2025 NFL training camp: Position battles on each depth chart

NFL coaching camps are off and operating, and the 2025 season is correct across the nook. Whereas observing practically two weeks of practices, our NFL Nation reporters have been logging their observations each day.

One of many greatest storylines all through each camp is that gamers are battling for positions on the depth chart. Gamers spend camp making their instances to be included on the ultimate 53-man rosters on the finish of August. Simply making it is not sufficient, although. Coaches are looking for readability on who begins and who will present backup.

For instance, the Los Angeles Rams need to safe their third receiving choice behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, whereas the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints are nonetheless making an attempt to determine which quarterback will begin Week 1.

Listed below are 32 of the largest place battles happening at camps throughout the NFL.

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AFC EAST

Backup quarterback

A lot of the Payments’ 53-man roster is locked in, however who would be the quarterback behind Josh Allen (who hasn’t missed a begin since his rookie season) is a query mark. Common supervisor Brandon Beane expressed confidence in final season’s backup, Mitchell Trubisky, at first of camp, however he and Mike White have shared second-team reps in observe. The preseason video games might be key for this battle.

The opposite greatest battle might be at No. 2 cornerback, however the job is at the moment Tre’Davious White’s to lose, with first-round decide Maxwell Hairston coping with a proper LCL sprain. — Alaina Getzenberg

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Cornerback

Prepare to listen to about this place all season. The Dolphins launched or traded each of their beginning corners from final season and misplaced their lone returner, Kader Kohou, to a season-ending knee harm. They’ve been energetic in including to the place now that coaching camp has begun, signing Cornell Armstrong, Jack Jones and Mike Hilton. The latter two each began double-digit video games for the Raiders and Bengals final season, respectively.

Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Kendall Sheffield and Ethan Bonner are additionally within the combine, however the Dolphins’ latest free agent additions will make for an intriguing battle this summer season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Broad receiver

To this point in camp, the highest grouping has been Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas, with nine-year veteran Kendrick Bourne and 2025 third-round decide Kyle Williams subsequent in line. It was notable that when veteran Mack Hollins (who signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal in March) returned to observe final week after opening camp on the bodily unable to carry out (PUP) record, he labored alongside Diggs and Douglas, slicing into a few of Boutte’s reps among the many prime group.

In the meantime, 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk (second spherical) and Javon Baker (fourth spherical), together with spring undrafted free agent standout Efton Chism III, are amongst those that have proven up making performs. There’ll possible be six (probably seven) broad receivers on the preliminary roster, so one thing has to provide. — Mike Reiss

Heart

It’s incumbent Joe Tippmann versus Josh Myers, previously the Packers’ starter. This can be a official open competitors, with each gamers getting an equal variety of observe reps.

Most outsiders thought Tippmann was entrenched, so it raised eyebrows within the offseason when Myers (56 profession begins) signed a one-year, $2 million contract and was promised a shot on the job. Tippmann was a second-round decide in 2023, however he ranked thirtieth out of 33 facilities final season in go block win charge (Myers was twentieth).

Myers’ greatest benefit is his expertise, to not point out his familiarity with QB Justin Fields, his former school teammate. — Wealthy Cimini

AFC NORTH

Kicker

The Ravens have two rookies battling it out to switch Justin Tucker, who was launched in Might amid an NFL investigation into sexual misconduct.

Tyler Loop, a sixth-round decide, stays the favourite over undrafted free agent John Hoyland, however the competitors has been shut all through the primary week of coaching camp. Loop made his first 23 kicks of the summer season and is 28-of-31 (90.3%). Hoyland additionally has missed three makes an attempt, going 25-of-28 (89.2%).

The Ravens want to choose a kicker across the preseason finale on Aug. 23.

“When the winner reveals, it is going to present,” Ravens particular groups coach Chris Horton mentioned. “How quickly is that going to be? I do not know, however I do know that these guys are going to be out right here getting useful work daily and in these preseason video games.” — Jamison Hensley

Proper guard

Early in camp, the battle was billed between Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick, who signed with the Bengals on a one-year deal this offseason. However thus far, Ford safely has the within observe.

