NFL training camps are just around the corner, which means the battle for key roster spots around the league is about to heat up. As we head into summer, which positional competitions garner the most attention?
Here are the top 14 battles to monitor:
Competition: Bo Nix vs. Zach Wilson vs. Jarrett Stidham
is the knicks widespread favorite To open 2024 as Denver’s top quarterback, Sean Payton repeatedly cited the rookie’s experience and obvious NFL-readiness. Still, with so much reliance on Payton’s picks, it’s worth reiterating that Stidham has already played in his system and Wilson has already been a full-time player.
Competition: Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields
Easily the most interesting quarterback battle of the summer, it may not be as close as initially expected, with Wilson’s savvy veteran touch making him a strong favorite to be Mike Tomlin’s perennial wild-card contender. Still, Fields’ athletic gifts may make themselves more apparent in the preseason.
Competition: Sam Darnold vs JJ McCarthy
Primarily due to his NFL experience, Darnold is widely expected to begin 2024 as the shepherd of Kevin O’Connell’s offense. And perhaps Minnesota’s weapons will help him rejuvenate his chances. However, McCarthy is the future, and his play-action ability may convince O’Connell to accelerate his entry.
Competition: Curtis Samuel vs. Marquez Valdes-Scantling vs. Keon Coleman vs. Khalil Shakir
No longer deploying a true No. 1 pick following Stefon Diggs’ exit, the Bills are instead willing to rely on a plethora of chess pieces. Samuel and Shakir are the leading candidates for this spot, with Valdes-Scantling serving as the outside deep threat and Coleman utilizing his jump-ball skills in the red zone.
Competition: Josh Palmer vs. Quentin Johnston vs. Ladd McConkey vs. DJ Chark Jr.
It’s no surprise that new coach Jim Harbaugh has invested in the trenches and run game, as he may need to shoulder the offensive load in 2024. There is plenty of deep ball between Chark, Palmer and Johnston, while rookie McConkie may eventually become the most trusted target For Justin Herbert.
Competition: Rashee Rice vs. Marquise Brown vs. Xavier Worthy vs. Kadarius Toney vs. Mecole Hardman
Add Sky Moore and Justin Watson if you want. A year after riding a near-constant rotation of secondary wideouts to the Super Bowl, the Chiefs are guaranteed to do it again, although Brown and Worthy alone could open things up as downfield deep threats. There may be a surprise cut or two here too.
Competition: Tyron Smith vs Morgan Moses vs Olu Fashanu
Few things are more important to the Jets this year than keeping Aaron Rodgers straight. This also depends on the bookend being straight. Smith is still a top-tier blocker, but his injury history may eventually force a shuffle, with Fashanu being a candidate to see starting snaps right out of the gate.
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Competition: Patrick Queen vs. Cole Holcomb vs. Elandon Roberts vs. Peyton Wilson
Queen got top dollar to leave the rival Baltimore Ravens, so he locked into a full-time gig at center in Mike Tomlin’s defense. Still, there is room for a rotation of sidekicks, as Roberts has played well in 17 starts in 2023, and Wilson enters the league with highly respected instincts and physicality.
Competition: Bradley Chubb vs. Jalen Phillips vs. Chop Robinson vs. Shaquille Barrett
It’s unclear whether Chubb, a former Pro Bowler, will be ready to start 2024 after suffering a torn ACL at the end of last season. Robinson brings first-round pedigree as an explosive depth piece, while Barrett may be best suited to slide into a rotational role once he thrives as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top edge presence.
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Competition: Jonathan Greenard vs. Dallas Turner vs. Andrew Van Ginkel
After allowing Danielle Hunter to exit in free agency, Minnesota pounced on a trio of potential successors. Greenard has made the most of his playing time at the NFL level, after a solid performance under Demeco Ryan in Houston. However, working under coordinator Brian Flores, Turner has the potential to become an immediate All-Star.
Competition: Quinyon Mitchell vs. James Bradberry vs. Isaiah Rodgers vs. Cooper Dejean vs. Kelly Ringo
This also doesn’t include Darius Slay, who is projected as the Eagles’ top outside corner, or longtime slot option Avonte Maddox, whose injury history makes his role worse. Bradberry has long been cited as a logical cut candidate, while Rodgers, the former Indianapolis Colts starter, is a potential X-factor after returning from suspension,
Competition: Terrion Arnold vs. Carlton Davis vs. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. vs. Amick Robertson vs. Emmanuel Moseley
Like the Eagles, Detroit didn’t settle for just a flashy addition to the secondary this offseason. Arnold and Rakestraw have the potential to become a top-flight cover duo in Motown, while Davis, Robertson and Moseley provide varying levels of experience for the playoff contenders. This is an underestimated group.
Competition: Anders Carlson vs. Greg Joseph vs. James Turner
Carlson, a sixth-round pick in 2023, made 81% of his field goals as a rookie, but also led the NFL in missed kicks (13). Enter Joseph, who spent three solid seasons with the rival Vikings; and Turner, an undrafted rookie who won a national title in 2023 by converting 18 of 21 field goals for the Michigan Wolverines.
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Competition: Deontay Harty vs. Justice Hill
There will be a renewed focus on special teams in 2024, with the NFL again encouraging kick returns under completely revised rules. Harty is an accomplished returner from his days with the New Orleans Saints, while Hill is fresh off a 2023 campaign in which he posted a career-high 712 all-purpose yards.
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