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2009 Sample Article

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2009’s Position Battles

by Adam Caplan

NFL Insider, FantasyGuru.com
June 1, 2009

Note: This article will be updated periodically from June-September
for 2009 subscribers.

As sure as there is a Super Bowl Champion crowned each year, there will be position battles in the NFL, so we’re back again to track and try to make sense of them all. Knowing which players are in position battles is important for your fantasy team for obvious reasons, but we can sometimes get a sneak peek at a player or two who will elevate their game while in a position battle. Competition is healthy in the NFL, and it certainly was in 2008 for Panther RB DeAngelo Williams, who reacted to his team’s drafting of Jonathan Stewart 13^th overall by having a dream season.

The competition angle is one to follow, but this article is more about getting a handle on who’s in a fight for playing time this year, and as important this feature is about understanding player roles for the upcoming season, since “battles” tend to shake out more so by the players’ roles than an actual winner and loser in today’s NFL.

As usual, our man on the inside, NFL reporter Adam Caplan, is here to cover it all. 

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

The Battle: Tashard Choice vs. Felix Jones for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: Choice’s role as a rookie expanded unexpectedly last season because of injuries to Jones and to starter Marion Barber. But he took advantage of the chance he got and performed at a reasonably high level. The problem now for Choice is that Barber is healthy and Jones, once he’s totally recovered from his toe surgery, is expected to resume his change-of-pace role. Because of that, Choice figures to hold the third spot on the depth chart, Jones the second.

The Battle: Patrick Crayton vs. Sam Hurd vs. Miles Austin for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Roy Williams will replace Terrell Owens as their #1 WR, but the other starting spot remains open. Crayton is best suited for the slot and as their 3^rd receiver. Hurd has good size, but he is a bit unpolished. The coaching staff is high on Austin, who has good size and speed. The expectation is that Austin will open up the regular season in the starting lineup.

New York Giants

The Battle: Domenik Hixon vs. Steve Smith vs. Hakeem Nicks vs. Ramses Barden for the team’s two starting WR jobs

The Winner: With veteran WRs Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer out of the picture, the two starting spots are up for grabs. Hixon started seven games last season for Burress, and he’ll have a small edge for Burress’ spot because of his experience in their offense. Nicks was drafted as Burress’ eventual replacement because of his size and physical play. Smith is seen as a slot receiver who is capable of playing outside, and Barden, while he has tremendous size, has to prove he can handle press coverage. That’s something he struggled with in college and during Senior Bowl practices. The belief is that Hixon has an edge on a starting job, but Nicks will press him for serious playing time this season. On the other side, Smith probably has an early edge because of his experience in their offense.

The Battle: Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Andre Brown vs. Danny Ware for the team’s backup RB job (#2)

The Winner: The team felt it could pass on re-signing Derrick Ward because the Giants were high on Ware. However, they selected the talented Brown, who had a terrific set of practices during Senior Bowl week, and he also performed well in the actual game. Brown has more talent than Ware and is a solid all-around back. Ware is more of a power back, but he hasn’t proven much else. Bradshaw is more of a change-of-pace guy and is their fastest back. Look for Brown to win the top back-up job and for Bradshaw to handle 5-7 touches/game. However, if starting RB Brandon Jacobs couldn’t play, Bradshaw could still wind up starting because of his experience in their offense.

The Battle: Kevin Boss vs. Travis Beckum for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: Boss will start, but the coaches were looking for speed at the TE position. Beckum offers tremendous speed and the ability to get downfield, more so than Boss. Look for Boss to be more of a red zone threat, but Beckum will be the best overall passing option at the position.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Battle: Lorenzo Booker vs. LeSean McCoy for the team's back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: Booker was acquired in a draft day trade last year and was expected to handle this role. However, he struggled in pass protection and seldom saw the field in 2008. McCoy was selected in the second round in this year’s draft and is expected to handle the top back-up role to starter Brian Westbrook, provided he learns the offense quickly and proves he can handle pass protection. Because veteran RB Correll Buckhalter didn’t re-sign with the Eagles, there will be pressure to get McCoy up to speed very early in camp.

The Battle: Kevin Curtis vs. Jeremy Maclin vs. DeSean Jackson for the team's two starting WR jobs

The Winner: Curtis missed half of last season due to groin surgery, and he had a follow-up procedure and missed most of their off-season workouts this year. Still, he’s expected to be ready well in advance of the regular season. Curtis, who turned 31 this year, still is expected to start at one of the receiver spots, but because of his age, he’ll likely lose playing time to the younger Maclin. Maclin has more speed, but he needs to improve on his route running. Look for Curtis to start this season, but Maclin should see about a third of the snaps at the “X” position. Jackson, based on his solid overall performance last season, is almost certain to start. Jackson has the most pure speed of all their receivers.