Ford is firmly within the RG1 spot, one thing that has been strengthened solely with Patrick coping with an harm that saved him off form for a few days. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow mentioned the offensive line has performed effectively in coaching camp. — Ben Child

Quarterback

The Browns opened camp with what was billed as a four-way QB competitors, however the first week noticed veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett take nearly all of first-team reps.

Pickett’s hamstring harm has seemingly paved the way in which for Flacco to guide the beginning offense and stake his declare to be the starter. It has additionally opened extra alternatives for rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to make an impression, too.

Coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned he has a tentative timeline to decide on the starter however desires to judge every quarterback in varied conditions earlier than transferring ahead. — Daniel Oyefusi

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No. 2 broad receiver

Sound acquainted? A 12 months in the past, that was probably the most talked about place battle (apart from quarterback, after all) and on paper, the Steelers are in an analogous place this 12 months after buying and selling away George Pickens.

The room is led by DK Metcalf, however the order behind him is slightly murky. Throughout minicamp, broad receivers coach Zach Azzanni mentioned receiver Calvin Austin III, a speedy yards-after-catch (YAC) menace drafted in 2022, was the workforce’s WR2 — however there are different gamers on the roster battling for the function, together with Robert Woods, Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson.

The Steelers additionally acquired receiving menace Jonnu Smith. Common supervisor Omar Khan downplayed the potential of including one other true broad receiver to the roster, however the workforce introduced in Gabe Davis for a go to earlier this offseason. There might be a number of broad receivers obtainable on the commerce market, too. — Brooke Pryor

AFC SOUTH

Offensive deal with

There’s a battle in Houston that options each deal with spots and includes rookie Aireontae Ersery, a second-round pick of Minnesota. He is battling Cam Robinson and Blake Fisher, who’re the beginning left and proper tackles, respectively. Fisher was a 2024 second-round decide and Robinson was a notable free agent signing.

Final season, quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked 52 occasions, which was the second most within the league, and Houston revamped the unit in hopes to guard Stroud higher. The Texans are excessive on Ersery, as they tried to commerce up for him within the first spherical, based on league sources. — DJ Bien-Aime

Quarterback

Hardly ever will we see an open competitors between two quarterbacks who’ve beforehand been starters, however Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones are mentioned to have an equal shot on the job in Indy.

Richardson’s standing because the workforce’s 2023 fourth total decide may give him an edge, so Jones presumably must take the job from him. It is troublesome to argue that that has occurred to this point, with each passers exhibiting the inconsistency that has plagued their careers. However coach Shane Steichen mentioned he is keen to take his time reaching a call, so this one may linger till the tip of the preseason. — Stephen Holder

Security

Eric Murray, whom the Jaguars signed in free company, is locked in at one spot. The opposite has been a rotation of Andrew Wingard, Darnell Savage and Antonio Johnson.

Wingard, who has had 28 begins with the Jaguars since 2019, had all however received the beginning job over Johnson subsequent to Andre Cisco final season, however a knee harm value him the primary 9 video games of the season. He can be thought-about the slight favourite at this level, however that might change as soon as the preseason begins. — Michael DiRocco

Tight finish

Chig Okonkwo is the incumbent, however rookie Gunnar Helm will push for the spot — or on the very least, get reps in two-tight-end units. Each gamers have actually caught quarterback Cameron Ward’s consideration. Okonkwo frolicked with Ward in Miami to get a head begin on growing chemistry. The Titans employees likes to get Okonkwo the ball and let him decide up yards after the catch. Helm has performed job working the center of the sphere and making catches in site visitors.

Second-year tight finish David Martin-Robinson is an choice who’s seeing numerous motion within the fast sport with this velocity. Josh Whyle has light considerably, however there is a good likelihood the Titans preserve 4 tight ends.

The query shall be who contributes extra on particular groups, Whyle or Thomas Odukoya. — Turron Davenport

AFC WEST

Operating again

The Broncos, with so many starters from 2024’s playoff workforce returning, do not actually have the normal coaching camp battle anyplace between Participant A or Participant B. What they’ve as a substitute are battles for situational snaps.

