Monday, June 30, 2014

FantasyGuru.com: Off-Season Report #14 (2014's Position Battles)

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FANTASYGURU.COM'S OFF-SEASON REPORT #15
Published, June 30, 2014
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2014 Position Battles

Published, 6/30/14 

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and informative overview of this summer’s position battles complete with insight on where they stand through the OTAs, you’ve come to the right place. 
 
This is obviously our initial look at this year’s top battles for skill position roles, and once training camps kick into high gear, we’re going to update this article DAILY if needed. 
 
For now, here’s how the battles are looking heading into camp…
 
NFC East
 
Dallas Cowboys 
 
The Battle: Lance Dunbar vs. Joseph Randle vs. Ryan Williams for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Dunbar is again tabbed to be the change-of-pace runner and receiver to complement DeMarco Murray. He’s a favorite in the pass-happier scheme of play-caller Scott Linehan, good enough to get more than third-down touches. Coming off left knee ACL surgery, the key for him is staying healthy through increased preseason reps. As for who would back up Murray on early-down work, Williams is most intriguing. If he can swat the horrible (knee) injury bug that bit him in Arizona, his talent trumps Randle’s experience. The team already has seen signs of that in early in the off-season. It’s beneficial for the Cowboys to take a long look at all three backs’ value in training camp, given Murray is unsigned beyond 2014.

The Battle: Kyle Orton vs. Brandon Weeden for team’s backup QB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Cowboys go into camp at an impasse with Orton, 31. He wants to retire, but also wants them to cut him first so he doesn’t have to give them back $3.4 million in bonus money. The team is waiting for him to blink, so it also avoids a cap hit. The Cowboys likely won’t know until training camp if they’re paying him to keep playing. With his handle of their high-volume passing game, he’s the preferred experienced backup for back-troubled Tony Romo. The Cowboys want to avoid Weeden, 30, fresh off his two and only shaky seasons in Cleveland, being thrust into one of the league’s (and fantasy’s) most important #2 jobs. If Orton remains a no-show, Weeden would “earn” the first-go behind Romo by default over new #3 Caleb Hanie.
 
New York Giants
 
The Battle: Rueben Randle vs. Odell Beckham Jr. for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Through OTAs and minicamp, the Giants have been using three wide receivers as their base package, with Randle and Beckham lining up outside as the “X and “Z” and Victor Cruz working out of the slot. In Ben McAdoo’s Packers-styled passing game, there’s room for all three to be productive. Although the speedy Beckham has been impressive running routes, Randle has three inches of height and two years of experience on him. While Eli Manning still will trust Cruz as his go-to guy, Randle’s size and hands should be favored next, especially in the red zone. Beckham is catching up fast as a first-rounder, but look for the greater scoring potential to give Randle the opportunity to see the more snaps early.
 
The Battle: Rashad Jennings vs. Andre Williams vs. Peyton Hillis vs. David Wilson for team’s starting and backup RB jobs (#1 and #2)
 
The Skinny: Jennings came over from Oakland for this opportunity, and outside of injury, it would be a major upset if he doesn’t start the season as a heavy-load #1. Despite his age (29), he’s offered two must-haves for Tom Coughlin already: protecting Eli Manning and securing the ball. Jennings’ versatility puts him ahead of the rest, timed with the Giants wanting to use their feature back more as a receiver in the new WCO. Although that hurts Williams, who didn’t catch any passes during his Heisman-finalist season at Boston College, the rookie fourth-rounder will still battle Hillis to be the early-down #2. Hillis does offer pass-catching/protection skills, but little else as a power back who stands out over Williams. Wilson has a chance to shake things up behind Jennings as a change of pace, but even as he’s on track to get medically cleared before training camp, we don’t know how quickly he can get back up to speed. The Giants will give Williams the first shot at being Jennings’ physical-type backup, with Hillis a candidate for the chopping block when they feel more confident about Wilson.

The Battle: Adrien Robinson vs. Xavier Grimble vs. Daniel Fells vs. Kellen Davis vs. Larry Donnell for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Giants would like to make their tight ends a bigger part of their passing game, but that would mean one of these five guys needs to stand out. It’s become a wide-open competition because they don’t completely trust any one of them as every-down blockers, and the top two candidates, Robinson and Grimble, are also still trying to find their ways as athletic receivers. Grimble, an undrafted rookie, is worth watching most because of his USC pedigree and the flashes he’s shown so far with Eli Manning. We asked Eli about this battle in an interview in mid-June and Grimble was the only name he mentioned. There’s a chance they will add another uninspiring veteran to what’s bound to be a TEBC early until Robinson or Grimble can convince the coaches they can contribute regularly in an all-around role.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Battle: Jeremy Maclin vs. Riley Cooper vs. Jordan Matthews for team’s starting WR jobs (#1 and #2)

The Skinny: He needs to show that he’s back to normal in pads and in game situations, but many of the concerns about Maclin’s left knee (coming off a torn ACL) have been alleviated, so he looks ready to reclaim the #1 role that departed DeSean Jackson had last season. He’s been plugged into D-Jax’s speedy outside spot, setting him up to become Nick Foles’ top deep target. Foles had great chemistry with Cooper, but in their new hierarchy of receiving talent, Cooper has little shot at #1 and needs to worry more about Matthews taking away #2. The rookie is expected to work the slot as a #3 early, but if he keeps standing out with that big body and good hands in camp, he could be ready to get more “X” looks ahead of Cooper soon. However, we do think he’ll wind up playing mostly in the slot, since he doesn’t run well and doesn’t get good separation.

The Battle: Zach Ertz vs. Brent Celek for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Celek, the reliable, venerable blocker, has flashed a few big games as a receiver over the years, but Ertz, in Year 2, is ready for bigger things in Chip Kelly’s passing game. With just a little blocking improvement, Ertz will get plenty of chances to use his athleticism to create mismatches in the middle of the field and on vertical routes. He should get more snaps than Celek in both capacities, and he will battle with running back Darren Sproles to be the most productive Eagle pass-catcher behind Jeremy Maclin. The way the team has been hyping Ertz, he’s already slid up to #1 here.

