ARIZONA CARDINALS
No. 2 Running Back
David Johnson vs. Stepfan Taylor vs. Kerwynn Williams
We already know that Andre Ellington will be the top dog in this backfield, but given his lack of durability, where does the team go next? Both Taylor and Williams have shown some talent in limited doses, but neither has done enough to warrant standing out. That should leave the door wide open for Johnson, the rookie out of Northern Iowa, to step through and serve as a complementary back in Bruce Arians’ system. His size and running style allude to that of a between-the-tackles, bruising back, but he’s also got soft hands and is already impressing coaches with his pass-catching abilities. Expect a prominent role for the youngster this season.
Tight End
With the retirement of John Carlson, the Cardinals are looking for someone to step up and take over as the team’s primary tight end. Troy Niklas and Darren Fells appear to be the front-runners though neither of the two are particularly enticing. Niklas underwent a minor ankle procedure in June and Fells is a late-blooming bench player with minimal experience. The team selected former Louisville tight end Gerald Christian in the seventh round of the 2015 draft, but he doesn’t figure to make any sort of an impact. Regardless of which player wins the job, this is not a situation fantasy owners want to use this season.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Running Back
Tevin Coleman vs. Devonta Freeman
Jeff Mans, Ted Schuster and a number of other experts will all say the same thing: Tevin Coleman will be the Falcons starting running back this season and will likely out-perform most, if not all, rookie running backs this year. However, he won’t be handed the job outright. Coleman will have to earn it, which means outplaying Freeman throughout camp. This task shouldn’t be too daunting as Freeman struggled to develop and was unable to surpass either Steven Jackson or Antone Smith last year. He has apparently impressed the Falcons new coaching regime with his pass-catching skills, but we were fed that same line last season.
Tight End
Levine Toilolo vs. Jacob Tamme vs. Tony Moeaki
When Tony Gonzalez retired after the 2013 season, he left a gaping hole in the Falcons passing attack. The talent at wide receiver obviously helped minimize the loss, but quarterback Matt Ryan lacked that go-to third down target to help consistently move the chains. With so many injuries on the offensive line last year, Toilolo was forced to spend the majority of his time blocking. While he certainly deserves a bigger opportunity, the team still brought in Tamme and Moeaki, who are both underachieving pass-catching options. With a new coaching regime in place, none of the three have any real advantage over the others.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Tight End
Maxx Williams vs. Dennis Pitta vs. Crockett Gillmore
Pitta is still hoping to make a comeback after back-to-back seasons lost to a major hip injury. However, the Ravens went out and used a second round pick on Williams, a 6-foot-4, 250 lb. pass-catching tight end out of the University of Minnesota. Williams is actually expected to be the long-term solution at the position, but given the struggles of most rookie tight ends, the team will have him compete with the veterans and earn his place. Gillmore filled in relatively well last year, but he is only expected to make an impact if Pitta fails to return healthy.
BUFFALO BILLS
Quarterback
Matt Cassel vs. EJ Manuel vs. Tyrod Taylor
While most expected it to be a two-man competition between Cassel and Manuel, new coach Rex Ryan has pushed Taylor, a former Ravens backup, into the mix as well. Word is that all three will work with the first team throughout camp until one distinguishes himself over the others. Considering the skill set of each player, this could be a battle that comes down to the wire this summer.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
No. 2 Wide Receiver
Jerricho Cotchery vs. Devin Funchess vs. Philly Brown
The Panthers took Funchess in the second round of the 2015 draft after he shined as a wide receiver/tight end hybrid at the University of Michigan. The coaches feel he is capable of making a solid impact right from the start, but he’s going to have to beat out veterans Cotchery and Brown during camp to really carve a prominent role out for himself. It’s not the most daunting task, but both receivers have experience in the Panthers system already so they may have a slight leg up for now.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Running Back
Jeremy Hill vs. Giovani Bernard
This isn’t really much of a training camp battle as the two are expected to share the work out of the backfield once again. Bernard is the smaller yet faster of the two and is considered the stronger option for pass catching and running out in space. Hill is seen as more of a bruiser, but he is also capable of handling the check-down work and running screens out in the flat. It’s not an ideal situation for fantasy owners, but it works for the Bengals and both provide strong insurance should the other get hurt.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Quarterback
Josh McCown vs. Johnny Manziel
The expectation is that McCown will run this offense in 2015 but the Browns staff, particularly quarterback coach Kevin O’Connell, is not ruling out Manziel. O’Connell stated that Manziel has earned the right to compete and will afford him just as many opportunities to succeed as he gives McCown and the rest. It’s doubtful that McCown isn’t under center come Week 1, but we don’t want to rule anyone out just yet.
