Top 10 NFL Training Camp Battles of 2019

The Top Ten
Dolphins QB - Josh Rosen vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Now, yes, the Dolphins are projected by many to be the worst team to bet on, but the only fascinating storyline is who's going to start between a great journeyman and another Cardinals bust in Josh Rosen, who I actually liked when he came out of UCLA. I'll say Fitzpatrick starts it off, but if he starts to lose his magic like he did last year, then it goes to musical chairs for this team.

Honestly, that's what I see from this Miami team - the new version of the Bucs, only with a better version of a secondary.

Redskins QB - Case Keenum vs. Dwayne Haskins vs. Colt McCoy

Yes, I was shocked too, but Colt McCoy is also competing for the starting job. It does not look like it will happen unless Haskins or Keenum get a horrific injury. Knowing the Redskins, that will probably happen. However, it's hard to predict who will start.

But my prediction is Case Keenum starts week 1. Haskins starts mid-season.

You can scratch Colt McCoy out, as his injury is hard to come back from. I see Case starting out, but if he starts to falter, then Haskins could come in. Kind of like the Browns last year, the Redskins could turn things around if everything goes as I envision.

Packers No. 2 WR - Geronimo Allison vs. Equanimeous St. Brown vs. Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Considering Allison has been with the team since 2016 and has that chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, I feel he's the clear-cut #2 receiver. In Matt LaFleur's system, he'll probably play in the slot.

Valdes-Scantling has impressed early on so far and is the front-runner for #3. St. Brown has been quiet so far. We'll see when the pads come on who emerges from the battle victorious.

After the Packers let Cobb go without making him an offer, the No. 2 WR spot is wide open (no pun intended), and we know little, if not nothing, about all three of these guys. Allison has the advantage.

Broncos QB - Drew Lock vs. Joe Flacco

The tension of Flacco not wanting to mentor Lock makes things more interesting. I still don't see them getting anywhere, but if Joe Cool struggles early, I would like to see what Drew Lock adds to this young, unknown team that's projected as a bottom-tier offense in the passing game.

Joe Flacco is being accused of being a horrible teammate after refusing the mentor role to Drew Lock. It does look like Joe will start, though.

That could be bad news for Denver. If Flacco can't get things going early, Drew Lock might struggle as well. Elway better hope Joe Flacco can get off on the right foot.

Giants QB - Eli Manning vs. Daniel Jones

Oh God, what's worse? Eli refuses to give up his throne, or Dave overreached on a guy from Duke who might just look as bad as it sounded - a horror in the eyes of Giants fans. Eli will start, but will he ever get hurt is the question? Not once have I seen Eli ever get hurt in his career, so Sir Daniel is already virtually screwed.

You gotta pray to start, pretty much.

This one is pretty much a pick-your-own-poison situation. Both options aren't ideal. On one hand, you have a past-his-prime Eli Manning who's nowhere near as good as he once was, and on the other hand, you have a guy who has zero NFL experience and was a massive reach in the draft.

It doesn't really matter because the G-men are screwed either way.

Bills RB - Frank Gore vs. LeSean McCoy

Battle of two Hall of Fame-bound tailbacks. The problem is they're both pretty much at the tail end of their careers. Shady McCoy had the worst season of his career, and Frank Gore is trying to eclipse, at most, Barry Sanders for most rushing yards in a career before retiring.

Either way, they are projected last in the running game, and their real running back, hilariously enough, is Josh Allen.

Thanks to the Bills' management, there is a battle between two running backs over 30. Frank Gore is 36, so I am giving this one to McCoy.

Steelers No. 2 WR - Donte Moncrief vs. James Washington

Since Brown left, JuJu had to take his place as the No. 1 WR. I had never heard of Moncrief before 2019, but I have heard of Washington, so I think Washington will get it.

Titans No. 2 WR - Taywan Taylor vs. Tajae Sharpe

You could actually mix in others like A.J. Brown and Adam Humphries as well. This receiving corps has potential, but are Mariota or Tannehill good enough to utilize some of these unknown weapons put into place?

Bears RB - Mike Davis vs. David Montgomery

Yeah, the No. 2 is going to be Da Bears' actual running back for this season, considering Cohen struggles to run up the middle. He's a great receiving back and punt return specialist. Hopefully, one of these guys can help improve the running game.

It's only a matter of time before Montgomery is the No. 1 back, and Davis plays a small mentor role.

Vikings No. 3 WR - Laquon Treadwell vs. Chad Beebe vs. Brandon Zylstra

This could be it. The reign of Treadwell could be over. He is now being challenged by two WRs. Brandon Zylstra is a player from the Canadian Football League who recently joined the NFL as a Viking. Chad Beebe is the son of former Packer and Bill WR Don Beebe.

Actually, that is all we know about him. He only played a couple of snaps for the Vikings.

The Contenders
Broncos No. 1 TE - Noah Fant vs. Jeff Heuerman

With the controversy of taking a tight end with your first selection, that means only one can be the primary receiver while the other focuses on blocking. Which will it be?

Texans No. 1 LT - Tytus Howard vs. Matt Kalil vs. Julien Davenport

Houston's offensive line is horrible, but there are three guys competing for the top spot. Honestly, who's going to be the best of the three? Hopefully, it's Howard because if he doesn't beat out these two guys who have looked worse, it's already a bad sign for Deshaun Watson's protection.

I would still be concerned about Houston's offensive line.

Chargers No. 1 RT - Trey Pipkins vs. Forrest Lamp

Yeah, you could throw in Tevi if you'd like, but he may be done for, considering the two right tackles are just higher up for what the Chargers hope for in protection for Rivers. The left side is set with Russell Okung.

This dilemma on the right is gonna be very fascinating to see who wins between these two high picks.

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