NFL Pre-Season Central...Previews,Injuries,Results,Signings,Pictures,Etc,Etc.

[Greenbacks]

Training camp report date: Rookies and veterans, July 28.

Training camp location: Minnesota State University, Mankato, Minnesota.

Offseason in a nutshell: Last year's Vikings were the best football team Minnesota has seen since the Brad Childress/Brett Favre-led unit that lost to the Saints in the 2009 NFC title game. This incarnation has so much more hype, thanks to the enticing young core, fiery head coach and bulky defensive line. So what is different about 2016? Minnesota theoretically could have one of the best offensive lines in football this year -- an important vehicle to maximize the remaining years of Adrian Peterson's prime. Alex Boone -- one of the tougher run-blockers in the NFL -- and former Bengals first-round pick Andre Smith both signed up to join mainstays Matt Kalil and the seemingly undefeatable John Sullivan, who plans to play in 2016 after missing the entire 2015 season with a back injury.

Player to watch: Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. The Vikings might not have much need for three-receiver sets if all goes according to plan with the offensive line. (Last year on first-and-10, the Vikings were almost as likely to go with a two-tight end formation as they were a three-wide formation, with the three-wide formation just slightly edging out double-tight, 130 to 123. They ran more than 50 percent of the time on first-and-10.) Treadwell is one person who might be able to get them to alter their approach. As much as the Vikings will pound the football, the hope is that Teddy Bridgewater takes another step forward and can make the combination of Treadwell, Stefon Diggs and Jarius Wright hell for opposing defensive coordinators.

THREE BURNING QUESTIONS:

1. Who wins each of the high-profile O-line gigs?
The Vikings have an open battle at center between Sullivan and Joe Berger, and they're pitting Phil Loadholt against Andre Smith for the right tackle job. In each case, the team could move on from the incumbent without much of a financial penalty (Sullivan and Loadholt would account for less than $2.5 million in dead money if they were released), even if it would make more sense to retain all their best talent as a safeguard against injury. While training camp tends to allow for these situations to work themselves out naturally, we should have an early indication of preference.

2. Is this the end of the road for Cordarrelle Patterson?
The Vikings have shown they don't care much about a rookie lagging behind, and they will continuously throw resources at their biggest problems instead of waiting for a development that might never come. Trae Waynes found that out the hard way, falling to the margins during a disappointing rookie season, and Patterson, who recently admitted that he needs to work harder and sometimes felt entitled as a first-round pick, is about to. Treadwell's youth should leave the window slightly cracked for Patterson, but the Vikings' offense looks ready to move on, with or without him.

3. Will the Vikings spice up their running game a bit?
Just like quarterbacks can squeeze new life out of their careers by working in new offensive wrinkles, so can running backs. How's this for a Mike Zimmer stat? The Vikings were third in the NFL in runs straight up the middle (157 attempts) and ran up the gut 100 times more than they ran behind or around any offensive lineman, with the exception of right tackle (66 plays off RT). A more improved unit could lead to more diversity in Peterson's run locations and could free up the Vikings legend for more yards downfield.

Way-too-early season prediction: The NFC North is one of the few divisions with two legitimate heavyweights primed to duke it out. The Vikings are better than their 12-win counterparts from 2009, so what does that lead us to believe about this season? Assuming Bridgewater continues to improve, there's no reason this Vikings team can't win between 11 and 13 games.

 

[Greenbacks]

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets Come Together On 1-Year Deal, Report Says.

The New York Jets and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick ended their five-month contract dispute on Wednesday. The two sides finalized a one-year, $12 million contract on the eve of the team's first training camp practice, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The deal also includes another $3 million in incentives, which could boost the value to $15 million, a source told Schefter.
Sources told Schefter the Jets increased their offer Wednesday from $8 million to $12 million and gave Fitzpatrick until 7 p.m. ET to take the deal or the team would be "moving on."