Washington Redskins 
 
The Battle: Roy Helu vs. Evan Royster for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Redskins have been able to trust Alfred Morris with a heavy early-down load, meaning when he’s healthy his top backup will remain relegated to third-down duties under Jay Gruden. Helu has the hold on his role going to camp, as Royster is closer to being cut from the roster. Second-year man Chris Thompson and rookie Lache Seastrunk have intrigued the staff with their skills, but they are more reserve options for 2015, as neither Helu nor Royster is signed past this season. This is easily Helu at #2, barring camp injury.
 
NFC North
 
Chicago Bears
 
The Battle: Marquess Wilson vs. Josh Morgan for team’s #3 WR job
 
The Skinny: This is for the right to be right behind the studly 1-2 punch of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery in the Bears’ prolific passing game. Wilson all but has nailed down #3 going into camp, as his talents as a 6’4”, 204-pound second-year player made the decision to cut Earl Bennett easy. Wilson is big and skilled enough to see some work outside in three-wide receiver sets, and they love his size and how he runs well. The main question remaining with Wilson is whether or not he’s ready to handle making tough, 3rd down catches. Morgan, the former 49er and Redskin, will be stuck trying to stick as the #4, even if his April arrest for assault is no longer a factor. Wilson is #3 with a bullet.
 
The Battle: Ka’Deem Carey vs. Michael Ford for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Bears expended a fourth-round pick on Carey, and with that, they expect his running and receiving skills to make him the ideal backup to Matt Forte in Marc Trestman’s offense. Carey goes into camp well ahead of Ford, an undrafted second-year player. Forte will still be the versatile workhorse with the payoff of red-zone pay dirt, with Carey quickly developing into a nice insurance policy.
 
The Battle: Jordan Palmer vs. Jimmy Clausen vs. David Fales for team’s backup QB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: It’s a far cry from Marc Trestman and the Bears just trusting in Josh McCown to be Jay Cutler’s supersub. Carson’s brother Jordan has struggled plenty in the off-season to the point Clausen, the former Panther who was just signed on June 5, is in position to nail down #2 in camp. Trestman is confident he can mold Clausen into a serviceable-plus fallback to the oft-banged up Cutler in his West Coast system. There’s enough to like about Fales as a solid backup down the line, but for now, the rookie will hold the clipboard as the developmental #3.
 
Detroit Lions
 
The Battle: Reggie Bush vs. Joique Bell for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Bush is ahead of Bell on the depth chart, but this backfield will lean more toward the latter, younger back more under Joe Lombardi. Bush is throwing back to a Saints-like scheme as a receiver, but at 29, he’s even down with seeing less wear carrying the ball. The Lions didn’t give Bell $4.3 million guaranteed to treat him like a #2. Expect Bell to see that uptick in his rushing workload in camp, but the Lions also feel good about keeping him as equally involved as Bush in the passing game. Still, this is an RBBC between the two of them and Bush is still technically the lead back.
 
The Battle: Eric Ebron vs. Brandon Pettigrew for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Pettigrew remains #1 in the team’s traditional TE role because of his in-line blocking and experience edge. But Ebron, with his dynamic athleticism built for “move” tight end, has been treated early as more like the third wide receiver working between Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. The Lions can’t ignore that Pettigrew’s contributions in the passing game have dwindled. As they go to more sets that spread the field, Ebron is in line to trump Pettigrew in snaps. That should develop as Ebron gets more consistent with his hands and route-running in camp. Ultimately, Ebron will be used similarly to how the Saints use Graham – mostly out of the slot.
   
Green Bay Packers
 
The Battle: Jarrett Boykin vs. Davante Adams for team’s #3 WR job
 
The Skinny: With James Jones in Oakland, Boykin is holding ground as the Packers’ #3 behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Boykin is just building on how well he produced in that capacity when Cobb was hurt last season and how well liked he is by Mike McCarthy. Adams, a second-rounder with first-round talent, has battled the typical rookie challenges of the playbook and route-running. He should push Boykin a little more in camp as that gap closes quickly. It’s a fluid situation that should last well into the season. Adams doesn’t need to worry much about beginning lower than #4, while fellow rookies Jared Abbrederis and Jeff Janis battle second-year man Chris Harper for the #5 job. Abbrederis is a slot WR who could see a role on 3rd downs if he makes the team.
 
The Battle: Andrew Quarless vs. Brandon Bostick vs. Richard Rodgers vs. Colt Lyerla for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Quarless would have been the default #1 because of his in-line blocking and longest history in the Packers’ system, but with his missing the entire off-season so far, it’s opened the door for others. Bostick, more of athletic receiver than blocker, hasn’t been able to take advantage yet, as he just returned from foot surgery late in OTAs. The biggest beneficiary has been Rodgers, whose early first-team reps have sped up his development. The rookie third-rounder can steal the starting job away with a decent camp, and the team would be okay with that despite his unpolished blocking. The undrafted Lyerla is loaded with receiving skills and put some of them on display in OTAs, but he’s first working to overcome his heavy baggage. Anything can happen here, including bringing back Jermichael Finley, but adding it all up, Rodgers makes the most sense as #1.
 
Minnesota Vikings
 
The Battle: Matt Asiata vs. Jerick McKinnon for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Asiata, who had two productive outings off the bench when Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart were both banged-up last season, has carried the torch as Peterson’s new #2 since Gerhart signed with Jacksonville. There’s nothing spectacular about Asiata’s game, but his early-down steadiness and goal-line presence behind Peterson have him there for now. The speedy McKinnon was drafted on the appeal of his third-down potential, and the rookie has still work to do to expand on that role. Camp won’t be enough time for him to pass Asiata, but it’s not out of the question that they wind up signing a veteran to compete for the #2 job because Asiata simply doesn’t move well at all.
 