The Battle: Brent Celek vs. Cornelius Ingram for the team's starting TE job

The Winner: The team decided against re-signing veteran TE L.J. Smith because of Celek’s progress late last season. In fact, a team source said that it was because of Celek’s post-season performance that the decision was made for Celek to replace Smith as the starter in 2009. However, the one area where Celek must improve is in his blocking. Ingram, a rookie, has more athleticism, but he wasn’t asked to block much in college and he didn’t play last season because of injury. Look for Celek to win the job, but Ingram, who has a bit more size, could be more of a factor in the red-zone area.

Washington Redskins

The Battle: Antwaan Randle El vs. Malcolm Kelly vs. Devin Thomas for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: The team added size with Kelly and Thomas in last year’s draft, but both suffered through nagging injuries for most of the season. Kelly is expected to miss significant time this coming season because of major off-season knee surgery. The team is looking to use a big receiver opposite veteran Santana Moss, and Thomas fits that profile well. Look for Thomas to start, with Randle El as the team’s slot receiver this season.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

The Battle: Kevin Jones vs. Adrian Peterson for the team's backup RB job (#2)

The Winner: Jones was coming off an ACL injury last season, so he never could quite take the #2 RB job away from Peterson. Now almost two years removed from the injury, look for Jones, the more talented of the two, to win the job. The fact that they re-signed the more versatile Jones is a sign that they expect him to be starter Matt Forte’s backup this season. The only advantage Peterson has over Jones is that he’s a better special team’s player.

The Battle: Devin Hester vs. Rashied Davis vs. Juaquin Iglesias vs. Earl Bennett for the team’s two starting WR jobs

The Winner: Hester is essentially guaranteed to start based on his expanded role last season. The team is looking to add size opposite him, so that should eliminate Davis, who is small in stature and is more of a slot receiver. Bennett played in 10 games as a rookie last season, but he didn’t record a single catch. What might help him a bit is the fact that he played with new starting QB Jay Cutler in college at Vanderbilt. Iglesias is a solid possession receiver, and he has solid hands and is a good route runner. While Bennett has the advantage because he was with the Bears last season, Iglesias is the more talented of the two receivers, so look for him to win the job.

The Battle: Greg Olsen vs. Desmond Clark for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: Olsen started seven games last season but became the main receiver at the TE position for the Bears. Olsen is more athletic than Clark, who is a better blocker. Look for Olsen to see an expanded role in their passing game this season since the team is pretty weak at receiver.

Detroit Lions

The Battle: Ronald Curry vs. Bryant Johnson vs. Derrick Williams for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Curry is a possession receiver who has good hands, but he lacks good speed. He figures to handle one of the top back-up jobs. Johnson runs surprisingly well for his size and has starting experience. The team signed him with the belief that he’ll start. Williams saw time in the slot during their minicamps and has good hands and is a good route runner. Despite strong performances during Senior Bowl week, Williams dropped out of the 2^nd round because of slow 40-yard dash times during the NFL combine.

Minnesota Vikings

The Battle: Sage Rosenfels vs. Tarvaris Jackson for the team’s starting QB job  

The Winner: While the speculation was alive as of press time that the team will wind up signing veteran QB Brett Favre, as we went to print, it was still Rosenfels and Jackson battling it out for the top job. The job is said to be an open competition, but there will be tremendous pressure on head coach Brad Childress to take the team further in the playoffs this year. And with that in mind, he will be looking for more big plays out of the passing game. Although he’ll make his share of mistakes, Rosenfels is a gunslinger who is capable of moving the ball downfield consistently. Jackson has a stronger arm, but his inconsistent mechanics and poor decisions at critical times may cost him in the end. Look for this battle to go all the way to the end of August, but the veteran Rosenfels will win it in the end.

The Battle: Sidney Rice vs. Percy Harvin vs. Bobby Wade for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Wade started 14 games last season because Rice dealt with a lingering knee injury. Wade is seen strictly as a slot receiver. Harvin can play in the slot, out wide, and in the backfield. The Vikings drafted Harvin because of his versatility. Rice is basically an outside receiver. Rice, if healthy, will probably start, but Harvin, because of his unique skill set, could actually see more snaps.