At operating again, there may be not less than a battle to see who will get the ball in probably the most conditions. J.Ok. Dobbins, who was signed through the workforce’s June minicamp, has spent loads of time in workforce drills with the starters in coaching camp’s early going. His reliability as a go catcher and go blocker provides him the within observe on a lot of the third down work.

However rookie RJ Harvey has flashed high quality imaginative and prescient and quickness by means of the outlet to this point, a lot so coach Sean Payton has mentioned “he is doing distinctive.”

Jaleel McLaughlin has proven affect as a receiver out of the backfield and Audric Estime, at 227 kilos, is the largest of the operating backs with probably the most potential energy inside.

There shall be lots to kind out and far can change, however Dobbins appears, for the time being, to test probably the most bins in probably the most down-and-distance conditions. — Jeff Legwold

Left guard

With rookie first-round decide Josh Simmons taking all of the reps at left deal with, the largest battle for the Chiefs is selecting who they wish to see first at left guard.

The primary choice is Kingsley Suamataia, the 2024 second-round decide who has switched from guard to deal with. The extra veteran choice is Jaylon Moore, who was a spot starter at left deal with with the 49ers. How Suamataia and Moore carry out within the preseason will possible decide who wins the beginning function.

The runner-up initiatives to be the Chiefs’ prime backup when an harm happens. — Nate Taylor

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Cornerback

Eric Stokes has performed primarily with the starters throughout coaching camp, whereas third-round decide Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson have alternated first-team reps.

Jakorian Bennett, who has began in 11 profession video games however had season-ending surgical procedure in 2024, has performed with the second- and third-team protection.

This place group is way from being solidified, and though coach Pete Carroll has given the secondary a ton of reward, there are a number of purple flags. Stokes has performed a full season simply twice in his four-year profession. In the meantime, Porter has upside however has began in solely seven profession school video games at cornerback. — Ryan McFadden

Heart

The Chargers’ inside offensive line was abysmal final season, and the play at middle performed a big function. Heart Bradley Bozeman ranked a hundred and sixtieth in run block win charge, because the Chargers struggled to supply the dominant speeding offense Jim Harbaugh promised when he took the job.

The Chargers have a three-person battle for that beginning spot, amongst Bozeman, Zion Johnson (who performed left guard final season) and Andre James, who the workforce signed in free company. — Kris Rhim

NFC EAST

Operating again

The Cowboys are primarily giving equal appears to Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, who signed as free brokers within the offseason.

Every has had their moments in camp, which is a constructive signal. Williams might need an edge as a go catcher out of the backfield, however Sanders may be higher suited to the soiled yards together with his type.

“If we’ve a man that clearly wins the beginning job, then he’ll be the beginning man,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned.

“Is he the bell cow? There’s all these cool phrases that go along with it. ‘Oh, he is a bell cow,’ or ‘He is the person,’ or ‘He is the stud,’ or no matter. Let’s let these guys compete. And it does take multiple [back]. It normally takes greater than two.” — Todd Archer

Second cornerback

One would suppose the largest battle is at proper guard with former top-10 decide Evan Neal within the combine, however it’s really the second beginning outdoors cornerback spot reverse Paulson Adebo.

It is a full-on competitors between 2023 first-round decide Deonte Banks and 2022 third-rounder Cor’Dale Flott. They’re alternating days with the first-team protection at coaching camp. The Giants are making Banks earn it after a down season.

“Competitors brings out probably the most in individuals more often than not,” coach Brian Daboll mentioned.

The fact is that Flott had a greater season final 12 months. Banks’ focused EPA of 33.4 was the fourth lowest within the league amongst gamers with not less than 100 protection snaps, based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Flott was considerably higher at 7.1 whereas rookie Dru Phillips led all Giants cornerbacks at minus-7.2. — Jordan Raanan

Cornerback

The departure of Darius Slay this offseason opened up a beginning spot on the skin reverse Quinyon Mitchell.