The Battle: Matt Cassel vs. Teddy Bridgewater vs. Christian Ponder for team’s starting and backup QB jobs (#1 and #2)
 
The Skinny: Cassel clings to the #1 job going into camp, but Bridgewater is a close second. Although Norv Turner and the Vikings’ staff have praised Bridgewater as they have given him some first-string looks, they don’t want to press the first-round rookie into action. Cassel isn’t a bad veteran option to start the season, but coach Mike Zimmer has indicated Bridgewater can still win the job if he’s the best passer in camp. The open competition should go deep into the preseason, and expect it to lean toward Bridgewater if it’s a dead heat. Behind them, it’s hard to think of Ponder as anything more than a #3 whom the Vikings might try to trade in camp.
 
NFC South
 
Atlanta Falcons
 
The Battle: Devonta Freeman vs. Jacquizz Rodgers for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Falcons want Freeman to become the immediate top backup to Steven Jackson, and all it will require from the rookie is improving in pass protection to the point where the coaches feel somewhat comfortable. Compared to the plodding Rodgers, Freeman already is faster and more dynamic as a third-down, change-of-pace type. Unlike Rodgers, Freeman’s future is eventually usurping Jackson for feature back duties, something that may happen by midseason if the rookie flies out to a great camp as the projected #2. They know what Rodgers is at this point: just a change-up RB. Freeman is a little bigger and projects better to be the #2 RB.
 
Carolina Panthers
 
The Battle: Kelvin Benjamin vs. Jerricho Cotchery vs. Jason Avant vs. Tiquan Underwood for team’s starting and backup WR jobs (#1, #2 and #3)
 
The Skinny: Benjamin stands as tall (6’5”) as Cam Newton, and the rookie first-rounder is spending his short pre-camp summer vacation building his chemistry with Newton. That should give him the leg up to be the easy #1 in this limited passing offense. As for the other three, it’s a situational #2 WRBC. Cotchery and Avant are both best suited for the slot, but Cotchery, with some red-zone pop, is the better of the two to play outside opposite Benjamin. The Panthers see Underwood as a speedy deep threat, and he’ll get plenty of looks outside as well. Avant is limited to only playing the slot, so he shouldn’t be on the radar. After Benjamin, it’s a complete muddle, and unfortunately, camp won’t provide either much clarity or confidence.

The Battle: DeAngelo Williams vs. Jonathan Stewart for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The breaking news here is that Stewart has gotten through an off-season healthy to the point he’s spryer than ever as a 27-year-old. That’s four years younger than Williams, who’s trying to hold off what could be a sharp decline. Stewart is the better #1 option in camp because his running style is built to make the most of the limited holes Carolina’s maligned line will create. He’s also capable enough as a receiver to handle the bigger workload overall. If the Panthers play it right, Williams would back up Stewart, with fullback Mike Tolbert being the fallback for third-down red-zone situations. Knowing them, however, it looks like the familiar, frustrating RBBC until a rejuvenated Stewart or further-fading Williams forces their hand.
   
New Orleans Saints 
 
The Battle: Kenny Stills vs. Brandin Cooks for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Stills will hold the #2 designation because he’ll be the one starting outside opposite Marques Colston. But when you include tight end Jimmy Graham and the way the Saints will move around their receiving personnel, Cooks, the lightning-fast rookie first-rounder, is right there with Stills in terms of potential production. They’re counting on the duo to be the new Lance Moore and Darren Sproles for Drew Brees, and that should put their targets to be on track to be neck-and-neck behind Graham and Colston, starting with camp. Cooks will be counted on to be a deep threat, but he’s capable of playing inside or outside, and Stills can be that deep threat if Cooks isn’t ready.
 
The Battle: Pierre Thomas vs. Mark Ingram vs. Khiry Robinson for team’s starting and backup RB jobs (#1 and #2)
 
The Skinny: At first glance, this looks like your typical New Orleans RBBC minus Darren Sproles. On second thought, Robinson is a big, explosive back who should separate himself from Thomas and Ingram as their primary ball-carrier. Thomas is needed more to help fill the backfield third-down receiving void of Sproles, so he still should see at least 50% of the touches. Ingram, who becomes a free agent in 2015, will run hard to compete with Robinson for the early-down ball-control work, but it’s already been seen that Robinson is faster and more powerful. Robinson has lived up to his billing as a potential #1 this off-season, and don’t expect that to change in camp.
 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
 
The Battle: Mike Glennon vs. Josh McCown for team’s starting QB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: McCown was tabbed to start over Glennon in 2014 right after the Bucs signed him, and the team has stopped just short of officially confirming that status going into camp. They have tailored their entire passing offense to the former Bears supersub, and given how good their defense can be in Year 1 under Lovie Smith, McCown is the best man for the job of facilitating victories. The Bucs, meanwhile, have been hot-and-cold on Glennon throughout the off-season, and we don’t know if their new regime is even committed to looking at him as the quarterback of the future anymore. McCown, like all along, will be #1.
 
The Battle: Charles Sims vs. Mike James vs. Bobby Rainey for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Bucs don’t plan to overwork Doug Martin anymore, but his backup is shaping up to be more RBBC than just any one of these guys. After James and Rainey did well subbing for Martin when he was on the shelf last season, they still used a third-round pick on Sims. If he can get his pass blocking right, Sims would get the first crack to spell Martin on third downs as the only other surefire keeper in this committee. The Bucs wanted to get a projected all-down back to be Martin’s handcuff, and Sims is that guy. He’s a similar player, and Sims is faster than Martin. That will leave James and Rainey battling for #3, with real potential of the loser being cut. James is probably the better backup to Martin, as he was coming out of camp last year.