Tight End
While his overall skill set isn’t exactly world beating, Barnidge did take a step forward during his time replacing the injured Jordan Cameron in the lineup. And now that Cameron is gone, he will get an even bigger opportunity to shine. Of course, he’s going to have to beat out former Cardinals tight end Rob Housler to do so. After years of being underutilized in Arizona, Housler landed with the Browns with the hopes of being more heavily involved in the passing game. His blocking could still use a little work, but it seems unlikely that he’s going to improve much more after all this time. Perhaps things will work out in a new system.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Running Back
Darren McFadden vs. Joseph Randle vs. Lance Dunbar
The Cowboys essentially have to start from scratch again after enjoying a breakout year from DeMarco Murray. Most reports out of Dallas have Randle earning lead back honors, but both Dunbar and McFadden are expected to compete for touches throughout camp. McFadden is really the wild card here as Dunbar should settle into his usual support role. However, McFadden still has the skills to do more in the passing game and take the ball to the outside. The former Raiders back is going to have to make a strong impression with the Dallas coaching staff, but more importantly, he’s going to have to stay healthy. If he can, then he’ll certainly get a share of the workload. If not, well, then he’s a wasted fantasy pick once again.
DENVER BRONCOS
No. 2 Running Back
Montee Ball vs. Ronnie Hillman
With C.J. Anderson taking hold of the starting job, both Hillman and Ball are going to have to really step up their games in order to see more touches on the field. Hillman has always been known for his pass blocking, so he could be a lock for the third down work. Ball, on the other hand, needs to shine between the tackles in order to see the added work. Health is obviously a big factor with both of these guys as well, so it could conceivably come down to which one is simply able to step out onto the field with some semblance of regularity.
Tight End
The reports from OTAs were very positive for Green, but more so for his willingness to learn rather than actual on-field talent. Daniels is the elder statesman here and a ten-year veteran in Gary Kubiak’s system, so Green has been attached to his hip before, during and after practice, utilizing the veteran as a mentor. As a result, the Broncos are likely to use both tight ends in a number of formations, so for fantasy owners it’s about who will see the most work from Peyton Manning, primarily inside the red zone. The early guess is Daniels because of his experience, but considering his drop-off in productivity over the last few seasons, it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Green eventually pass him in the passing pecking order.
DETROIT LIONS
Running Back
Joique Bell vs. Ameer Abdullah
Bell sits atop the depth chart for the Lions backfield and will walk into training camp, and likely Week 1, as the No. 1 running back. He has the size, speed and pass-catching ability necessary to succeed, but obviously the Lions are looking further into the future with their second-round selection of Abdullah. The 5-foot-9, 205 lb. running back out of Nebraska immediately steps in as the top pass-catcher in the Detroit backfield and should be the team’s third-down back right from the start. But while some might feel he’s a little undersized, he proved to be a strong between-the-tackles option in college and is more than capable of carving out a larger role for himself in the ground game.
Tight End
Brandon Pettigrew vs. Eric Ebron
This should be one of the more interesting position battles to watch as the Lions have stated that they want to get more out of the tight end position with regard to the passing game. GM Martin Mayhew said he feels Pettigrew, who once hauled in 83 catches for 777 yards and five touchdowns, can play a larger role and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi says that he expects Ebron to be the team’s third receiving target behind Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. While the GM may be running the show, the word from the offensive coordinator seems more important if we’re talking about implementation on the field. Pettigrew’s experience likely makes him a better blocker anyway, so look for Ebron’s game to increase a level or two.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Tight End
Andrew Quarless vs. Richard Rodgers
Is anyone going to step up and own this job? Both Rodgers and Quarless had their moments last year but neither really shined much brighter than the other at any point in the season. They’ll compete for a larger role once again this year, but with such similar skill levels, you may as well just flip a coin.