NFC South

Carolina Panthers

The Battle: Jonathan Stewart vs. DeAngelo Williams for the team's starting RB job

The Winner: The Panthers drafted Stewart last year with the belief that he would eventually take over the starting job. However, he dealt with a lingering toe injury for most of 2008, and Williams took advantage of his increased role. Williams wound up having a monster season last year (20 combined TDs and over 1,600 combined yards). With Stewart now healthy, look for a RBBC, with Stewart handling a little more than half of the carries.

New Orleans Saints

The Battle: Pierre Thomas vs. Reggie Bush for the team’s starting RB job

The Battle: Bush is coming off major knee surgery and has shown he’s not capable of being the team’s featured back. Bush is best used in a two-man backfield with a more powerful back handling close to half of the carries. After veteran RB Deuce McAllister had his role reduced last season, Thomas took over the main back role and prospered. Look for Thomas to handle probably 10-15 touches/game, and both backs may split the passing down role. Bush should see 13-15 touches, depending on his effectiveness. Bush probably offers a bit more value than Thomas, but we could see a true RBBC between the two of them.

The Battle: Devery Henderson vs. Robert Meachem vs. Lance Moore for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Henderson, despite the high number of his dropped passes in recent seasons, was re-signed by the Saints. He clearly offers the best speed of any receiver on the team. Meachem, a former 1^st-round pick in 2007, started to come on a little last season after not catching a pass in his rookie season. However, he hasn’t progressed to the point where the coaches trust him enough to play him more. Moore had a break-out season of sorts in 2008, seeing extended playing time after starting WR Marques Colston missed time due to injury. Moore is coming off shoulder surgery, but he is expected to be ready for training camp. Moore figures to handle no worse than the #3/slot role this season and, based on the trust he had from the coaches last season, he should do no worse than split time with Henderson.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

The Battle: Earnest Graham vs. Derrick Ward vs. Carnell Williams for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: Graham broke down physically last season, so the team decided to bring Ward in. The Buccaneers are supposed to go to more of a power rushing approach this season, and Ward fits that profile quite well. Both Ward and Graham have solid versatility, but Ward has the better talent of the two. Williams is coming back from another knee problem and might not even make the team. Look for Ward to win this job, but Graham will push for 7-10 touches a game.

The Battle: Michael Clayton vs. Dexter Jackson vs. Maurice Stovall for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Despite posting lackluster numbers since his rookie season in 2004, the Buccaneers re-signed Clayton to a long-term deal earlier this year. Clayton has turned into more of a possession receiver in recent seasons. Stovall was never given a chance to develop his skills by the former coaching staff, and he is seen more as just roster depth at this point. Jackson didn’t catch a pass in his rookie season last year, but at least he offers the most speed at the position among the competitors for this role. Look for Clayton to start, based more on the contract he signed this year than anything else, but Jackson could push him for playing time, based on his ability to stretch the field.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

The Battle: Chris Wells vs. Tim Hightower for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: Hightower was a pleasant surprise for the team last season, but the coaching staff got down on him because of his inconsistency. His yards per carry steadily dropped as the weeks progressed. The team decided that they had to upgrade their RB position and did that with their #1 pick in April’s draft with Wells, who is expected to start. Hightower could see time in some passing situations, but look for him to see just 5-7 touches/game, at best, with Wells handling most of the touches.

San Francisco 49ers

The Battle: Alex Smith vs. Shaun Hill for the team’s starting QB job

The Winner: Smith, the former 1^st selection overall in the 2005 draft, missed all of last season due to a shoulder injury. Hill, a career backup, started eight games for the 49ers last season and played fairly well. However, he has a less-than-average arm and his flaws got exposed the more he played. Because of the conservative nature of new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye and the kind of conservative offense head coach Mike Singletary wants, look for Hill to win this job, but both quarterbacks may wind up splitting the starts over the course of the season.

The Battle: Michael Robinson vs. Glen Coffee for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: Robinson, a former collegiate quarterback, it still trying to learn the RB position. He’s had a role as a part-time short-yardage back, and he’s been back and forth on the depth chart over his three years of play. Coffee is a tough, straight-line runner who fits the profile of what the new coaching staff is looking for. The 49ers will transition to a full-time power running game, and that fits Coffee well. Robinson still doesn’t run with good pad level, so look for the more talented Coffee to win this job.

The Battle: Isaac Bruce vs. Michael Crabtree vs. Arnaz Battle vs. Josh Morgan for the team’s two starting WR jobs

The Winner: Bruce is expected to start at one of the receiver spots because of his playing experience. Morgan is built more like Crabtree, who was their 1^st-round pick this year. So Morgan will have an uphill fight to start. Battle has suffered through various injuries over the years and is seen as just depth at the position. Look for Crabtree and Bruce to win the two starting jobs.