The Battle: Tim Wright vs. Brandon Myers vs. Austin Seferian-Jenkins for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Myers was signed for some more blocking pop, and Seferian-Jenkins was drafted for his tantalizing size and receiving skills. But because Myers isn’t much of an athlete and Seferian-Jenkins is more of a raw project, the Bucs are still of the belief Wright has good value to the offense. It’s hard to read how the snaps will shake out among Myers, Wright and ASJ but this is a classic TEBC that sets up an exciting rookie to eventually shoot past a pair of limited veterans. It just won’t happen in camp.ASJ should be the move TE eventually, once he knows what he’s doing, but Wright could have some sneaky value extended from the formation.
 
NFC West
 
Arizona Cardinals
 
The Battle: Stepfan Taylor vs. Jonathan Dwyer for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: This situation is just another reason the Cardinals can’t stop raving about how many catches and carries clear-cut feature back Andre Ellington should get this season. As Ellington is easily their best early- and third-down option, it’s down to Taylor and Dwyer for who gives him the first breather on short-yardage power and goal-line sets. The younger holdover Taylor has the edge for #2, but Dywer has done his share of surprising in Pittsburgh. This will be tight and too close to call until we near the end of camp, but ultimately Dwyer has a better chance to be the primary backup on early downs based on his knowledge of the offense and experience.

The Battle: John Brown vs. Ted Ginn for team’s #3 WR job
 
The Skinny: The Cardinals’ goal with their #3 this season was obvious: Find someone with the big-play flair to take advantage of the attention starters Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd get as they catch everything thrown their way. Ginn broke through in a one-trick role in Carolina last season, and he goes into camp as the #3 over the blazing rookie Brown. That lead is small, however, as the coaching staff has realized they need to get Brown’s speed on the field as much as possible, whether it’s as a returner or receiver. Ginn’s experience is his biggest advantage, but at the rate Brown is catching up, Ginn’s bound to keep losing more ground. Brown is probably a better deep threat than Ginn. The real question is how many snaps with the #3 WR get here, since they will use a ton of 2-TE sets.
 
The Battle: Rob Housler vs. John Carlson vs. Troy Niklas vs. Jake Ballard for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Bruce Arians’ vertical, wide receiver-oriented scheme is where tight ends with good receiving skills (usually, but not always) go to dry up in the desert. We’ve already seen its effect on Housler’s potential, and Carlson isn’t immune. In reality, Ballard and Niklas offer the most to Arians as blockers, but injuries have Niklas (sports hernia surgery, broken hand) headed to a most inauspicious rookie camp. Sometimes, Housler feels like their #1, and other times, his roster spot seems to be in jeopardy. This is headed toward Carlson, if he can shake his bad injury luck, to be the #1, but Housler’s upside does remain in play at least for now. Look for a lot of 2-TE sets, since they are actually deep at the position.
 
San Francisco 49ers
 
The Battle: Kendall Hunter vs. Carlos Hyde vs. Marcus Lattimore for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Frank Gore may need to start sweating about his #1 status soon at age 31 and a pileup of intriguing contenders behind him, but for now, he’s still the bell cow. Hunter is expected to remain #2 on the depth chart because, for the 49ers’ run-friendly scheme, he’s the only one of the above three suited for change-of-pace third-down duties. That leaves Lattimore and Hyde battling to spell Gore (and soon, maybe succeed) as the early-down power back. While Lattimore has great confidence as he tries to bury his major knee and hamstring woes, he’s still well behind the rookie second-rounder Hyde in that race. Hyde is too good all-around to not at least be considered for a significant ball-carrying role right away. Due to his size and ability, Hyde would likely see a lot of carries if Gore couldn’t play – provide he was up to speed on the playbook. It’s not looking good for Lattimore here.
  
Seattle Seahawks
 
The Battle: Doug Baldwin vs. Sidney Rice vs. Jermaine Kearse vs. Paul Richardson for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Baldwin has been slated to start opposite Percy Harvin as their #2 outside, an upgrade for him following the departure of Golden Tate. It helps that Rice can’t be any more than a backup, as his continued knee injury troubles are set to keep him out for the beginning of training camp. That helps situational target Jermaine Kearse to possibly jump up to #3. The Seahawks thought enough of Richardson’s speed to take him in the second round, but they also know the rookie isn’t quite ready to be much more than a #5 and return man.  
 
The Battle: Christine Michael vs. Robert Turbin for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Darrell Bevell’s declaration the Seahawks are going to RBBC this season it’s more tied to the desire to groom the powerful and explosive Michael to take over for Marshawn Lynch for good in the near future. Compared to Turbin, Michael is the much higher upside #2 to start camp, and as the season progresses, it will get more difficult for Seattle to ignore that he’s even ready to be #1. Turbin had a good run as Lynch’s primary backup, but his clear #3 role won’t change unless either Lynch or Michael is hurt in camp. Should Lynch be unable to play, both of those RBs would split the carries, with Michael having the upside since he’s much more explosive. 

St. Louis Rams
 
The Battle: Zac Stacy vs. Tre Mason for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Rams’ coaching staff has made it seem like this is an even competition between last year’s workhorse and this year’s third-round pick. But Stacy is in line to get the bulk of carries again because Mason simply isn’t ready, pass-protection and power running-wise, to really push for the gig. The notion of a potential RBBC is more in play to keep everyone motivated. Stacy is the no-brainer #1 and will remain right there coming out of camp. Mason will challenge Benny Cunningham and Isaiah Pead for the #2 job.
 
The Battle: Tavon Austin vs. Chris Givens vs. Austin Pettis vs. Kenny Britt vs. Brian Quick vs. Stedman Bailey for team’s starting and backup WR jobs (#1, #2 and #3)
 
The Skinny: The Rams plan to get Austin a lot more involved this year, but he’s tabbed to be their slot receiver (but they will line him up all over the formation). As for the starting jobs outside, Britt has impressed the most throughout OTAs and minicamp. His size and pedigree have allowed him to unofficially take the lead for the traditional #1 role. Givens, as the best potential complementary deep threat, should be considered #2 going into training camp. Quick also has been praised by the coaches but is hurt by the fact that Britt is just a more talented, more experienced version of him. Pettis’ experience isn’t helping him much, and there’s a fair chance he will be cut. Bailey has had his moments this off-season, but a four-game suspension means he won’t get his chance in the mix until Week Six.