HOUSTON TEXANS
Quarterback
This could actually be a fun battle to watch all summer as the two quarterbacks are starting on a completely even playing field. The team brought in Hoyer to compete with Mallet who was acquired from the Patriots last year in a deal that coach Bill O’Brien was extremely eager to make. Maybe that gives Mallet a point in his column, but Hoyer definitely has the edge in experience. The two split time with the first team evenly during OTAs and moving into minicamp, it’s been the same. It could go either way at this point and won’t likely be decided until close to the end of camp.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Running Back
T.J. Yeldon vs. Denard Robinson vs. Toby Gerhart
Technically this isn’t a training camp battle per se as the Jaguars announced that Yeldon would be the team’s lead back heading into the season. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t say that the Jaguars said the exact same thing with regard to Gerhart last year. We’re not saying that Yeldon and Gerhart are similar, but we are saying that sometimes it’s tough for a rookie to really shine in the NFL. Denard Robinson should not be overlooked.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Running Back
LeGarrette Blount vs. Jonas Gray
This one could simply come down to maturity. Blount is the veteran everyone always seems to underestimate and Gray is the young upstart with all sorts of potential. Gray dominated in a game against the Colts last year as he rushed 37 times for 201 yards and four touchdowns, but then showed up late for practice the next day and found himself residing in Bill Belichick’s doghouse. He never emerged out of it as he saw just 20 carries over the next seven games. But it’s a new year, a new attitude and hopefully a clean slate. If Gray can prove himself early on, as well as display some character, he could emerge as the team’s lead back.
Third-Down Back
Brandon Bolden vs. James White vs. Travaris Cadet
With the departure of Shane Vereen, the Patriots are in need of a new pass-catching third down option. Not that they utilized Vereen all that much, but they’d still prefer to have someone in there who can pass-block as well. White has youth and speed on his side, but he wasn’t even a big pass-catcher back at Wisconsin as evidenced by his high of 39 catches for 300 yards and two touchdowns in his senior year. Bolden has been quiet for the most part, but his experience could give him the overall edge. Cadet is the sleeper of the three. Last year he caught 38 passes for 296 yards and a touchdown while with the Saints. If he can prove himself in camp, he could carve out a respectable role for himself.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Running Back
This isn’t really much of a training camp battle as much as it is a proclamation that the Saints are likely to return to their screen-passing ways like they did when they had Darren Sproles in their backfield. Spiller is supposed to take over that role and his work is very likely to come at the expense of Ingram’s touches. Ingram should still see a substantial number of carries, but the Saints have already discussed a reduction in work for him as a way to help him stay healthy. If you’re in a PPR setup, Spiller is likely to be a beast.
Tight End
Obviously the Saints need someone to step up and replace Jimmy Graham, but no one is expecting the team’s new starting tight end to post numbers like the former All-Pro did during his tenure with the team. Watson worked behind Graham and saw an increase of time on the field in 2014 when Graham’s shoulder was a problem, but he still saw just 31 targets and caught 20 of them for only 136 yards and two touchdowns. Hill also saw some extra time on the field last year and actually outshined Watson with fewer targets and receptions as he posted 176 yards with five touchdowns. While the two are supposed to be on a level playing field this summer, look for Hill to come out ahead as the more-targeted receiver.
NEW YORK JETS
Quarterback
Geno Smith vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Despite the Jets claim that Smith is the starting quarterback walking into the season, don’t be surprised if Fitzpatrick looks stronger in camp. He’s got a much better arm with better accuracy and has the experience to lead the club down the field. The Jets want to show that they’re committed to developing Smith, but the leash might not be as long as some would like. We see Smith starting the season under center, but it’s very difficult to see him finishing there.
Running Back
Chris Ivory vs. Stevan Ridley vs. Zac Stacy
With recent reports that Ridley’s knee might not be ready for the start of the regular season let alone training camp, he can safely be removed from the equation. That actually puts the onus on Stacy if he really wants to grab that starting job. Ivory is the incumbent and the Jets are fully prepared to head into the season with him in the backfield, but Stacy could make a serious push for touches if he can recapture some of what made him shine in his rookie season in St. Louis.
