Drew Lock vs. Geno Smith: Far from the most eye popping names on this list, we have the Seahawks' quarterback competition. After trading Russell Wilson to Denver this March, Seattle felt comfortable rolling into this season with either their most recent backup or the Broncos' former second rounder under center. Geno played efficiently in his four games filling in for Wilson last season, throwing for 702 yards, five touchdowns and just two turnovers.

The same cannot be said of Drew Lock, who couldn't even push Teddy Bridgewater during a 2021 preseason QB battle. Making three starts and five appearances last year, Lock threw for 787 yards, two touchdowns and three turnovers. From a neutral standpoint, this will likely be a pitiful battle stocked with questionable plays and odd turnovers. 

I don't foresee the Seahawks making a move for an addition like Jimmy G to their quarterback room, so expect to see some bad QB play in the Pacific Northwest this year. I believe this is Drew Lock's youth and potential make this his job to lose, and that it will likely be the last stop for whoever is not named starter. 

Mitch Trubisky vs. Kenny Pickett: Rare times in Pittsburgh with Ben Roethlisberger not at the helm for the first time since 2004. According to my Steelers source, this job is currently 100% Trubisky's, but first round quarterbacks don't often sit for very long. With Pickett falling to the Steelers' at 20, they didn't need to expend additional picks for him, which I think will extend the patience the organization and fan base will show toward him. I actually expect Trubisky to perform pretty adequately with a solid stable of weapons at his disposal and wouldn't be surprised to see him earn another starting look somewhere in 2023. 

Mr. Biscuit, Mitch Trubisky

Marcus Mariota vs. Desmond Ridder: Like the Trubisky situation in Pittsburgh, this job also has to be Mariota's to lose. However, given his generally unsuccessful track record as a starter, I don't think the Oregon alumni is as much of a lock in Atlanta as the media is making him out to be. 

The Falcons selected Ridder as the second quarterback off the board in this most recent draft, meaning the organization rated the signal caller as high as anyone not named Kenny Pickett. The rookie from Cincinnati threw for 3,334 yards, thirty touchdowns and just eight interceptions as a senior, leading the Bearcats to a 13-0 record before losing in the college football playoff to Alabama. He's got plenty of raw talent to push Marcus for this job if the veteran is slow out of the gate.

Running Back Battles

James Cook vs. Devin Singletary: Breece Hall was heavily linked to Buffalo during pre-draft talks, but the Bills ended up with Georgia running back James Cook instead. Brother of NFL superstar Dalvin Cook, James averaged 6.5 yards per carry and just under 11 yards per catch during his time in Athens. Some suspect the dynamic rookie to jump in and start right away.

James Cook

Devin Singletary won't be giving up the job without a fight. The third round pick from 2019 has been solid during his time in Buffalo, recording career highs in rushing yards, touchdowns and receptions last season. By the eye test though, it seems like this offense shies away from the run too often to buy into them really having any confidence in their running backs--a main reason why the team was linked to RB early in this draft. I see the more explosive James Cook ultimately getting the bulk of the snaps for the AFC East champs, especially if Singletary's ball security issues continue (five fumbles last year).

Ronald Jones vs. Clyde Edwards-Helaire: What a fall from grace for CEH. After being selected with the final pick of round one of the 2020 draft, the wheels on the hype train began to spin for the tailback. A young, multi-threat running back in the most dynamic offense in the league, what could go wrong? 

Well, injuries and inconsistent play to start. The third year back from LSU has missed ten games in two seasons to injury thus far. When on the field, he's only averaged 873 all-purpose yards per season. Hardly the expected return for the draft price, Edwards-Helaire wasn't even able to earn the lions share of touches versus the likes of Darrell Williams, Derrick Gore and Jerrick McKinnon in Kansas City's most recent playoff push. 

The Chiefs' signing of established veteran Ronald Jones this offseason was the exact opposite endorsement that Clyde was looking for. After an up and down start to his career in Tampa Bay, Jones signed with the AFC contender for a bargain $1.5 million. He should have a chance to hop right into a live competition for meaningful reps. I personally believe CEH is overvalued and KC will lean on an unpredictable tailback committee for majority of the 2022-2023 season.

Rashaad Penny vs. Kenneth Walker: Quite possibly the most fun running back battle to keep an eye on will be happening out in Seattle. Despite grossly low expectations for this offense, Pete Carroll's affinity for running the ball should be back on display this season. Rashaad Penny finished last year on the highest note of his career, racking up 671 of his 749 rushing yards in the final five weeks and helping Seattle to their most competitive stretch of play. 

2nd round rookie Kenneth Walker will be coming in hungry for the starting role however. Considered by some to be the top tailback in the draft, the Michigan State alumni rushed for 1,636 yards (6.2 YPC) and 18 touchdowns in his final collegiate campaign. At 5'9" 210, he's primed to step into a physical NFC West and take charge. Training camp and preseason performances will determine exactly how the carries are split, but expect Walker to gain a lot of steam in this Seattle backfield by the second half of the year.