The 11th-hour agreement culminated one of the strangest chapters in team history -- a long stalemate that dominated the Jets' offseason.
The Jets wanted Fitzpatrick and he wanted them, yet he refused to sign the offer that sat on the table for months -- three years, $24 million, including a total guarantee of $15 million.

The Jets will have to create room under the salary cap for Fitzpatrick. They have only $9.1 million in camp space, according to NFL Players Association records.
The situation got weird on Wednesday, when players said they were instructed by team brass not to discuss Fitzpatrick with the media.
Finally, the Jets' roster is whole.

After sitting out the offseason, Fitzpatrick is way behind, but he's expected to be the opening-day quarterback. Jets coach Todd Bowles maintained throughout the stalemate that Fitzpatrick, who set the franchise record with 31 touchdown passes last season, would be the starter if he re-signed.
Geno Smith, who was replaced by Fitzpatrick last preseason after having his jaw broken by a teammate's sucker punch in the locker room, returns to his No. 2 role. Rookie Christian Hackenberg and second-year quarterback Bryce Petty will compete for the No. 3 job, although it's possible the Jets will keep all four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster.

Fitzpatrick had no other offers during free agency, yet the Jets were reluctant to hand the No. 1 job to Smith, the nominal starter in the offseason. The result was a staring contest, with each side waiting for the other to blink.
Knowing his comfort level with the coaches, the players and the city, the organization was quietly confident it would re-sign Fitzpatrick, 33, a career journeyman who last season led the Jets to their best offensive season since 1998. He became a popular leader in the locker room, fueling a pro-Fitzpatrick sentiment throughout the impasse.

Several players, namely wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, were outspoken in their support for Fitzpatrick, perhaps putting pressure on the organization to complete a deal. Team officials were transparent, saying from the outset they wanted him back.
But Fitzpatrick was stung by the team's contract proposal, telling friends he'd never accept a deal that included a total of $12 million in the second and third years -- essentially, backup money. The offer also included up to $12 million in incentives, but he didn't bite. He made $3.25 million last season.

Fitzpatrick didn't renew the lease for the New Jersey home he rented last season, fueling speculation about his future. He also stopped returning texts from teammates, according to Marshall, who said he was starting to worry.
As much as they appreciate his 2015 performance, the Jets view Fitzpatrick as a "bridge" quarterback, a caretaker until Hackenberg or Petty is ready to take over. That led to a sharp difference of opinion at the bargaining table. Fitzpatrick initially sought $15 million a year, as he tried to piggyback on the Sam Bradford and Brock Osweiler deals with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans, respectively.

The Jets flirted with other free-agent quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Brian Hoyer, but talks never reached the serious stage.
Fitzpatrick, playing for his sixth team, arrived last year in a trade with the Texans. His career record as a starter is 43-61-1 in 11 seasons, including no playoff appearances. He was on the verge of breaking the postseason slump last year, but he tainted his storybook season by throwing three interceptions in a season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills.

 

[Greenbacks]

Rams cut quarterback Nick Foles after release request.

A day before veterans were set to report for training camp, the Los Angeles Rams rid themselves of disgruntled quarterback Nick Foles.
The team announced Wednesday that it has released Foles. NFL Media's Mike Garafolo and NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news.
"We have been in contact with Nick and his representation throughout the offseason and we feel that this is the best decision for all parties involved," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement released by the team. "We appreciate the contributions that Nick has made to our organization in his time as a Ram and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

We've known for weeks that Foles was leaving L.A., the only question was whether the Rams could get any compensation in return. Foles skipped offseason workouts after the team selected Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall pick, NFL Media's Steve Wyche reported in June. Fisher said at the time he was fine with Foles staying away from the team -- a crystal clear indication his days with the Rams were over.