Seattle Seahawks

The Battle: Nate Burleson vs. Deion Branch for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Veteran WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh will be one of the starters, and the other job is open. Burleson is coming off an ACL injury, and the belief is that he’s best suited to be a backup at this point of his career. Branch offers more speed on the outside, and the coaching staff will likely keep Houshmandzadeh in the slot as he was with the Bengals. Look for Branch to win this job.

St. Louis Rams

The Battle: Antonio Pittman vs. Ken Darby vs. Samkon Gado for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: Pittman started five times last season in place of injured starting RB Steven Jackson. Pittman, a former 4^th-round pick of the Saints, was not overly impressive, and it’s believed the team will bring in a veteran back to compete for this job. But Pittman would have the early advantage for this role. Darby was added late last season and did decently in a reserve role, but he’s seen as a long shot to win the job. Gado had a terrific rookie season back in 2005, but his played regressed after that, and he’s bounced around a bit among a few teams. Gado would be the sleeper to win this role, but there’s a good chance that the veteran who is brought in will take over that job.

The Battle: Keenan Burton vs. Laurent Robinson vs. Brooks Foster for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: The team traded for Robinson earlier this year, and he has more size and more playing experience than Burton. The previous coaching staff was high on Burton, but he had only 13 receptions last season. Robinson fits in the new St. Louis offensive scheme well, and that’s expected to be a West Coast system. Foster has decent size and upside, but he needs to improve on his route running and concentration catching the ball. Look for Robinson to win this job.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

The Battle: Dominic Rhodes vs. Fred Jackson for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: With starting RB Marshawn Lynch likely suspended for three games to start the regular season, a pecking order will be established in training camp in regard to who will be filling in until Lynch returns. Jackson has been Lynch’s backup the past few seasons, but the team felt they needed more depth at the position, so Rhodes was signed. Jackson offers a bit more size at the position and just as much versatility as Rhodes. Look for Jackson, who signed a contract extension in May, to keep the top back-up role, but there could be a RBBC until Lynch returns unless Jackson can prove he can handle a significant number of carries.

The Battle: Derek Fine vs. Shawn Nelson for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: The Bills spent a 4^th-round pick on Fine in last year’s draft, but he wound up posting only 10 receptions. Nelson was also a 4^th-round pick, but taken in this year’s draft. He’s seen as the more athletic of the two, and a team source believes he’ll wind up winning the receiving role for this job.

Miami Dolphins

The Battle: Ronnie Brown vs. Ricky Williams for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: This isn’t so much a battle, but more of a clarification of roles. It took Brown a while to recover from the ACL injury he suffered during the 2007 season, but he started to come on as the season progressed last year. The coaching staff was reluctant to make him the featured back, but he did still average just shy of 14 carries a game and almost 15.5 touches per contest. Williams, however, averaged 10 carries a game, so it was apparent there was a RBBC last season. With Brown now almost two years removed from his injury, he could take on a more significant role and perhaps more touches, but Williams still likely remains in the picture.

The Battle: Ted Ginn vs. Greg Camarillo vs. Davone Bess vs. Patrick Turner for the team’s two starting WR jobs

The Winner: Ginn, based on his talent, speed, and upside, is almost certain to start. However, the other job remains up for grabs. Camarillo was one of the league’s biggest surprises last season before an ACL injury ended his season after 11 games. Bess is seen as more of slot/back-up receiver. Turner has really good size, but he runs slowly and is a possession receiver. If Camarillo shows that he’s fully recovered from his injury, he should be able to win the job. If not, Turner probably will share the role with him.

New England Patriots

The Battle: Lawrence Maroney vs. Sammy Morris vs. Kevin Faulk vs. Fred Taylor for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: Maroney is recovered from the spate of injuries he suffered last season, but the team isn’t willing to bet that he can stay healthy for a change. Because of that, the team signed the veteran Taylor, who still seemed to have something left last season. Faulk is expected to handle his change-of-pace/third-down role again. Morris will see time in short-yardage and passing situations. Taylor is the wild card. While Maroney is expected to start again, Taylor could take away a decent number carries. Ultimately, look for a major RBBC here.

New York Jets

The Battle: Mark Sanchez vs. Kellen Clemens for the team’s starting QB job

The Winner: It’s been widely speculated that Sanchez, whom the team traded up for in the 1^st round of this year’s draft, will surely begin the season as the starter. But keep in mind the team pegged Clemens as the starter of the future in the 2006 draft. He’s now on the final year of his contract with a lot on the line. It’s questionable as to whether Sanchez has the arm strength to be productive in the Jet passing game. Clemens, on the other hand, probably has a stronger arm, but he may not be as accurate as Sanchez. The guess here is that Clemens will win the job initially, but if he struggles for more than a few games, Sanchez will take over.