Third-year participant Kelee Ringo has been splitting reps with veteran Adoree’ Jackson, who was signed to a one-year deal in March. Ringo gave up some massive performs early in camp however has elevated his sport of late, whereas Jackson has been largely regular all through.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned the time is now for Jackson to succeed in his full potential.

“In Tennessee, when it got here time to re-sign him after his contract was up, they did not,” Fangio mentioned. “The Giants, his contract was up, they did not. It is time to present who he’s or who he is not.”

Philadelphia had the No. 1 go protection in 2024, so that they’ll want constant play from both Ringo or Jackson to keep up that stage of defensive dominance. — Tim McManus

Proper deal with

Washington drafted Josh Conerly Jr. within the first spherical, however he is rotating first-team snaps with veteran Andrew Wylie.

Final summer season, the Commanders made quarterback Jayden Daniels show himself earlier than he earned all of the first-team reps and once more earlier than being formally named the starter. So, if he has to show himself, so does Conerly.

It’s going to be exhausting to precisely gauge the competitors till Conerly performs within the preseason. For now, he is nonetheless studying the velocity, how you can set rapidly versus edge rushers and adapting to the play power.

With Daniels final summer season, it was apparent he ought to begin. Conerly shouldn’t be but at that time, however having an eight-year vet resembling Wylie round provides Conerly time to develop — and the workforce does not need to pressure him into the lineup till he is prepared. — John Keim

NFC NORTH

Left deal with

The Bears have three gamers competing to guard Caleb Williams’ blindside: incumbent starter Braxton Jones, second-year offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo.

Every brings one thing completely different to the desk — Jones’ 40 begins over three seasons, Amegadjie’s potential and Trapilo’s disciplined, tactician-like play — which suggests this place battle possible will not be determined any time quickly.

Coach Ben Johnson mentioned the workforce is taking a “clean slate” strategy to provide every participant a good shot and that he does not care whether or not it takes three weeks or the whole coaching camp to make a decision.

Jones, Amegadjie and Trapilo have all gotten first-team reps by means of the primary week of camp and can proceed to rotate in with the beginning offensive line to seek out the workforce’s greatest match. — Courtney Cronin

Heart

The Lions’ beginning middle place is up for grabs, however it’s seeming increasingly prefer it’s veteran Graham Glasgow’s job to lose after the primary few padded practices.

“It is regarded fairly dang good,” Lions coach Dan Campbell mentioned final week. “So, I believe daily that it appears fairly dang good, it will get slightly clearer.”

Second-round decide Tate Ratledge can be competing for a beginning function on Detroit’s offensive line and has performed middle and proper guard in coaching camp as effectively.

The Lions try to kind issues out after shedding four-time Professional Bowl middle Frank Ragnow to retirement in addition to veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who signed with the Titans this offseason. — Eric Woodyard

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Broad receiver

Possibly the Packers do not have a real No. 1 receiver — with Christian Watson out to begin the season whereas nonetheless recovering from proper ACL surgical procedure — however there’s nonetheless a pecking order to be decided. Inexperienced Bay’s 2025 first-round decide Matthew Golden might need thrust himself close to the highest of that record instantly.

Those that suppose it is exhausting for a rookie receiver to make an instantaneous affect ought to watch how easily Golden has slot in thus far in camp. That mentioned, the likes of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and even tight finish Tucker Kraft may vie for quarterback Jordan Love’s consideration. — Rob Demovsky

No. 4 broad receiver

The No. 4 broad receiver place would not appear too necessary for many groups, however for the Vikings, it’s.

Starter Jordan Addison may face an NFL suspension after pleading responsible to a “moist reckless” cost of driving with alcohol concerned, whereas Justin Jefferson has been slowed by a strained left hamstring. In different phrases, the fourth receiver may play a big function at occasions this season.

Fortunate Jackson and Jeshaun Jones have been the early standouts in coaching camp, whereas two veterans to bear in mind are Tim Jones and Rondale Moore. — Kevin Seifert

NFC SOUTH

Security

Jessie Bates III has one spot locked down, however the different is a contest between veteran Jordan Fuller and rookie Xavier Watts. DeMarcco Hellams, who missed all of final season (ankle), has been enjoying effectively in observe, too.