Garafolo also reported that the quarterback agreed to reduce the guarantee in his base salary from $1.75 million to $1 million in exchange for his release, per a source who viewed the changes to Foles' contract this week.
With Goff in town as the face of the new L.A. Rams, there was no room for Foles. Quarterbacks Case Keenum and Sean Mannion remain on the roster.
The Rams reportedly attempted to trade Foles, to no avail.

Foles asked for his release from the team and the Rams acquiesced to the request, Garafolo reported. Foles immediately becomes a free agent. Los Angeles paid Foles a $6 million roster bonus in March.
The Rams acquired Foles from the Philadelphia Eagles in the Sam Bradford deal -- which also netted L.A. a second-round pick they used to acquire the No. 1 pick and select Goff. Rams general manger Les Snead admitted earlier this offseason he knew the trade for Foles might not work out.

After a Pro Bowl 2013 campaign that saw Foles throw for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 10 starts, the quarterback's magic ran out, quickly. After being dumped by Chip Kelly for an injury-prone Bradford, Foles was among the most dreadful quarterbacks in the NFL last season. He completed just 56.4 percent of his throws, threw 10 interceptions, struggled to read defenses, made mind-numbingly terrible decisions and was annoyingly obnoxious to watch on the field. It got so bad last season, Fisher benched Foles for journeyman Case Keenum.

Given his size and starting experience, Foles will land on a roster. In a league with a devastating dearth of quarterbacks, even Foles' terrible game tape won't stop him from finding work.

 

[Greenbacks]

Hakeem Nicks to sign contract with Saints.

Hakeem Nicks is getting another chance in the NFL.
The 28-year-old wide receiver is signing a deal with the New Orleans Saints. Nicks tweeted a photo of the Saints logo Wednesday, which his agent Peter Schaffer later confirmed meant his pairing with the Saints.

New Orleans coach Sean Payton later told reporters no deal with Nicks has been officially signed.
Drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft by the Giants, Nicks has spent all but one season in New York, showing plenty of promise in his first three seasons before injuries and spotty production sent his value plunging. Nicks caught 38 balls as a member of the Colts in 2014 before returning to the Giants in 2015, where he tallied just seven receptions.

New Orleans could use some seasoned depth at receiver, with youngsters Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead bringing the most experience to the corps, along with the addition of second-round pick Michael Thomas.

 

[Greenbacks]

Ravens LB Terrell Suggs on coming back from second Achilles injury: "People say 'he can't do it again.' I guess we'll find out."

 

[Greenbacks]

Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace didn't pass the conditioning test. He will be held out of practice until he does.

RICHMOND, Virginia -- The Redskins signed two receivers Wednesday, Kendal Thompson and T.J. Thorpe. Thompson played quarterback in college – he spent three years at Oklahoma before transferring to Utah to play the same position. But Thompson only played a combined 13 games. He moved to receiver in the offseason in preparation for the NFL. Thorpe played receiver at North Carolina before transferring to Virginia, where he broke his clavicle.

Broncos, as expected, have also put cornerback Aqib Talib on non football injury list. General manager John Elway said he's had one discussion with Talib about the shooting incident and Elway said "I don't know" when asked if Taljb could still face league discipline.

To be clear, the late Ken Stabler will be formally "introduced" by Hall of Famer John Madden via video for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But because Madden is unable to attend the ceremonies in Canton as he recovers from hip surgery, three others will be on stage to unveil Stabler's bust - the former Raiders quarterback's favorite target, Hall of Fane receiver Fred Biletnikoff, and the "grandsnakes," Stables grandsons, Jack and Justin Moyes.

Jake Long has not been immediately signed by Ravens. His physical is ongoing. He is going to see Dr. James Andrews to get consultation on his knee.

Tom Coughlin has accepted a full-time position with the NFL's football operations department.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco said he will wear a knee brace for every practice and all regular season games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy: "Me and Jameis [Winston] had a private conversation about what he feels this team needs me to be as a leader...you guys are used to seeing me do things a certain way. That's going to change..."