The Battle: Shonn Greene vs. Leon Washington for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: Starting RB Thomas Jones turns 31 this season, and the team was looking toward his replacement with the selection of Greene. The Jets want to keep using a power-rushing approach on offense, and Greene fits that profile quite well. While Jones figures to be the starter once again, he’ll probably lose carries to Greene, who’s a much bigger back. Jones posted his best TD numbers of his career last season (13 rushing), but Greene is perfect for a short-yardage role because of his size. Figure on Jones to drop from his 18.1 carries a game to fewer than 15. Washington will remain in his change-of-pace role and will see time on third downs. So Greene and Washington will have roles each week, but Washington’s touches total from last year should drop a little because of the presence of Greene.

The Battle: Chansi Stuckey vs. Brad Smith vs. David Clowney for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: The team surprisingly didn’t add a single receiver during the draft or in free agency, so it appears they will let these three players vie for this #2 role in training camp. It’s still possible they add a veteran before camp opens. Stuckey got off to a good start last season, and then he faded. He’s more of a slot receiver. Clowney has terrific speed but questionable hands, and he has only 1 catch since being drafted by the Packers in 2007. Smith, a former college QB, has good size and decent hands, but he lacks quality speed. Smith will probably win this role, but the dark horse is Clowney. The team was really intrigued with his ability to make plays downfield in practice in last year’s training camp.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

The Battle: Ray Rice vs. LeRon McClain vs. Willis McGahee for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: The job is McGahee’s, but whether his role gets reduced again this year is the question. McGahee was a major disappointment for the Ravens last year and he suffered a variety of injuries. He also had ankle surgery earlier this year. The plan is for McClain to go back to resuming his role as their starting FB, but a source tells us he’s also expected to see some carries at RB, especially in short-yardage. The team learned last year that Rice didn’t have the kind of speed they were looking for, so they reduced his role as the season progressed. Still, he figures to have a role in passing situations. Look for McGahee to handle a majority of the carries, but if he falters again, look for McClain to take over.

The Battle: Mark Clayton vs. Demetrius Williams for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: The team surprisingly didn’t sign a receiver in free agency, nor did they draft one this year. So the starting job opposite Derrick Mason remains open. Williams, who many believe was drafted to eventually start, has dealt with a slew of injuries since being drafted in 2006. But when he’s been healthy, he’s been able to show the coaches in practice that he has a lot of talent and upside. Much was expected from Clayton two years ago, but his play really fell off. He rebounded somewhat last season after Joe Flacco became their starting quarterback. Clayton’s yards per catch average went from 11.1 (07) to 17.0 last season. Williams has much better size and speed, so if he can stay healthy throughout training camp, he’ll really push Clayton. However, because of Clayton’s playing experience, look for him to win this job. But that role could be reduced if Williams stays healthy for a change.

The Battle: L.J. Smith vs. Todd Heap for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: Heap will almost certainly be the starter, but because of his injury issues over the past few seasons, Smith will be given a chance to steal this role. Smith, however, dealt with various injury issues with the Eagles the past few seasons. There’s a chance we’ll see a TEBC here.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Battle: Kenny Watson vs. DeDe Dorsey vs. Brian Leonard vs. Bernard Scott for the team’s back-up RB job

The Winner: Watson has done a nice job when healthy over the past few years for the Bengals in this role. However, he lacks good speed. Dorsey has good speed, but he isn’t as physical as the coaches would like. Leonard fits the physical profile well and he’s versatile. He was acquired to push Watson for the job. Scott has good long-term potential because of his upside and ability. Look for Leonard and Watson to battle for this job and for the more talented Leonard to win it.

The Battle: Ben Utecht vs. Chase Coffman for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: Despite signing Utecht last season to be the starter, the Bengals selected Coffman in the 3^rd round of this year’s draft. Coffman runs a little better than Utecht, who was hurt for almost all of 2008. Look for a TEBC here, with Coffman seeing more than half the reps in game situations as the receiver at this position.

Cleveland Browns

The Battle: Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson for the team’s starting QB job

The Winner: The job was put up for grabs earlier this year by new head coach Eric Mangini. Anderson’s played dropped off hugely last year after a breakout season in 2007. Quinn did fairly well in his few starts last year, but neither is seen at this point as the long-term solution with the new coaching staff. Some feel that Anderson got exposed last season, and his skills regressed. Quinn plays a smarter game and is probably better suited to handle the offensive scheme the team wants to use, so look for him to win this role in camp.