AFC East
 
Buffalo Bills

The Battle: Bryce Brown vs. Anthony Dixon for team’s backup RB job (#3)
 
The Skinny: With it established that this is a 2-man backfield with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller, we turn our attention to the #3 spot, which would have value if Jackson or Spiller missed time with an injury. Dixon is a special team’s contributor and can be a solid short-yardage back, but that’s about it. As long as Brown doesn’t have issues with fumbling and/or inferior running vision, he should be the #3. The team is very high on Brown and tried to trade for him in 2013. That’s worth noting for those in keeper or dynasty leagues, since Spiller is a FA in 2015 and Jackson is old enough to remember when The Cosby Show was on the air.

The Battle: Robert Woods vs. Mike Williams vs. Marquise Goodwin for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: It didn’t take long for the Bills to make rookie Sammy Watkins their #1. Woods leads in the race to start opposite him as the #2 after he’s recovered well from ankle surgery. Williams’ productive past in Tampa and history with HC Doug Marrone would suggest he has a good chance, but the reality is the Bills see him more as a big situational receiver to target in the red zone. Goodwin will continue to flash with his track-star speed in camp, but his size limitation will have him fighting more to be than a situational receiver (deep threat).
 
Miami Dolphins
 
The Battle: Lamar Miller vs. Knowshon Moreno vs. Daniel Thomas for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: It’s been a disastrous first off-season for Moreno in Miami. It started with immediate unimpressive practices related to questions about his conditioning. It continued with the need for left knee surgery that will shelve him for a good chunk of training camp. Miller’s lead on the #1 job going into camp got a whole lot stronger. Thomas will hang on as the cheap #2 while Moreno can’t go, but when both Miller and Moreno are healthy, he’ll go back to being the clear #3.
 
New England Patriots
 
The Battle: Aaron Dobson vs. Brandon LaFell vs. Kenbrell Thompkins for team’s #3 WR job
 
The Skinny: Despite coming off foot surgery, Dobson is expected to be ready for camp and secure his role as the heavy-snap “X” receiver outside, next in line behind busy littler targets Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. LaFell was signed for his “X” potential, but the Patriots have learned he’s better trying to help fill the “joker” void of Aaron Hernandez as their fifth option behind the other three wideouts and Rob Gronkowski. Although Thompkins, as he did last year, has had his standout off-season moments, he trials Dobson and LaFell on the depth chart and is more focused on just hanging on to his roster spot over Josh Boyce.
 
The Battle: Brandon Bolden vs. James White for team’s #3 RB job
 
The Skinny: Stevan Ridley is the easy #1 power back with LeGarrette Blount out of the picture, and the versatile Shane Vereen returns to the role as the dynamic #1 receiving back. As for who might get the most touches spelling them, Bolden comes with last year’s experience of filling in okay for both, but the Vereen-like rookie White excites the coaches a little more. The Patriots also should want to see more of White through camp and beyond with an eye on next year, for when Ridley and Vereen both become free agents. If promising runner Stephen Houston (2014 UDFA) has a strong camp, he could even push Bolden off the roster.
 
New York Jets
 
The Battle: Chris Johnson vs. Chris Ivory for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Jets will roll with Johnson first as their #1. They also know he’s 29 and need to keep from overworking him. They’ll watch Johnson closely because there are signs he’s slowing down and not effective as a “ground and pound” back they will hope Ivory is healthy to lean on more to split the early-down workload, with Ivory handling more of the interior running. Barring injury to Johnson, this will be a defined #1 vs. #2 coming out of camp that has potential to develop into a true RBBC by midseason.

The Battle: Michael Vick vs. Geno Smith for team’s starting QB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Not only has Vick struggled to perform like he’s worthy of #1 in OTAs and minicamp, he’s also mentally accepting he’s bound to be the backup here. What was once 50-50 has now titled toward Smith getting most of the #1 reps in training camp. The top of the Jets’ organization also would like the coaches to trust turning the page to Smith, despite Vick’s experience in Marty Mornhinweg’s offense. As bad as Smith looked at times as a rookie, he showed flashes on which he can build. It would be quite an upset if they didn’t hand him the ball again in Week One.
 
The Battle: Jeff Cumberland vs. Jace Amaro for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Jets liked Cumberland’s receiving skills enough to bring him back on a three-year deal in March, but that was before they drafted the way more athletic Amaro. While Cumberland remains limited as an in-line guy with good hands, Amaro has dazzled with his ability to line up and catch balls everywhere. The rookie is more like a wide receiver hybrid, setting him up to be more immediately productive than Cumberland in the passing game. Amaro also has untapped blocking ability. But on the downside, the playbook will be a challenge for Amaro, since he came from a totally different offense (spread vs. WCO).
 
The Battle: Jeremy Kerley vs. David Nelson vs. Stephen Hill for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The addition of Eric Decker answers the #1 question, but then it’s these three returnees ahead of players such as Jacoby Ford, Shaq Evans, and the tiny Jalen Saunders going into camp. Kerley has the best history of production with the team, but the Jets would like to relegate him to what he does best: work the slot as a #3 receiver. Nelson (6’5”) and Hill (6’4”) are more appealing to put opposite Decker as big possession types and will continue their tight competition for #2 in camp. Although Hill is the more explosive athlete, he’s behind Nelson in a key area: just catching the ball. The Jets would like for Hill to step up and win it because, if he drops behind Nelson, he’ll be closer to being dropped from the roster. They might be forced into picking Nelson if Hill keeps dropping more balls.
 