Kenneth Walker

Wide Receiver Battles

George Pickens vs. Calvin Austin: Not often that a battle for the third wideout on a team is this exciting, but the Pittsburgh Steelers know how to churn receivers out and have two really talented rookies. With Juju and James Washington bolting to KC and Dallas respectively this offseason, the Steelers' needed depth behind Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. They nailed the two they took in this draft.

George Pickens was considered by many to be a first round talent, but numerous red flags due to immaturity and off-field issues bumped him into the late second. If he's able to stay out of his own way, he could end up being one of the great value picks in this draft. Calvin Austin has the makings of a real speedster in the slot. The 5'10" Memphis grad ran a 4.32 40 at the combine and plays just as fast. Another outstanding value for Pittsburgh, this time in round four. 

According to that same Steelers source Wyatt Yarman, Pickens has been playing on the perimeter so far this training camp with Austin taking more jet sweeps and return duties, a predictable development overall given their skillsets. 

I expect Austin will earn some play in the slot this season while the team bumps Claypool and Johnson to the outside. With chatter that the organization and Diontae are not close on desired contract terms, look for Pickens to steadily gain snaps as the X receiver as the season goes. His progress will allow the Steelers to determine whether or not it's prudent to move on from their skilled yet inconsistent top receiver via trade this season or during next offseason. 

Corey Davis vs. Denzel Mims: When was the last time the New York Jets had a wide receiver group like they do now? After taking Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson #10 overall, the wideout room consists of him, last seasons' breakout Elijah Moore and prized free agent Corey Davis, as well as Pro-Bowler Braxton Berrios and second round speedster Denzel Mims. Add in recent tight end signings CJ Uzomah and Tyler Conklin, and Zach Wilson should be a happy man on Broadway.

With Moore showing out last season and the expectations associated with Wilson being a top ten pick, they're in line to be the starters out wide in this offense. From there its anyone's guess. Consensus among many in the industry is that Mims' youth and two cheap years under contract would fetch a greater return for New York then Davis, who's in year two of a three year, $37.5 million deal. But injuries also limited Corey's availability during his first campaign in New York.

Training camp will be interesting as the Mims and Davis battle each other and their health for the third receiver spot on this upstart Jets team. It's possible we'll see a WR-needy team like Baltimore making an offer for Mims, but given the youth of their group overall, I would recommend New York stand pat this year with their current, talented group. Regarding this battle specifically, if he can stay healthy, I see Corey Davis earning the nod.

Denver #1 Receiver: The top receivers on this depth chart seem pretty clear cut as Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. But recently extended Tim Patrick can ball too, and with Russell Wilson new to town, it feels like this "competition" will really come down to who develops the strongest chemistry with the quarterback.

Jerry Jeudy

Sutton and Patrick are under contract through 2025 and 2024 respectively, and former first rounder Jeudy has two years + a potential fifth year option on his contract, so this group should have ample opportunity to grow together. It will be fun to watch how the targets are distributed through what should be a pretty potent AFC West passing attack. 

If he can get over the bad drops from last year, there's no reason that Jeudy shouldn't become Wilson's #1 target in his third season out of Alabama. Going out on a limb here, I actually think Patrick will end up being statistically superior to Sutton by the year's end. It'll also be worth following how Russell and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam gel.

Defensive Battles

Cameron Dantzler vs. Andrew Booth: Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth was a solid round two selection for a Minnesota team that finished fourth worst in passing yards allowed in 2021. Paired with the free agent addition of Patrick Peterson, and this team may actually be able to slow some passing attacks this year. That's assuming Booth can beat out the third year pro Cam Dantzler.

At 6'2" 210, Dantzler is an imposing figure across from even some of the largest receivers. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the Mississippi State alum through his career, leading Minnesota to prioritize improving the position this offseason. Many pundits are high on Booth and expect the rookie to beat out Cam for this job, myself included. If these events come to fruition, it'll be great for the Vikings' cornerback depth, but a negative sign for the trajectory of Dantzler's career.

Patriots #2 Cornerback: The second best team last year in terms of passing yards allowed has some big shoes to fill at cornerback this season with All-Pro JC Jackson bolting for the Chargers. Returning starter Malcolm Butler will still lock down one side of the field, but it's a total mystery opposite of him.

New England spent a third and fourth round pick this draft on Marcus and Jack Jones, respectively, as well as bringing in Jalen Mills from Philadelphia. The team also traded Baltimore last season for Shaun Wade before he even played a snap for the Ravens. It seems as of now to be as wide open a competition as you could find on the team.

Jalen Mills

Jalen Mills seemed to have more success with the Eagles once they moved him to safety, so I envision Belichick following suit as the dust settles. Reports have been coming in that the rookie Jack Jones from Arizona State has had sticky hands in practices thus far. Marcus is expected to be back from injury soon, and many within the organization expect the third rounder from Houston to contribute right away. Regardless of who wins this job, there is a ton of youthful depth at cornerback up in Foxborough, a development the Pats must be excited about with Butler not getting any younger.

So there you have it, just a few of the competitions to keep an eye on as NFL teams are ramping up practices and training camp. Let me know what you think of the picks and any other sleepers to keep an eye on as we head into what should be another great season.

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@Choppinglines

Compliments to Wyatt Yarman for the input on this article

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