The Battle: Jerome Harrison vs. James Davis for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: The team surprisingly didn’t sign a veteran back after deciding to pass on re-signing RB Jason Wright. Davis has good size, but he lacks good speed, which is why he dropped to the 6^th round of this year’s draft. Harrison has very good speed, but the previous coaching staff was reluctant to give him a solid role because of his lack of blocking skills. Should starting RB Jamal Lewis get hurt, Davis probably would be a better fit for the team’s power rushing attack, but Harrison figures to handle at least a change-of-pace role or more this season based on his upside and ability.

The Battle: Brian Robiskie vs. Mohamed Massaquoi vs. Donte Stallworth for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Stallworth has a major legal issue to deal with, and his status for the season remains up in the air. That said, he was his usually injury-prone self last season and missed five games and parts of others. While he offers the most speed of the three receivers listed, he’s been a very inconsistent player over the years. Massaquoi is a possession receiver who is willing to go over the middle, but he’s not as physically as gifted as Robiskie. Robiskie figures to push for the starting job immediately, since he’s the more polished of the two rookies. Look for Robiskie to push Stallworth (assuming he’s in the mix) for the starting job immediately and for him to eventually win it by the start of the regular season. Even if Stallworth is allowed to play this season, he’s shown in recent years that he can hardly be counted on.

The Battle: Steve Heiden vs. Robert Royal vs. Martin Rucker for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: With the trade of TE Kellen Winslow to the Buccaneers, this job has become open. Rucker, we’re told, didn’t perform well last year in practice, and while he has the most athleticism of the three, is a long shot to win the job. The other two veterans will probably form a two-man committee in Cleveland’s run-first offense. Rucker must improve on his blocking if he’s to handle at least the receiving role at the position.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Battle: Rashard Mendenhall vs. Willie Parker for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: Parker will enter training camp as the starter, but Mendenhall will be given a serious shot to take over that job. Mendenhall played sparingly as a rookie last season before he suffered a broken collarbone. But the feeling is that the team drafted him to eventually be the starter, so they could get back to their power rushing attack. Look for Mendenhall to push the speedy Parker for the top job, but Parker probably will handle the job to start the season. Then, look for the two to split carries as the season progresses, so it’s looking like a possible RBBC this season. Mendenhall, because of his size, could see an increased role in short-yardage situations.

AFC South

Houston Texans

The Battle: Chris Brown vs. Ryan Moats vs. Arian Foster for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: The oft-injured Brown has an advantage on this job based on his playing experience, but the other two backs will be given a chance to unseat him. Brown has flashed plenty of talent over his six-year career, but the 28-year old back hasn’t been able to stay healthy enough, and he didn’t play last season due to injury. Moats, a former 3^rd-round pick of the Eagles, became the #2 back last season for the Texans and was decent in that role. Foster, who went undrafted this year, has really good size and decent ability, but he doesn’t run all that well. Look for Brown to win this job coming out of training camp, but if he’s hurt again, Moats figures to take over the job. It’s also possible that the team signs another veteran back for depth purposes.

Indianapolis Colts

The Battle: Joseph Addai vs. Donald Brown for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: Addai had trouble staying healthy last season, so the team wanted to get him some competition and spent their 1^st-round pick this year on the versatile Brown. Addai didn’t show the ability last season to handle the starting job full-time, and the feeling is Brown might be a better fit for the Colt offense. In fact, there are some talent evaluators who feel Brown is a better long-term solution for the starting role. For this season, look for a RBBC between these two backs.

The Battle: Roy Hall vs. Austin Collie vs. Pierre Garcon for the team’s back-up WR job (#3)

The Winner: Hall has the best size of the three players, but he’s been hurt almost the entire first two years of his career and has only one catch since he was drafted. Garcon caught only four passes as a rookie, but the team is fairly high on him. Collie is best suited for a slot role and has great hands and is an excellent route runner. He was drafted to play the slot, since WR Anthony Gonzalez is expected to play out wide as he replaces Marvin Harrison. Look for Collie to win the #3 role, and he could be a nice late-round sleeper.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Battle: Chauncey Washington vs. Alvin Pearman vs. Rashad Jennings for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: Pearman was signed late last season just for depth, but he has playing experience with this team over the last few years. However, he’s seen as a deep backup. Washington and Jennings offer solid size, but Jennings is seen as the more talented and versatile of the two backs. Jennings surprisingly dropped to the 7^th round of this year’s draft, despite impressive numbers in college and a good round of practices during Senior Bowl week earlier this year. His problem was that he ran slowly during the NFL combine. Still, he has a ton of talent and upside, so look for him to win this job. Because he has good size, he could get some short-yardage work.