AFC North
 
Baltimore Ravens
 
The Battle: Bernard Pierce vs. Lorenzo Taliaferro vs. Justin Forsett for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: This is bound to be the Ravens’ #1 job for at least the start of the season with Ray Rice’s suspension looming. Pierce, who’s held down the backup job for two years, will open camp as the favorite to keep #2. That’s despite his struggles to get going in 2013 and the fact he’s recovering from the major shoulder surgery he had early this year. When Pierce was shelved earlier in the off-season, Forsett got the second-team reps behind Rice and ahead of Taliaferro, but the versatile journeyman is best suited to a third-down relief role. The Ravens drafted Taliaferro because of some Rice-like on-field qualities. The rookie has hurt his chances, however, with off-field trouble that he may need to deal with first before he can focus on competing in his first camp. That said, Forsett is the guy to look at here behind Rice and Pierce.
 
The Battle: Jacoby Jones vs. Marlon Brown for team’s #3 WR job
 
The Skinny: Torrey Smith is the #1, and newcomer Steve Smith figures to get the Ravens’ second-most wideout targets, even if it comes from often working out of the slot. When you factor the receiving skills of tight ends Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels, Jones vs. Brown is really for the right to be the #5 option. The Ravens are better off letting Jones go back to being a return man first, providing occasional downfield pop as a #4 wideout. Brown looked very good at times as an undrafted rookie last season, especially in the red zone. He’ll be slated to be the #3 who can best work off the Smiths.

Cincinnati Bengals
 
The Battle: Jeremy Hill vs. BenJarvus Green-Ellis for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The rookie Hill was anointed as the #2 soon after he was drafted, the hammer to second-year lightning-quick feature back Giovani Bernard. There’s a huge gap between Hill’s fresh, powerful legs and Green-Ellis’ fading, limited 28-year-old rushing skills. While Hill will work to earn more action to complement Bernard, BJGE should be more concerned about just trying to stay on the roster over a more intriguing #3, Rex Burkhead. If Green-Ellis is cut, Hill could cut into Bernard’s role, since he’s excellent catching the ball and has much better size.
 
The Battle: Jermaine Gresham vs. Tyler Eifert for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Gresham’s camp availability is clouded by his recent hernia surgery, which sets up Eifert to see a lot more reps next month. But make no mistake; the Bengals still like the value Gresham brings as a blocker to keep this as a TEBC to start the season. The snaps and targets should lean more toward Eifert, however, as the season progresses. Knowing Gresham is a pending free agent, it’s beneficial for the Bengals to expand Eifert’s role into something that resembles full time.
 
The Battle: Marvin Jones vs. Mohamed Sanu for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Jones broke from the pack to become A.J. Green’s best complement in 2013, and the Bengals haven’t been able to stop gushing about him as the clear-cut #2 this off-season. Sanu, who had this job at this time last year, won’t have any luck rising from #3. Not nearly as skilled as Jones, the Bengals are looking at Sanu as more of a versatile, situational slot player. That means few snaps under Hue Jackson, who won’t feature three wideout-sets often. They still like Sanu, but they love Jones.
 
Cleveland Browns
 
The Battle: Ben Tate vs. Terrance West for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Both the Browns and Tate feel good about his status as the #1 going into training camp, but he has little margin for error. He can’t afford to invoke any of his past lack of durability with Houston. It happened already in minicamp, when Tate was held out with injury and West impressed even more as a compact power back handling the first-team reps. The Browns already want the rookie involved often in their running game, and all it will take is a couple of cracks created by Tate’s nicks to help West convince them he should be the #1 right away. It’s something to track week to week after camp opens. It would be great news for West if it leans toward RBBC early, but there’s really no disputing the notion that Tate will start if healthy.
 
The Battle: Johnny Manziel vs. Brian Hoyer for team’s starting QB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Hoyer, going into training camp with the lead for #1, is battling both Manziel and any lingering effects of his torn ACL as he tries to keep the job. It will be harder to hold off the dynamic Manziel, who closed the perceived gap quickly in minicamp and OTAs. Hoyer would be the option if Manziel either gets hurt or has a major rookie regression as the competition heats up with live-game action. While the sense heading into camp is that Manziel will play only if they’re off to a bad start, the Browns didn’t draft Manziel to be their new franchise QB just to sit, and they aren’t having Kyle Shanahan put in RG3-style red-zone wrinkles just for kicks. We still expect Manziel to emerge as #1 fairly early.

The Battle: Andrew Hawkins vs. Nate Burleson vs. Miles Austin for team’s starting and backup WR jobs (#2 and #3)
 
The Skinny: This is about to change to the battle for the #1 and #2 jobs when we find out for how long the NFL will suspend Josh Gordon, and we’re not hearing good things about Gordon’s chances of playing in 2014. If it’s for the entire season, at least the Browns should be happy they stole Hawkins away from the Bengals. Hawkins has stood out as the best-performing wide receiver before training camp, as the Browns have quickly learned he can thrive beyond the slot (although we still think he’s just a slot guy). Burleson, coming off arm surgery, was on track to be the slot guy with Gordon in the lineup but would be the #2 without him. At this point with Austin, they’re hoping his hamstrings hold up enough in camp to feel like he can contribute decent work as an experienced #3.

Pittsburgh Steelers
 
The Battle: Markus Wheaton vs. Lance Moore vs. Martavis Bryant for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: It’s now Wheaton’s turn as the starting speedster opposite well-rounded, do-everything Antonio Brown. The Steelers tabbed him for the #2 after not bringing back Emmanuel Sanders, and Wheaton hasn’t disappointed, with a firm hold on the job going into training camp. They do love what they’ve seen so far from the rookie fourth-rounder Bryant, but his inexperience with route-running and Pittsburgh’s playbook keeps him a little short. As we know from his Saints days, Moore will be just fine settling into the slot as the #3, exactly what he was signed for.
 
AFC South
 
Houston Texans
 
The Battle: Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Case Keenum vs. Tom Savage for team’s starting and backup QB jobs (#1 and #2)
 
The Skinny: Bill O’Brien already has named Fitzpatrick the Texans’ starter for the beginning of the 2014 NFL season. The focus is now on who might get the next shot in case of injury or Fitzpatrick flopping badly early. The good bet is on Savage. Not worrying about chasing #1 in camp will allow the rookie fourth-rounder to concentrate on getting down O’Brien’s complex system to prepare to play down the line. He also was handpicked by O’Brien for the future, while Keenum is a holdover from Gary Kubiak’s offense. All it needs to be is even for Savage to jump up to #2. Fitzpatrick will lose the job if they are struggling by midseason (2-6 record, for example).
 
