With preseason games set to start, we wanted to revisit our top 25 camp battles in each conference to see how things have shaken out so far. On Tuesday, we recapped the AFC. You can probably guess what's below:
25. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver: Michael Floyd vs. Andre Roberts
Last year's first-round draft pick, Floyd, got a fresh start with the new coaching staff, and he's taking advantage. He's the starter, and we'd be surprised if that changes.
24. Seattle Seahawks backup running back: Christine Michael vs. Robert Turbin
Michael has wowed onlookers at camp, while Turbin missed a week of practice. Michael might be too talented to keep off the field. No matter who wins here, the Seahawks could have the best running back group in football.
23. The Carolina Panthers' entire secondary
Charles Godfrey should have one safety spot locked down. Former Oakland Raiders bust Mike Mitchell has received the majority of reps on the other side. Captain Munnerlyn and Drayton Florence lead the way at cornerback. The fighting Joshes (Norman and Thomas) are backups.Â
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end: Tom Crabtree vs. Luke Stocker
We probably didn't need 25 position battles in each conference, did we? (Stocker is listed as the team's starter, although he was on active/physically unable to perform list until Monday.
21. Detroit Lions wide receiver: Ryan Broyles vs. his knee
20. Philadelphia Eagles safety: Nate Allen vs. Patrick Chung vs. Kenny Phillips vs. Kurt Coleman
Coleman is battling just to stay on the team. Phillips and Chung appear to be first in line for the starting gigs, but reviews have been mixed for the entire secondary.
19. New Orleans Saints running back: Pierre Thomas vs. Mark Ingram
Thomas remains in front for now, although Ingram is enjoying a strong camp. The Saints have the potential to have a great running attack.
18. Dallas Cowboys strongside linebacker: Justin Durant vs. Alex Albright vs. Brandon Magee
This is Durant's job. Consider the battle over.
17. St. Louis Rams wide receiver: Brian Quick vs. Austin Pettis
I'm driving the Chris Given bandwagon and Tavon Austin is going to play most downs. Quick, last year's No. 32 overall pick, remains fourth in line behind Pettis. Quick reportedly has made strides but the coaching staff seems to trust Pettis more.
16. Eagles backup running back: Bryce Brown vs. Felix Jones vs. Chris Polk
We have a new player in the mix! Polk has been the "most improved" back on the Eagles, according to coach Chip Kelly. It's a three-man race behind LeSean McCoy, and the Philadelphia Inquirer says it's not that crazy to imagine Polk winning the job.
15. Cardinals safety: Tyrann Mathieu vs. Rashad Johnson vs. Yeremiah Bell
The Honey Badger is forcing his way on to the field with a sensational camp. He's been called one of the best "pound-for-pound" players in camp. Consider me intrigued.
The loser in this battle: Cam Newton. The team should have upgraded the position to help Newton out. Ginn still appears to be in the lead, although Armanti Edwards surprisingly is making noise. Domenik Hixon also is in the mix.
13. Saints left tackle: Charles Brown vs. Terron Armstead
Here's another battle that looks all but over. Brown has enjoyed a strong camp and is going to protect Drew Brees' blindside.
12. Cardinals running back: Rashard Mendenhall vs. The Field
Mendenhall missed a handful of practices, but he still looks like the clear go-to guy. Ryan Williams might not make the team because of injuries. Rookies Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor reportedly have impressed coach Bruce Arians.
11. Rams running back: Daryl Richardson vs. Isaiah Pead vs. Zac Stacy
Rams coach Jeff Fisher indicated that Richardson is first in line for the starting running back job, even though carries will be spread around. Fisher seems like a good source on the matter.
10. Washington Redskins tight end battle royale
Fred Davis is truly healthy for the first time in a long time and should be the starter. This has a chance to be a real position of strength with Niles Paul, Logan Paulsen and rookie Jordan Reed all in the mix.
9. New York Giants middle linebacker: Mark Herzlich vs. Dan Connor
There isn't any reason to believe Herzlich won't win this job. The Giants seem very confident in him.
8. Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker: Erin Henderson vs. Desmond Bishop
They both should start, but coach Leslie Frazier confirmed Henderson should stay in the middle. Bishop will be a strongside linebacker but is struggling with a groin injury.
7. Vikings wide receiver: Cordarrelle Patterson vs. Jarius Wright vs. Jerome Simpson
The Vikings drafted Patterson in the first round to replace Percy Harvin, but they could be wary of putting too much on his plate right away. Wright reportedly has enjoyed a strong camp, and Simpson remains listed as a starter. Patterson's usage is very much up in the air.
6. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver: A.J. Jenkins vs. Ricardo Lockette vs. Kyle Williams vs. Mario Manningham's health
Bad signs for this group: San Francisco signed two more wide receivers, including Austin Collie. Williams hasn't been healthy, and Jenkins has been up and down. Coach Jim Harbaugh still is waiting for clarity.
5. Chicago Bears middle linebacker: D.J. Williams vs. Jon Bostic
Williams clearly had the edge early, with Bostic only lining up as the second-team middle linebacker. A calf injury has made Williams "week-to-week" and provided Bostic a chance to take the job.
4. 49ers cornerback: Carlos Rogers vs. Tarell Brown vs. Chris Culliver vs. Nnamdi Asomugha
Culliver tore his ACL, while Eric Wright's trade to the 49ers fell through. Wright still could join the team if he gets healthy. Asomugha is listed as a backup, and it probably will stay that way.
3. Green Bay Packers running back: Eddie Lacy vs. Johnathan Franklin vs. DuJuan Harris vs. ...
Harris still is listed as a starter, but he remains on the active/PUP list. Lacy put conditioning questions to rest and has emerged as the favorite to start, while veteran James Starks has enjoyed a big camp. Franklin is angling for third-down snaps. Alex Green might not make the team.
2. Packers cornerback potpourri
The Packers' cornerback group is very talented, deep and banged up. Casey Hayward (hamstring) should be the team's slot cornerback, but might not practice for a while. Tramon Williams is a favorite to start, but a knee injury could force him to miss the preseason. Sam Shields and Davon House will get more practice reps as starters in the meantime. Shields should stick as a starter.
1. Eagles quarterback: Michael Vick vs. Nick Foles
This battle remains too close to call, but all signs point toward Vick having the edge. Foles might need to dominate in the preseason for a chance to start Week 1.
The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.