Falcons have added WR Corey Robinson and TE Arthur Lynch, who played at Georgia. Robinson last played with the Lions and was a preseason standout with the Giants in 2014. Lynch was a fifth round pick of the Miami Dolphins. Falcons first training camp practice is Thursday morning. Entered the day with three roster spots. Added two players and lost one.

Saints coach Sean Payton said he doesn't expect LT Terron Armstead, CB Keenan Lewis to be out long with injuries that landed them on PUP list. Said S Jairus Byrd passed his physical and "has had a real good summer" of rehab.

The situation between the Chiefs and safety Eric Berry took an ominous turn with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting Berry would miss most if not all of the preseason. This is no negotiating ploy by Berry, the Chiefs' unsigned franchise player. There's nothing to negotiate. Either Berry accepts the Chiefs' one-year contract offer worth about $10.8 million and plays or he doesn't accept it and sits out.

Chicago Bears signed DB Brandon Boykin and WR B.J. Daniels and officially placed Pernell McPhee, Amini Silatolu and Marquess Wilson active/PUP for the beginning of training camp. Boykin has appeared in 64 career games with 7 starts over four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (2012-14) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2015).

The Bucs waived CB Joel Ross and claimed CB Daniel Davie. An undrafted free agent out of Nebraska, Davie was waived by the Colts Tuesday. He started 18 games in his final two seasons, recording 10 pass breakups, two INTs and 59 combined tackles.

Ravens signed CFL WR Dobson Collins (Montreal Alouettes) and ILB Kavell Conner (played previously with Colts and Chargers) and waived CB Junal Rolle and ILB Cavellis Luckett.

 

[Greenbacks]

Training camp report date: Rookies July 24, veterans July 27.

Training camp location: NovaCare Complex, Philadelphia.

Offseason in a nutshell: Howie Roseman's return to the center of Philadelphia's front office following Chip Kelly's firing signifies a return to the Andy Reid era. Reid, who coached in Philly from 1999 to 2012, might still be in Kansas City, but the Eagles hired Reid's top disciple, Doug Pederson, as head coach after what some might call an underwhelming coaching search. They traded away Kelly acquisitions DeMarco Murray, Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell and got rid of Riley Cooper. They brought in Chase Daniel, Rodney McLeod, Leodis McKelvin and Rueben Randle and signed Fletcher Cox to one of the largest contracts in NFL history. The core of this team has been secured through roughly 2020 -- now we just have to figure out how good that core is.

Person to watch: Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. This space typically spotlights players, but there are few people in the building who will have a more profound effect on the Eagles' 2016 season than Schwartz. Schwartz brings a straightforward, hard-hitting 4-3, as well as the Wide 9 look many Eagles fans are familiar with. People can say what they want about Schwartz's tenure as a head coach in Detroit (29-51 in five seasons), but his track record as a defensive coordinator has been strong. After the Eagles' defense finished the 2015 season tired, disinterested and beat up -- supposedly as a result of the rapid style of Kelly's offense -- an element of professional sheen was necessary in hiring the next coordinator.

THREE BURNING QUESTIONS:

1. What to do with Carson Wentz?
While the reaction to the notion of Wentz being inactive for most of this season was wildly overblown (why wouldn't he be?), there is a potential developmental roadblock the Eagles need to keep their eye on. The psychology of their current quarterback carousel needs to be flawless, from reassuring Sam Bradford to placating an aggressive Chase Daniel to ensuring that Wentz is interested and learning, even if he is in street clothes on Sundays. The theory behind drafting Wentz second overall -- a more intentional version of what the Packers did when they selected Aaron Rodgers 24th overall in 2005 -- is solid, but the practice behind the scenes needs to be executed properly, as well.