The Battle: Garrett Graham vs. Ryan Griffin vs. C.J. Fiedorowicz for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Bill O’Brien’s past in New England suggests he ideally wants to feature at least a pair of tight ends in the passing game. Graham is the most experienced and reliable going into camp. As the “move” tight end, he will be treated early as an H-back/wide receiver hybrid. Although Griffin is bigger and more athletic, he is on track to be targeted less than Graham while’s he’s often on the field at the same time. Fiedorowicz has Rob Gronkowski-like size, hands and blocking ability, but as the rookie develops as a receiver in camp, he will work as the #3.
 
Indianapolis Colts
 
The Battle: Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Vick Ballard for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Colts are giving Trent Richardson the huge opportunity to rebound as the heavy-load feature back, but they will need to figure out which of these former starters would the next chance if he falters again. Bradshaw, coming off neck surgery, will need to see if he’s able to take on contact in training camp before he can go full bore. Ballard isn’t quite totally healthy, either, as he’s still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in last year’s opener. Weighing both what they can offer the offense and the nature of their injuries, Bradshaw will maintain his slight edge for #2 going into the season.
 
The Battle: Dwayne Allen vs. Coby Fleener for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Allen has recovered well from hip surgery. The Colts have already seen him get back into the flow of running routes and catching passes. There’s no doubt he has the huge blocking advantage over Fleener for them to want Allen back on the field more. Fleener did a few good things as a receiver last season, but that was a result of the Colts not having the wideout depth they have now. Allen, the better all-around athlete, is your #1 barring a setback. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll have more fantasy value than Fleener, who is taller and more athletic.
 
Jacksonville Jaguars
 
The Battle: Blake Bortles vs. Chad Henne for team’s starting QB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Jaguars had tabbed Henne to start before they even drafted Bortles, and that tune hasn’t changed. They are okay with marching to a unique beat and have Bortles sit and learn as much as possible before throwing him into the fire. For the rookie third overall pick to be the #1, it would take a superstar-like camp and preseason performances with Henne having major struggles at the same time. Their old-school grooming approach is necessary with questions about Bortles NFL-readiness and their receiving corps. If the Jaguars had it their way, Henne would be the man for every game this season. But you have to think if Bortles is up to speed on the offense, he’ll get some playing time late in the season, assuming they’re out of it.
 
The Battle: Marquise Lee vs. Allen Robinson vs. Ace Sanders for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Given the continued injury concerns with (default) #1 Cecil Shorts, who’s followed up sports hernia surgery with a bad hamstring this off-season, the #2 has the potential to be a very busy target. Lee has been working at Justin Blackmon’s former position outside and is ready to win the job in camp. He’s not expected to be slowed down by the right ankle injury that caused him to miss a few days at OTAs. The goal with the fellow rookie Robinson, who’s a little behind Lee in his development, is being able to use him outside in three-wide sets. Because of the potential to use either a healthy Shorts or Lee in the slot at times, Sanders has quickly looked like an odd man out with the new additions. He’s more stuck trying to hang on to his roster spot as a receiver/return man over Tandon Doss and Mike Brown.

The Battle: Jordan Todman vs. Denard Robinson for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Jaguars plan to pound away with Toby Gerhart as the #1, elevating him from reliable Vikings backup to an every-down back. That makes this more of a straight backup situation. Todman was a valuable, versatile reserve last season, and answered the bell well when he was asked to start. He goes into the camp as the easy #2 because it’s hard to read how much the Jaguars are willing to rely on Robinson as a pass-catcher and pass blocker out of the backfield. Robinson will be looked at more to throw into certain personnel packages as a change-of-pace wrinkle, but Todman projects as the true handcuff here unless Robinson really takes a significant step forward, which is possible.
 
Tennessee Titans
 
The Battle: Justin Hunter vs. Nate Washington for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: The Titans know they have a third-year keeper in #1 Kendall Wright, and it makes most sense to pair him with rising second-year player Hunter as the new #2. Washington is coming off a productive season, but he’ll turn 31 right before this season and gives up a lot in both size and age to Hunter, 23. As they go to a more balanced attack that doesn’t spread the field as much, the Titans believe the 6’4” Hunter can be the ideal big possession target beyond the red-zone work he got as a rookie. They’re hopeful he will be consistent enough with his hands and route running to merit the huge jump in snaps. To his credit, he’s added some weight and bulk to prepare for an expanded role this year. Washington is still valuable to have around as Tennessee’s traditional wideouts quickly thin out on the depth chart, but it should be as the #3.
 
The Battle: Bishop Sankey vs. Shonn Greene for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Titans drafted Sankey to replace Chris Johnson as the #1, and his hold on the role has just gotten stronger. They’re fine with featuring his speedy fresh legs because their alternative is a plodding veteran. Greene shouldn’t be looked as more than a short-yardage/goal-line and complementary back in comparison. It doesn’t help that he just had a pair of right knee surgeries. While there is clear separation between the dynamic Sankey and Greene, there isn’t much difference between Greene and #3 Jackie Battle at this point. When you consider versatile Dexter McCluster can keep up the pace when he spells Sankey, Greene’s role could be small. However, if it becomes apparent that Sankey isn’t an ideal feature back, and we think it might be soon, a healthy Greene could have sneaky value.
 