The Battle: Torry Holt vs. Mike Walker vs. Dennis Northcutt vs. Troy Williamson vs. Mike Thomas for the team’s two starting WR jobs

The Winner: Williamson has the most speed of any receiver on their roster, but he has terrible hands and almost certainly will come off the bench again this season. Northcutt is best used in the slot, so look for him to handle the #3 role. Holt signed a fairly significant contract, and the team believes he has two good years left in him as a starter. Walker, whom the team is very high on, runs well for his size. He probably has the most upside of any of their young receivers. Look for him to win a starting job in training camp, and he’s looking like a nice late-round sleeper.

Tennessee Titans

The Battle: LenDale White vs. Chris Johnson for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: Both backs played plenty in their rotation last season, but Johnson wound up starting 14 games. But after examining the situation, both really shared the ball (White-200 carries/Johnson-251). Because Johnson lacks White’s bulk, White got a bunch of goal-line carries last season and cashed in on a lot of them (15 rushing TDs). With a defined timeshare in place, Johnson won’t wear down, so expect both to form a RBBC as they did last season. But Johnson should still get at least 60% of the touches again.

The Battle: Kenny Britt vs. Nate Washington vs. Justin Gage for the team’s two starting WR jobs

The Winner: Gage has been Tennessee’s #1 WR the past two seasons, so look for him to at least keep a starting role in 2009. Washington was signed during free agency, presumably to be a starter, but he hasn’t been a consistent performer over his four years of play. Britt has the physical tools to be a starter, but he must be able to learn their offense quickly if he’s to gain a significant role as a rookie. Look for Gage and Washington to start, but Britt could push for playing time early if he’s proficient in his understanding of their playbook.

 

The Battle: Bo Scaife vs. Alge Crumpler vs. Jared Cook for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: It was assumed after the Titans placed their franchise tag on Scaife that he would be the starter or see more than half the reps at the position again this year. But the team selected Cook in the 3^rd round, and many believe he was the most athletic TE available in this year’s draft. What we will probably see here is a TEBC, and that would reduce Scaife’s value significantly. Look for Cook to take on a receiving role if he’s up to speed on the playbook this season. Crumpler is basically a back-up TE at this point of his career.

 

AFC West

Denver Broncos

The Battle: Chris Simms vs. Kyle Orton for the team’s starting QB job

The Winner: When the team traded for Orton earlier this year, they did it with the belief that he would be the starter for at least this season. The fact that the team didn’t sign any other quarterbacks and added only Tom Brandstater in the 6^th round of the draft should signal Orton’s starting role and confidence in him this season. Simms hasn’t started a game since the 2006 season, but he was once thought of very highly earlier in his career.

The Battle: Correll Buckhalter vs. Knowshon Moreno vs. J.J. Arrington vs. LaMont Jordan vs. Ryan Torain for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: Buckhalter signed on earlier this year with the Broncos under the assumption that he would have a strong chance at the starting job. However, that was before Denver drafted Moreno with the first of their two #1 picks. Jordan was signed strictly for depth purposes and because he played for head coach Josh McDaniels with the Patriots and understands the offensive scheme. Arrington was signed as a change of pace/3^rd down back. Torain is still coming from an ACL injury and his status is for training camp and the season is still up in the air. The top job at this position comes down to Buckhalter and Moreno. Buckhalter, who turns 31 in October, has started only six games in his career, and he has never had more than 129 carries in a season, so he likely won’t be the team’s main ball carrier. Moreno’s role will be determined in training camp, but he possesses the versatility to have a significant role this season. For him to break out of a possible RBBC this season, he has to learn the playbook quickly, and he has to show the coaches he can block well.

The Battle: Tony Scheffler vs. Dan Graham vs. Richard Quinn for the team’s starting TE job

The Winner: As was the case with the Patriots, Graham was used mostly as a blocker last season with the Broncos. He did post 32 receptions along with 4 TDs, but he was often the 4^th or 5^th passing option. Scheffler led their TEs in receptions last season, but he suffered through nagging injuries again, which has been a problem over his short career. There were rumors before this year’s draft that the team was looking to trade Scheffler. That could explain why the team took Quinn in the 2^nd round. Look for a TEBC here, with Scheffler as the stretch-the-field TE, while Quinn will work the underneath routes. Graham, in addition to his blocking, could be an active red-zone option.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

The Battle: Matt Cassel vs. Tyler Thigpen for the starting QB job

The Winner: The Chiefs gave up their 2^nd-round pick in this year’s draft for Cassel, so many have assumed he’ll start, for sure, this season. However, new head coach Todd Haley has decided to make this battle an open competition in training camp. Because the offense is expected to be run in a similar fashion to the Patriot offense, look for something of a spread offense, and both Cassel and Thigpen had a lot of experience in that scheme last season. But because Cassel has a stronger arm than Thigpen, he should be able to win this job by the end of August, if not before then.