2. What can we reasonably expect from Nelson Agholor?
Agholor made some spectacular plays as a rookie during last year's preseason, leading us to believe that Kelly finally had found the embodiment of his offense in the USC wide receiver. In the regular season, that led to 23 catches for 283 yards and a touchdown. There is no denying Agholor's talent, but there is a question as to how he'll fit in with a more practical NFL-style offense under his second head coach. As a subplot, it will be important to watch how often and where the Eagles float Rueben Randle with the starting offense. Randle was taken as a low-cost flier in free agency despite some heavy production with the NFC East-rival Giants over the course of his rookie contract. A shifting playbook and a demanding quarterback stunted Randle's growth with the Giants, but he is a strong, NFL-conditioned body who could compete for snaps early.

3. Does Kenjon Barner make the team?
Rarely do you see a player touted as a potential starter at the beginning of the spring and a "roster bubble" casualty at the beginning of the summer. Barner, though, survived the Kelly-themed roster purge, even with a stint at Oregon on his résumé -- but how deeply do we look into him getting significant snaps during the offseason? The Eagles will have Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles back at some point and will hope to mix in rookie Wendell Smallwood, if he develops on pace. Is Barner the odd man out or the type of back who survives a system change thanks to his versatility?

Way-too-early season prediction: The NFC East is going to be ho-hum again this year, but out of any team that could take charge, Philadelphia seems like the least likely. With Bradford at the helm, the Eagles might be able to win eight games -- so is keeping Bradford in a starting role worthwhile?

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Bears camp.

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

Day 1 at Ravens camp.

 

[indiana]

GB/2.........appreciate all the info and photo's..........sooooooooooo much out there, don't know how you keep up with it..............thank you...........indy

 

[Greenbacks]

GB/2.........appreciate all the info and photo's..........sooooooooooo much out there, don't know how you keep up with it..............thank you...........indy

Thank you indy!

 

[Greenbacks]

 

[Greenbacks]

NFC training camp battles: Bunch of action out West.

1) 49ers quarterback: Blaine Gabbert vs. Colin Kaepernick
Three years ago, this scenario would have looked as realistic as a Donald Trump presidency. Back then, Kaepernick was battling Cam Newton and Russell Wilson as the most promising young quarterback in the NFC. Gabbert was coming off successive seasons where he finished dead last in yards per attempt. Niners coach Chip Kelly was then viewed as an offensive revolutionary in Philadelphia on the way to a division title.
Fast-forward to the present, where Kaepernick is so openly disrespected that his former teammates expect him to lose his job. He's only still on the team because other teams didn't want to trade for him. Still, we don't count out Kaepernick just yet. Gabbert might be the favorite to start Week 1, but both players have the skill set to surprise under Kelly. Remember, this is still the coach who got Nick Foles to the Pro Bowl.

2) 49ers No. 2 receiver: Lots of players you don't know
Kelly cuts corners with talent at wide receiver because he believes in his scheme. That theory will be pushed to its limit on a team where the slight consensus favorite for the No. 2 job (to start alongside top dog Torrey Smith) is Quinton Patton, he of 36 career catches. Third-year speedster Bruce Ellington has earned kudos from Kelly all offseason and is our pick to eventually win the job. CFL import Eric Rogers has a chance at the No. 3 spot. DeAndre Smelter and Jerome Simpson are other names to watch. If Kelly pulls this off, look for a return of the "G" word.

3) Rams quarterback: Jared Goff vs. Case Keenum vs. Sean Mannion vs. Jared Goff
Goff is listed twice because this is ultimately a battle against his own expectations. After a shaky OTA season, the No. 1 overall pick needs to show progress, or the Rams will consider bringing him along more slowly than expected.
Keenum is the Brian Hoyer-like trusty veteran who enters camp as the starter and can hold the fort. Sean Mannion, a third-round pick one year ago, impressed this offseason and shouldn't be completely ruled out as a starter. Really. Make no mistake: It will be a disappointment if Goff isn't leading the Rams when the franchise kicks off its Los Angeles reboot 70 years after the first go-around.

 

[Greenbacks]

NFC training camp battles: Bunch of action out West.

