Training camp is in full swing, and the battles have begun. While some have been derailed already—Jawaan Taylor can’t compete for right tackle right now because he’s out, and Michael Penix Jr. may not be fully cleared for a month—others are just getting going and offer plenty of intrigue.
Here are three that we’ll be monitoring throughout August. Please check out our roundtable and then let us know which positions and players you’re particularly keen to see in camp and preseason.
Nose Tackle
Since we don’t see
many man-for-man trades in the NFL, sending off Ruke Orhorhoro for Maason Smith got a bit more traction than it may have if, say, it happened now. The nose tackle position is not a done deal; LaCale London showed last season that he can make plays in limited snaps, logging five sacks, four QB hits, a pass deflection and a forced fumble with only 270 snaps.
Not saying that London is anything particularly special; the nose tackle position is still likely in dire straits and will probably be addressed early in next year’s draft, but I do wonder if we may be able to get a bit of a surprise performance out of London or Smith as we head into training camp. —Saivion Mixson
Inside linebacker
With the quarterback battle on very uncertain footing, given the injuries piling up, this is the one that intrigues me most.
There are plenty of other worthy ones, but I’m most looking forward to seeing Christian Harris and Kendal Daniels duke it out for the starting job next to Divine Deablo. Harris has always had intriguing ability but hasn’t been consistent enough to make the most of it, while Daniels is fresh off a college career where he showed worthwhile potential. Both players fit the rough mold of what Jeff Ulbrich wants in terms of length, athleticism, and physicality, and if Daniels is healthy, it should be a fun one to watch. The only problem is the if with Daniels. –Dave Choate
Tight End
Is Kyle Pitts’ job security still in doubt after his polarizing new deal? No. However, the return of Austin Hooper has put some pressure on Charlie Woerner.
The assumption with the hire of Keven Stefanski is that a 12-personnel (two tight ends, 2 wide receivers, and 1 running back) approach is going to be a staple of the offense, but who will be the tight end featured opposite Kyle Pitts the most? Hooper is the most well-rounded tight end in the room, while Woerner has always functioned as a 6th lineman. If the team wants more versatility out of their anticipated 12-personnel look, it seems that it would be Hooper’s job to lose, but Woerner has a cap hit nearly three times Hooper’s and is the superior blocker. It may not be the most highly anticipated battle, but it will give some insights about how this offense wants to attack defenses down to down. –Tre’shon Diaz
