Intriguing training camp battles

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 31, 2007

Intriguing training camp battles

Cleveland QB: Charlie Frye vs. Brady Quinn vs. Derek Anderson

Frye is the incumbent and has the edge based on experience alone. He started 13 games in 2006 and though he doesn't have the physical skills of Anderson or Quinn, he's tough and smart. Anderson started three games when Frye was hurt and showed a big-time arm. Quinn has more tools than both, but looked overwhelmed in offseason practice and, as of July 31, hasn't signed.

Tennessee RB: Chris Henry vs. LenDale White vs. Chris Brown

Brown is a veteran, White is a power back and second-round pick Chris Henry is a speedster. Brown re-signed with the Titans because he thought Tennessee offered him the best opportunity to start. The Titans hoped White would fill the void left by Travis Henry's departure, but he is struggling with his weight.

Chiefs RT: Chris Terry v. Will Svitek v. Kevin Sampson

John Welbourne's move to right guard leaves right tackle wide open. Terry is the veteran, but Svitek and Sampson -- who both missed time last season due to injuries -- show promise and should have a chance to earn the job.

Raiders QB: Josh McCown vs. JaMarcus Russell

The Raiders know Russell, the No. 1-overall pick, is the quarterback of the future, but they don't want to rush him, which is why they got McCown. McCown will likely adjust to new coach Lane Kiffin's system more quickly than Russell. If Russell doesn't win the job out of camp, the question is how long he will remain on the bench. Veteran quarterback Daunte Culpepper could also figure in the mix, as there are reports the Raiders are talking to him.

Jets LB: David Harris v. Eric Barton

Barton is the veteran who knows the position and the system, while Harris, the second-round pick out of Michigan, has instincts, speed and youth on his side. Barton has been consistent for the Jets in the past, but as long as Harris can learn the system, his playmaking ability may give him the edge.

Ravens RG: Chris Chester v. Ben Grubbs v. Keydrick Vincent

The Ravens are giving first-round pick Grubbs the chance to fight for the starting spot, but he is still adjusting to the right side of the line. Unless the Ravens move second-year veteran Chester to center, the right guard job is likely Grubbs' coming out of camp.

Bengals CB: Deltha O'Neal v. Leon Hall

O'Neal is the incumbent, having started for the Bengals for three seasons, but he suffered nagging injuries and a team-imposed suspension last season, leading the Bengals to draft Hall in the first round. Hall has a bright future, but the other corner spot will be manned by last year's first-round pick Johnathan Joseph, which means O'Neal might get the nod -- at least initially -- based on experience alone.

Chiefs QB: Brodie Croyle vs. Damon Huard

Huard went 5-3 last season after filling in for an injured Trent Green, throwing 11 touchdowns and just one pick. Croyle doesn't have a tremendous arm, but the second-year player understands the passing game and seems to be Herman Edwards' favorite.

Chargers SS: Eric Weddle v. Clinton Hart v. Bhawoh Jue

The rookie Weddle is an athletic playmaker, but he'll have to beat out two veterans in Hart and Jue to win the job. The Chargers traded up four picks to get Weddle in the second round, so he'll likely get every chance to win the job.

Broncos RG: Chris Kuper v. Montrae Holland

The Broncos are excited about Kuper, but he's only in his second year. Holland has started with the Saints, but he doesn't know the Broncos' system, so he may not have much of a veteran edge.