4) Panthers cornerbacks: Life after Josh Norman?[SUB][/SUB]It's not about the name on the back of the jersey in Carolina. The secret sauce for Ron Rivera and unsung defensive coordinator Sean McDermott remains their ability to coach up a brutally effective secondary with disparate spare parts. Bene' Benwikere, coming off a broken leg, is the favorite to start in one spot. Rookies James Bradberry and Daryl Worley will battle with surprise Super Bowl starter Robert McClain for other snaps. In Rivera we trust.

5) Seahawks running back: Thomas Rawls vs. the field
Coach Pete Carroll won't promise Rawls the starting job despite his average draft position in fantasy leagues. And why should he? Rawls was a revelation last season, but he's also an undrafted player coming off a nasty ankle injury. Seattle drafted three running backs this year (C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins and Zac Brooks) and signed another undrafted runner -- USC's Tre Madden. Is it that crazy to imagine that one of them could challenge Rawls, a player on few radars at this time a year ago?

6) The entire Seahawks offensive line
Let's pause for a moment to consider that the NFC's dominant team over the last four years won't start a single offensive lineman in the same spot as a year ago. It's almost as if coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have a blind spot in the area -- like Bill Belichick with second-round defensive backs or Mike Tomlin with sidelines.
Perhaps the Seahawks just have faith that Russell Wilson's weapons can obliterate anything with the help of offensive line coach Tom Cable. The biggest players to watch here: Garry Gilliam moving from right tackle to left tackle, Justin Britt moving to center and first-round pick Germain Ifedi starting at right guard.

 

[Greenbacks]

NFC training camp battles: Bunch of action out West.

7) Cowboys defensive line: Who fills in for suspended players?
If NFL Films created one of those sweet yearbook videos about this Cowboys offseason, it would be called "Suspensions and Surgeries."
This was a defense that had plenty of questions before starters DeMarcus Lawrence, Randy Gregory and Rolando McClain were suspended. Both defensive end starters are out, and Gregory might not be coming back. Defensive linemen Benson Mayowa and Maliek Collins also underwent surgery, along with the annual clean-up for star linebacker Sean Lee. Unheralded guys like Mayowa, second-year pro David Irving and fourth-rounder Charles Tapper are in the mix to start at end. Talented defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford could move outside.
At this point, Dwight Freeney should be offended he's not on the team. This would be one shiny big-name signing that'd make all the sense in the world for Jerry Jones.

8-9) Cowboys backup quarterback and running back
After last season's Tony Romo-less descent into the eighth circle of football hell (fraud), you would think the Cowboys would upgrade their backup quarterback spot. You would think wrong, because it's Kellen Moore or fourth-round rookie Dak Prescott.
The team has no such problem at running back, where Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris will go at it behind Ezekiel Elliott. McFadden has to get healthy in time for the season or risk being inactive on game days.

10) Eagles quarterback: Carson Wentz vs. Week 12 Sam Bradford
It would be a shock if Bradford didn't open the season as Philadelphia's starter, with Chase Daniel likely to be his backup. Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick, is engaged in a more metaphysical battle. It's his job this month to justify Philadelphia's big trade for him and make coach Doug Pederson believe that Wentz could take over the team down the stretch if Bradford's season eventually goes sideways.
We'll also keep an eye on the Eagles' receiving corps, where Chip Kelly's decimation of the position hurts. Rueben Randle smells like an early favorite to start opposite Nelson Agholor on the outside, with Jordan Matthews mostly manning the slot.

 

[Greenbacks]

NFC training camp battles: Bunch of action out West.

11) Eagles starting cornerbacks
The arrival of coordinator Jim Schwartz shook up the Eagles' defense, especially in the secondary. Leodis McKelvin suddenly looks like the No. 1 cornerback. Last year's second-round pick, Eric Rowe, is a forgotten man, while Nolan Carroll, rookie Jalen Mills and free-agent import Ron Brooks are all in the mix. It's a good thing Philly's safety tandem (Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod) looks so excellent.

