NFL training camp battles: Scaife, Cook battle at TE in Tennessee

Tennessee has one of the league's most unbalanced offenses, and hopes to see improved play from its receiving corps to help Vince Young continue to grow in the pocket. Because of this, fantasy owners should expect the coaching staff to once again push Scaife in camp.

Why Scaife will win the job: During his five years in Tennessee Scaife has served as one of the passing game's most consistent weapons. Yes, he was a no-show for many of the Titans organized team activities this offseason, but he was welcomed to camp with open arms by the coaching staff -- on a team with so many young skill players, the coaching staff really has no choice but to cut Scaife a little slack. Another reason: he led the club in catches just two seasons ago and has hauled in at least 45 passes in each of the past three seasons. Scaife admitted in July that his knee prevented him from playing up to his full potential last year and now feels much closer to 100 percent.

Why Cook will: Because the future is now in Tennessee. As the team builds around running back Chris Johnson it hopes to see its other top young playmakers make strides this season. Cook reportedly added 10 pounds this offseason to help make him a more effective blocker, and attended the OTAs that his counterpart did not. That fact alone should give Cook an edge. Many will fret over Cook's disappointing 2009 statline but the Titans haven't forgotten that Cook caught 67 balls for just less than 1,000 yards over his final two seasons at South Carolina.

Who fantasy owners should pull for: Scaife

Talking to the media, Tennessee's tight ends coach said of Scaife: "It would be good to see him be the go-to-guy, the first-down maker, the guy that keeps the chains moving ..." The coaching staff gave Cook no such endorsement, nor could they; he is not a possession-type receiver.

Cook may represent the future, but he is not yet the Titans' best option -- at least not this year -- and as the team tries to take pressure off of Johnson it will turn to its most proven players. Scaife has the ability to offer fantasy owners another 40-plus catch season, which would make him a viable No. 2 option in most leagues.

Mike Beacom is a contributing writer for FootballDiehards.com.