Fuller and Watts have been alternating with the first-team protection alongside Bates. Fuller was with Falcons coach Raheem Morris on the Rams’ Tremendous Bowl workforce, whereas Watts was a third-round decide who many thought can be drafted larger. Atlanta expects its rookies to get numerous enjoying time this 12 months, and that features Watts. — Marc Raimondi

Heart

Austin Corbett and Cade Mays have been alternating days working with the first-team offense.

Corbett was first up, however he has performed solely 9 video games over the previous two seasons due to accidents. Mays caught the attention of the teaching employees final season when he began eight of the ultimate 9 video games and allowed solely 10 QB pressures.

Mays is youthful and has the lower-priced contract, counting solely $3.4 million in opposition to the cap to $5.6 million for Corbett, who turns 30 in September. Mays may be a greater long-term answer for continuity if all issues are equal. Each have carried out effectively in camp, so this might go right down to the wire. — David Newton

Quarterback

No place battle shall be extra scrutinized in New Orleans than the one at the moment happening at quarterback.

Kellen Moore mentioned he does not anticipate to make any massive choices on this till the primary preseason sport or past, and thus far the Saints have cut up first-team reps between three of their 4 quarterbacks (rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener).

Each Rattler and Shough have rotated into the primary workforce offense not less than twice.

There was no front-runner only one week into camp, and the Saints will possible attempt to preserve issues even for some time — not less than till they take a nine-day highway journey to California and start making ready for a sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Chargers. — Katherine Terrell

Nickelback

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles already mentioned Christian Izien shall be on the 53-man roster. However in what capability?

The previous undrafted free agent grabbed a beginning function in 2023 earlier than serving as a backup to Tykee Smith final season however wound up stepping in at security and even at outdoors nook.

However rookie Jacob Parrish has had a number of interceptions since he bought to Tampa, and Bowles desires ball hawks. — Jenna Laine

NFC WEST

Exterior linebacker

Arizona dedicated to bettering its go rush this offseason by signing Josh Sweat and drafting Jordan Burch, including them to a room that already included Zaven Collins, Xavier Thomas and BJ Ojulari.

One aspect of the road belongs to Sweat. The opposite is up for grabs and shall be a struggle between incumbent starter Collins and the others.

Coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned he ideally desires his greatest gamers on the sphere, and his employees shall be monitoring snaps. Whereas the remainder of the skin linebackers will compete to be a starter, there might be room in sure packages and conditions for everybody. — Josh Weinfuss

No. 3 broad receiver

This selection speaks to how set a lot of the Rams’ roster was going into coaching camp.

Behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the Rams have a gaggle of Tutu Atwell, 2024 sixth-round decide Jordan Whittington and 2023 undrafted free agent Xavier Smith, who’re competing to be Los Angeles’ third receiver.

The function is particularly necessary within the Rams’ offense due to Sean McVay’s vital utilization of 11 personnel (three receivers on the sphere). — Sarah Barshop

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Security

After years of depth chart and roster stability, the Niners have loads to select from right here. However security may be probably the most intriguing, with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh saying the competitors right here is broad open.

Presumptive starters Malik Mustapha (knee) and Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) are coming off vital accidents, and it is unclear after they’ll return.

From there, the Niners added Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant in free company and Marques Sigle within the draft.

They normally do not preserve greater than 4 or sometimes 5 safeties, however it is going to take a while to kind this out following the offseason departure of Talanoa Hufanga. — Nick Wagoner

Proper guard

It is not probably the most thrilling place battle, however it may be an important one on condition that Seattle’s offensive line wants each edge it could get.

Incumbent Anthony Bradford has been taking a lot of the first-team reps forward of Christian Haynes and Jalen Sundell.

With Haynes mixing in, Bradford made 11 uneven begins final 12 months earlier than an ankle harm ended his season. The Seahawks virtually definitely will not rotate proper guards like they did final season, however the competitors there and at middle may final into the preseason. — Brady Henderson