The Battle: Larry Johnson vs. Jamaal Charles for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: There seems to be little debate as to whom will start, and some question whether Johnson is a good fit for their offensive scheme. He still has a lot of talent, so Johnson figures to be the 1^st- and 2^nd-down back. Johnson lacks the receiving skills of Charles, and because they likely will use primarily a shotgun formation on offense again this season, Johnson, who showed last season that he didn’t fit in well with that, may see plenty of time on the bench. Charles worked well out of the shotgun last year and showed a burst of speed out of that formation. Ultimately, look for Johnson to start, but Charles could get 7-8 touches or more each game because of his ability to make plays in space.

The Battle: Mark Bradley vs. Bobby Engram vs. Devard Darling for the team’s starting WR job (#2)

The Winner: Bradley was acquired off of waivers last season and initially played well, but he dealt with a lingering calf injury, which never really healed until after the season was over. Darling started nine games last season, but has been labeled as an underachiever and really doesn’t command the ball. Engram is a supreme slot receiver, but that translates to being their 3^rd receiver. However, that role could be very important if they run a spread offense this season as many have speculated. Bradley is the most physically gifted of the three receivers and figures to start opposite Dwayne Bowe this season, with Engram a very active #3.

Oakland Raiders

The Battle: Darren McFadden vs. Justin Fargas vs. Michael Bush for the team’s starting RB job

The Winner: We were very critical of McFadden coming into the season last year, and he proved us correct. However, in his defense, he dealt almost all season long with a toe injury. While McFadden lacks good football instincts, he still possesses outstanding speed. The coaches are still trying to figure out the best way to use him in their offense. Fargas started 14 games last season, but he lacks explosiveness in his overall game. Bush struggled for most of his two seasons as a pro, but he posted huge numbers against the Buccaneers in the final game of last season. The team still doesn’t seem to believe he’s the future at the position, but there’s a chance that he gets in the mix for carries each week. Look for McFadden to push for a starting job in training camp, but there’s a decent chance that there will be a RBBC unless he can take the starting job from Fargas.

The Battle: Javon Walker vs. Darrius Heyward-Bey vs. Louis Murphy vs. Chaz Schilens for the team’s two starting WR jobs

The Winner: Walker tried to retire last August, but the team talked him out of it. The oft-injured receiver played in only eight games last season before being put on IR. At this point in his career, he’s just a rotational player. Heyward-Bey was selected high in the 1^st round of this year’s draft and has the most upside of any of their receivers. However, he might not be ready for significant playing time right away, since some believe he needs to get stronger physically. Schilens has really good size, but he doesn’t run well. That’s why the team felt the need to get more speed at receiver. Murphy was one of the top sleeper receivers in this year’s draft, and some believe he has the ability to push for a starting job right away. He has good hands and runs well for his size. Look for a WRBC here, with Murphy surprisingly pushing for a starting job early on.

San Diego Chargers

The Battle: Darren Sproles vs. Gartrell Johnson vs. Michael Bennett for the team’s back-up RB job (#2)

The Winner: Bennett was brought back as insurance should starting RB LaDainian Tomlinson get hurt again. Sproles had a career-high 90 touches last season, but despite being named the team’s franchise player, there’s been no indication that his role will increase. The coaching staff has been reluctant to give him a lot of work because of his small frame, but the fact that the team hasn’t really addressed the running back position significantly this season might mean they plan to get Sproles on the field more. Johnson is the wild card at this position because of his size. He could probably handle a decent number of carries should Tomlinson get hurt again. But Johnson also has to show the coaches in training camp that he has a full understanding of their scheme. Sproles figures to be Tomlinson’s main backup again this season, but it remains to be seen if they will allow him to touch the ball more.

In addition to his work with FantasyGuru.com, Adam Caplan is a regular host on Sirius NFL Radio and co-hosts “Sirius Fantasy Football” with FantasyGuru.com Magazine Publisher John Hansen Friday nights from 8-11 on Sirius/XM NFL Channel 124.
 

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