Tight End
Jeff Cumberland vs. Jace Amaro
Cumberland is the present while Amaro is the future. Or maybe that was the reason for the split in work last year. This season, we should be looking at a different situation as Amaro continues to develop into a stronger overall option. Cumberland might have had an edge with the old coaching regime in place, but a strong camp from Amaro just might be all the new coaches need to give him a bigger role in the passing attack. At worst, expect the two to split time and targets relatively evenly.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Running Back
Latavius Murray vs. Trent Richardson
The Raiders’ offense suddenly perked up when they finally handed the backfield reigns over to Murray last season. It looked as if the Raiders were finally wising up as they let both Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden walk without a fight and moved Murray into the No. 1 spot. Unfortunately though, these are the Raiders we’re talking about and self-destruction is what they’re all about. Not only did they bring in the always under-achieving Roy Helu to serve as the third-down back, but then they brought in a real tomato can in the form of Trent Richardson to compete for the starting job. Murray should win this job outright as Richardson is a disaster, so don’t let his or Helu’s presence affect your opinion and/or value projection of Murray.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Quarterback
We could simply wait this one out and see how long it takes for Bradford to get hurt, but in the spirit of competition, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and match him up with Sanchez as if he will stay healthy all year. If that really is the case, then Bradford should get first crack at this job. He’s got a stronger arm and sees the field pretty well. Sanchez is more of the serviceable fill-in than he is the leader, especially considering the lack of receiving weapons on this team. The competition is probably a little more even than Bradford would like, but since Chip Kelly traded Nick Foles for him in the offseason, you have to figure that he has more than just a slight edge.
Tight End
Brent Celek vs. Zach Ertz
Will this baton ever fully pass? Ertz saw more snaps and more targets overall last year, but he was still far too inconsistent for fantasy owners to play regularly. That’s because Celek, every so often, would work as the primary option. The likelihood of Celek regaining No. 1 status seems highly unlikely. However, if Ertz doesn’t stay healthy and take his game to another level, Celek should continue to poach work from him, thus devaluing him in the fantasy realm.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
Running Back
Hyde is supposed to step into the starting role, which was vacated by the departure of Frank Gore, however, the 49ers felt the need to supply him with a complementary back to help lighten the load and ease the pressure just a bit. The onus is now on Hyde to prove himself during camp and show the team that the ground game will not just survive, but thrive with him as an every-down back. Health has never been Bush’s strong suit so this could be a moot point, but the club didn’t bring him in just to keep him on the bench.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Running Back
Tre Mason vs. Todd Gurley
Despite the fact that Gurley suffered a torn ACL last November, the Rams took him with the 10th overall pick in the 2015 draft with the intent of having him assume the No. 1 running back job this season. There’s a chance that Gurley won’t be available for the start of the regular season and an even greater chance that he won’t be ready for training camp. If he lands on the PUP list, then Mason will retain his job as the team’s primary running back. Unfortunately for Mason though, the Rams seem fixated on Gurley being the lead back so he is unlikely to hold onto the job even if he starts with it.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Running Back
The early reports said that the starting job was Sims’ to lose, or at the very least he was the favorite for it. However, recent reports continue to cite Martin as being “in the best shape of his life,” and the possibility of him pushing for more carries. Maybe it’s just hype. Maybe it’s just because everyone loves calling him “Muscle Hamster.” But the fact remains that Martin has not been a reliable running back in two years and he struggled for most of that rookie season. We see the regime in Tampa sticking with Sims early here. Martin may get some change of pace work, but Sims should do most of the work with the first team and see the majority of touches moving forward.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Running Back
Maybe Morris lacks the skills of an elite running back, but he’s rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first three seasons despite having a mobile quarterback and the addition of DeSean Jackson to the receiving corps. Morris continued to work as the primary and managed to stave off an overrated Roy Helu all that time. Despite that, the Redskins went out and drafted Jones in the third round. Now coach Jay Gruden insists that the primary job is still Morris’, but given the size, speed and running style of Jones, he looks more like direct backup and potential touchdown vulture than he does a complementary or change of pace back. Should Jones start to outshine Morris in camp at all, the team could consider a committee backfield and split the carries more evenly.