For many players, the start of the training camps means one of the 53 squad positions in one of the NFL teams, while for the established players it usually means a starting spot. The hierarchical battles around the Depth Chart have already caused quite a stir. SPOX shows the most competitive training camp venues in the NFL.
New York Jets (quarterback): Josh McCown v. Sam Darnold v. Teddy Bridgewater
For years the fight for the starting job on quarterback at the jets in the training camp has been open. This started with Mark Sanchez against Tim Tebow, followed by Sanchez against Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick against Geno and Josh McCown against Christian Hackenberg last year.
This season, however, there is even a three-way fight. McCown certainly holds the best cards here as he has already done an excellent job in the pre-season in implementing Todd Bowle’s offensive programme. The veteran is the most reliable option for the head coach and has the best prospects for the starting job for the time being.
The jets have also secured the rights for the highly talented Teddy Bridgewater during the off-season. He is probably the more talented of the two, but after a long knee injury he has to find NFL rhythm again. If Bridgewater can prove that the knee can withstand any strain, he could soon lash out at McCown’s reign under center. The four Preseason games offer the best chances for this. Bridgewater is also a very good trade value when performing well.
Third in the group is rookie Sam Darnold. The third pick of this year’s drag is the Big Apple franchise’s great hope for the future and has finally signed its contract. His shares for a start in Week 1 are not so good, as the team does not want to let his diamond into the difficult terrain in the NFL too early. However, Darnold could secure the starting spot during the season. This is quicker than later, if the jets are not successful in the first weeks.
Buffalo Bills (quarterback): A.J. McCarron v. Josh Allen v. Nathan Peterman
After Tyrod Taylor’s departure for Ohio, the Bills are also fighting for the starting spot on quarterback. No matter who prevails in the end: it seems that the most important position in football is nowhere weaker than in Buffalo.
A.J. McCarron will not be happy to hear this, but the 27-year-old newcomer was unable to beat Tyrod Taylor in Cincinnati and did not make a good impression at the start of the training camp either. The Alabama graduate was supposed to come as a starter, but he signed a backup contract and continues to be a big question mark.
A big question mark is also the best paraphrase for rookie Josh Allen. He was considered the biggest project among the five first-round picks in the play-aller position and should therefore have the longest way to go before he can act at pro level. However, the starting situation in Buffalo is that he has the easiest way of the five rookie QBs to the starter. Convinced of Allen’s strengths, especially his arm, in Training Camp and the Preseason games, he could be the only freshman under center to appear in Week 1 from the very beginning.
Meanwhile, even Nathan Peterman is considered an outsider. After a 5-interception performance last season, he shouldn’t even have been in any NFL squad, but Head Coach Sean McDermott still seems to like the 24-year-old. According to reports, Peterman currently controls the Bills’ offense better than any of his competitors. In Week 2, Buffalo’s up against the L.A. Chargers, by the way. The team that brought Peterman the greatest shame to his young career. The biggest so far…
Cleveland Browns (Running Back): Nick Chubb vs. Carlos Hyde
Soon we can get a better idea of this duel at Hard Knocks. The role of the “Work Horse” in the browns’ backfield has to be assigned. A franchise that has just undergone a major change of scenery on the offensive side.
After the departure of Isiah Crowell, the Browns have two new faces. One of them is rookie Nick Chubb. He shared the backfield with Sony Michel in Georgia and took on the role of the bull, the power back. He owns the future of the Browns, but the one in Week 1 could also be the present. The spot is by no means taken.
The second new one is Carlos Hyde and signed an expensive free agency contract in Cleveland. Hyde not only has the advantage of knowing the NFL stage inside out. It is also the more manoeuvrable back with the greater highlight potential.
The safest role in the Brown’s backfield is played by the remaining Duke Johnson. He is the best receiver of the Running Backs and will come on his part on sufficient play time.
Cincinnati Bengals (Wide Receiver): John Ross vs. Brandon LaFell vs. Tyler Boyd cs. Josh Malone.
The Bengal fans have certainly not been lured into the stadium in the recent past due to offensive spectacle. How is that supposed to change? Well, the hope is next to an explosion of Running Back Joe Mixon on that of Wideout John Ross.
The Speedster was held back last year due to injuries and if fit, then by the Offensive Scheme, or the quarterback, or its protection, or…
Ross is looking like another second-year videout for his chance at the training camp: Josh Malone. Malone saw many snaps in the first year, but seldom set exclamation points that could have given him a good chance of starting in the new season. Same goes for Brandon LaFell. The former Patriot was also a non-factor too often last year and would only be a replacement in most of the league’s receiving corps.
The second roll on the other outer track than A.J. Green’s could also go to Tyler Boyd. The 23-year-old’s production fell sharply last year compared to the rookie year, but here the slot position is more likely to be filled anyway. The race for number two on the Bengals’ video-out depth chart is a head-to-head race, but Ross currently holds the best cards.
New England Patriots (Wide Receiver): Malcolm Mitchell v Chris Hogan v Cordarelle Patterson v Jordan Matthews v Kenny Britt v Phillip Dorsett v Braxton Berrios
After Julian Edelman’s suspension, the Wideout line-up is a big question mark, especially in the first four games. One thing seems clear. Bill Belichick would like to integrate all his receivers into the game and stay as unpredictable as possible.
What seems certain is that Chris Hogan will see a lot of playing time, while Patterson will mostly host special team tasks. Then there is a close race between the stricken Malcolm Mitchell, Kenny Britt, Philipp Dorsett and Rookie Berrios. After the departure of Brandin Cook and Danny Amendola, it is no longer the most renowned receiving corps available to Tom Brady, but it will once again be one of the most unpredictable.
Page 1: AFC with the Jets, Browns and Patriots
Page 2: NFC with the Cowboys, Saints and Packers