Countdown to Training Camp: Key Positional Battles to Watch as NFL Teams Gear Up
Finally, NFL players who have signed notarized contracts are expected to report to training camp in just two weeks. On June 11th, the NFL announced training camp reporting dates and locations for all 32 teams. Rookies are set to report as early as July 16th, with veterans following on July 19th. As a fun pre-training camp exercise, I've identified four intriguing positional battles that fans, pundits, and analysts should closely follow. Disclaimer: This list is littered with offensive skill positions, featuring a trifecta of quarterback competitions at the forefront.
Russell Wilson vs. Justin Fields
It was initially announced that Justin Fields wouldn’t see the light of day in a competition for Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback vacancy, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The inconvenient truth is that the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears were willing to ditch their consummate starters in favor of unproven rookie QBs despite less-than-lavish returns. Russell Wilson’s fallout with the Broncos was inevitable in large part due to a conflict of interest with the vision of a pro-typical Sean Payton quarterback, but the production didn’t match the earnings either. With nine more years of experience, Wilson seems the safest bet to secure the job, particularly since Fields didn't receive strong endorsements for his progress during mandatory camp. However, Wilson's production over the last two seasons was far from convincing. By all accounts, the job is Wilson’s to lose, but a shaky camp could open the door for Fields to get a second chance as an NFL starter sooner than predicted.
Aidan O’Connell vs. Gardner Minshew
When all six of the prominent college quarterbacks were unavailable at the time Las Vegas Raiders was on the clock, the organization pivoted to the University of Georgia tight end Brock Bowers as a sweet consolation prize. While that pick from my vantage point was the steal of the first-round, Raiders nation was displeased with the organization's submissive draft approach that saw even division rival Denver Broncos land their quarterback of the future. The Raiders have since declared that an open quarterback competition will be held between free agent signee Gardner Minshew and second-year pro Aidan O’Connell. Like Russell Wilson, Minshew’s experience gives him a perceived edge over O’Connell, but the organization has been effusive in their praise of the former fourth-rounder. O’Connell stepped in for the struggling veteran Jimmy Garoppolo last season, finishing with a 5-5 record and a memorable four-touchdown outing in a 63-21 thrashing over the Los Angeles Chargers. Meanwhile, Minshew narrowly missed a postseason berth, falling short in a win-and-in Week 18 matchup versus the Houston Texans. Reports indicate O’Connell is ahead in the polls but look for Minshew to challenge vigorously.
Jarret Stidham vs. Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos' first-round draft pick perfectly embodies the prototypical Sean Payton quarterback. Despite being shorter than the league average, Bo Nix exhibits exceptional accuracy, arm talent, and athleticism, and looks comfortable scanning through progressions. His scouting reports have even drawn comparisons to the legendary Drew Brees, a quarterback Payton worked with extensively during his coaching career. However, it’s crucial to temper expectations, as Nix is still a rookie who requires further refinement in key areas. While it might seem logical to slot Zach Wilson into the backup quarterback spot, Jarrett Stidham may have the upper hand due to his familiarity with Payton’s system. A fierce three-way battle for the starting position could be on the bingo card, but Payton seems confident in Nix’s NFL readiness.
Buffalo Bills WRs
Amid rising tensions between star receiver Stefon Diggs and the Buffalo Bills front office, a split seemed inevitable and ultimately beneficial for both parties. With Gabe Davis departing in free agency, Buffalo's receiving corps has become leaner, featuring newcomers Curtis Samuel and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, rookie Keon Coleman, the troubled journeyman Chase Claypool, and breakout star Khalil Shakir, who is entering his third year. Save for Claypool, the four aforementioned receivers could conceivably have roster spots bundled up ahead of the 53-man roster trim-down, but who’s first in the pecking order? Samuel has been a functional second and third option on both of his previous squads but he’s eclipsed more than 800 receiving yards just once in his career. MVS was one of two Chiefs receivers to score in the Super Bowl but had a minimal impact through 10 starts. Shakir appears poised for another breakout season, potentially becoming the Bills' top receiving threat after Dalton Kincaid. Keep an eye on Coleman, who could nibble at his heels. I believe this group is stronger than many realize, but the exact pecking order is still uncertain.