12) Bears outside linebacker: Lamarr Houston vs. Willie Young vs. Leonard Floyd
This position exemplifies John Fox's suddenly frisky defense. Pernell McPhee is a slept-on star at one OLB spot. Houston, recovered from his unfortunate self-inflicted celebration injury, finished last season strong. Young has 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons. Floyd, the No. 9 pick of the draft, should start his career as a situational pass rusher. Fox knows you can never have too many good pass rushers.

13) Packers No. 3 WR: Jeff Janis vs. Davante Adams vs. Ty Montgomery
It was only one play in an early camp practice without pads, but it was symbolic of the questions Jeff Janis faces. The gifted Packers receiver failed to see the field like Aaron Rodgers, continuing to run downfield while Rodgers sight-adjusted to a back-shoulder throw. The pass went nowhere and Janis was apologetic after.
Despite all the tools Janis showed in the playoffs, there are concerns about why he can't get on the same page as his all-world quarterback. Until he does, Adams remains the favorite to get snaps after a brutally disappointing second season. Montgomery is a dark horse here, but he still isn't healthy.

14) Giants No. 2 wide receiver: Victor Cruz vs. Sterling Shepard
The Giants drafted Cruz's clone in Shepard and gave the veteran a steep pay cut after two seasons decimated by injury. In a perfect world, Shepard will earn the starting job, with Cruz proving he can physically handle the No. 3 receiver job. Reduced snaps could help Cruz stay on the field long term and keep the Giants' unproven depth on the bench. If Cruz doesn't look right, a straight release is an option.

 

[Greenbacks]

NFC training camp battles: Bunch of action out West.

15-16) Saints No. 2 wide receiver and backup running back
Forgive Sean Payton for being optimistic about his offense this year. He has turned over his roster, with Drew Brees finally having promising depth at running back and wideout. Willie Snead will try to back up his surprising rookie season while fending off second-round pick Michael Thomas and 6-foot-6 behemoth Brandon Coleman for snaps.
There isn't a more compelling backup RB battle in football. Tim Hightower, out of football for three full years, ran with such joyful abandon last season that flashy 2015 free-agent pickup C.J. Spiller could be on the chopping block.

17) Vikings cornerbacks: The young bucks vs. the trusty veterans
Xavier Rhodes is the CB1 of this defense. After that? Well, last year's first-round pick, Trae Waynes, barely played as a rookie and still is struggling to displace 37-year-old (37!) cornerback Terence Newman. This year's second-round pick, Mackensie Alexander, has an uphill battle to take out veteran Captain Munnerlyn for the slot cornerback job. Great Mike Zimmer defenses usually start in the secondary.

18) Seahawks linebacker: Who will replace Bruce Irvin?
No organization is better at developing defensive talent than Seattle, which is why it's so surprising the 'Hawks don't have an heir apparent ready to take over after Irvin's departure. Sixth-year veteran Mike Morgan knows Carroll's defense going back to USC, but he's usually a special teamer. Cassius Marsh, Kevin Pierre-Louis and Eric Pinkins are other options.

19) Falcons rookies vs. veterans
General manager Thomas Dimitroff's future in Atlanta could hinge on this promising draft class. Up to five rookies have a legitimate chance to start in Week 1, including linebackers Deion Jones and De'Vondre Campbell. This big a roster turnover is extremely rare in the NFL, and it will bode well for the Falcons' future if it pans out.

20) Buccaneers tight end: Austin Seferian-Jenkins vs. Cameron Brate
Seferian-Jenkins was kicked out of practice once this offseason for not knowing the offense; don't be shocked if the former second-round pick gets kicked out of the starting lineup in favor of an undrafted Harvard product who already has been cut by the Bucs twice. Two people whose football acumen I trust implicitly love Brate: Chris Wesseling and Jameis Winston.