AFC West
 
Denver Broncos
 
The Battle: Ronnie Hillman vs. C.J. Anderson vs. Kapri Bibbs vs. Brennan Clay for team’s backup RB job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase has declared that “everybody’s competing” to emerge as Montee Ball’s top backup. Hillman thinks he should be fighting for touches with Ball, but the reality is, despite some flashes as an outside runner, ball security and other issues have him where he was at the end of last season: behind Ball and Anderson. The coaches loved what Anderson did in camp and preseason action in 2013 enough to keep him as an undrafted rookie. A little more experience should inspire more confidence this year. Expect him to close the door on Hillman soon after camp opens and settle in as the #2. But it’s worth noting that Hillman is by far the best changeup and complementary option on the roster, and he could work very well in conjunction with Ball. In that scenario, Hillman gets more snaps than Anderson, but Anderson is the #2 and handcuff to Ball.
 
Kansas City Chiefs
 
The Battle: Donnie Avery vs. A.J. Jenkins for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Except for a couple big games, Avery didn’t exactly light it up as last season’s #2 opposite Dwayne Bowe. The good news for him in 2014 is that just holding steady has kept him ahead of Jenkins who has yet to do anything spectacular this off-season. The Chiefs had some confidence the former 49er could inch closer to his first-round pedigree, but instead Jenkins has been nicked up and uninspiring. Avery will hold on to the job in camp, with Jenkins fighting for snaps over slot-suited options Junior Hemingway and De’Anthony Thomas.
 
The Battle: Anthony Fasano vs. Travis Kelce for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Given his age (30) and recent pileup of injuries, Fasano has become even more of a pedestrian pass-catcher with limited red-zone value. While his blip further fades in the offense, opportunity knocks for the athletic 24-year-old Kelce. His recovery from microfracture right knee surgery has taken the entire off-season so far, but he’s expected to get the green light to showcase all of his wares in camp and preseason games. If the knee holds up, Kelce’s hands and athleticism should allow him to shoot past Fasano and push for a busy receiving role in his second season.
 
Oakland Raiders
 
The Battle: Darren McFadden vs. Maurice Jones-Drew for team’s starting RB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: This has been trending toward an RBBC for a few reasons. Looking at both backs’ recent injury history and paltry yards per carry, the Raiders want to avoid putting either in a situation to take too much wear (although they could just throw caution to the wind on McFadden, whose roster spot is very inexpensive). On the bright side, if both can stay healthy and flash their old strengths, it would be a good way to utilize Jones-Drew’s compact power and McFadden’s change of pace. But of the two, Jones-Drew is still the better bet for the bigger, fantasy RB2-like workload. He just can be trusted more with volume. McFadden ended up backing up Jones-Drew’s former Jaguars backup, Rashad Jennings, late last season. When you compare the versatility and durability of both players, MJD is set up to be #1 out of camp, but that will likely mean only 5-10 more touches than McFadden. Latavius Murray is the #3 behind them to watch.
 
The Battle: Matt Schaub vs. Derek Carr for team’s starting QB job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Raiders have been busy talking about the potential for Schaub, 33, to have a big late-career rebound. That’s just the company line for giving him $8 million guaranteed with the idea of must-starting him in 2014. Schaub, however, already has had his share of more shaky moments in the off-season. The biggest (only?) thing working for him to stay the #1 come Week One is the rookie Carr’s lack of readiness. Carr, however, has easily driven past Matt McGloin for #2 going into camp, so you know it’s just a matter of time before he displaces Schaub too. Unless he blows off the doors in preseason action, he won’t quite catch Schaub in the coaches’ eyes for the short term. Carr will be right there waiting, however, to do it by midseason.
 
The Battle: James Jones vs. Rod Streater vs. Denarius Moore vs. Andre Holmes vs. Juron Criner for team’s starting WR jobs (#1 and #2)
 
The Skinny: The Raiders have given Jones his long-awaited chance to be a #1 outside of Green Bay. At 31, there isn’t much more than experience and red-zone pop that has him slightly ahead of the returning pack in Oakland. He’s the only one of the four guaranteed to start. If there’s a near-lock for #2, it’s Streater, who should build on being the team’s most productive (by far) returning receiver. Holmes came on strong at the end of last season, and he’s shown even more with his size and speed to slip past Moore as the unofficial #3 going to camp. More bad news for Moore, Criner also has looked good coming off a shoulder injury to push for #4. Jones, Streater and Holmes sets up as the pecking order, with Moore headed to the chopping block, despite the fact he’s the only burner of the group.

The Battle: David Ausberry vs. Mychal Rivera for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: Ausberry is in catchup mode after an entire season lost to a shoulder injury, and he’s catching up fast. He’s been the #1 through OTAs and minicamp. He’s a much better blocker than Rivera. He’s also bigger and faster. Rivera was, at his best, an okay red-zone receiver when Ausberry didn’t play in 2013. With Ausberry back and on top of the depth chart ready to play often, expect Rivera to see limited snaps as a backup. Of course, Ausberry has done next to nothing in his career thus far and Rivera has made some plays, so we’re not giving up on Rivera just yet.

San Diego Chargers

The Battle: Antonio Gates vs. Ladarius Green for team’s starting TE job (#1)
 
The Skinny: The Chargers are still committed to Gates as their starter because of his experience as a venerable, prolific pass-catcher. But everyone can see that he’s lost more than a couple of steps and Green has the potential to dominate as an athletic big-play receiver soon. As Gates’ TDs and yards per catch have leaned toward ho-hum, there’s little reason to keep the team from significantly increasing Green’s snaps and targets. He can be a game-changer with every touch. Although Gates is designated as the #1, this is more a TEBC where Green could easily out-produce him in an even-split situation.
 
The Battle: Malcom Floyd vs. Vincent Brown for team’s starting WR job (#2)
 
The Skinny: Ever since Floyd has gotten cleared to return to action from his neck injury, he’s gone back to doing what he does best: using his speedy, lanky frame to stretch the field. He’s the ideal complement to second-year stud Keenan Allen for an offense that tends to be calculated with its deep shots. If Floyd stays healthy and keep thriving in camp, he should easily be the #2. Vincent Brown does a lot of things well, but nothing stands out. He’s expected to drop to #4 with Floyd’s return, as the Chargers won’t work him as #3 ahead of slot ace Eddie Royal.

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