4 key position battles to watch in the AFC South
All 32 NFL training camps open this week, meaning thousands of players will be competing for roster spots and playing time.
Here's a look at some of the toughest decisions coaches will have to make in the AFC South.
Position Battles
AFC: East | North | South | West
NFC: East | North | South | West
Jaguars - Left tackle
Luke Joeckel vs. Kelvin Beachum
In the three seasons since the Jaguars used the second overall pick to select him, Joeckel has failed to cement himself as the club's blindside protector for the foreseeable future. His inconsistent play has brought his future with the Jaguars into question, and the club decided this offseason he needed competition for his spot.
Jacksonville acquired Beachum via free agency, and he and Joeckel are now set to fight it out for the left tackle spot. The Jaguars signed Beachum to a one-year deal, but his contract also includes a four-year option. The former Pittsburgh Steelers tackle tore his ACL last October, and the contract protects the Jaguars if he's unable to return to form. But if he earns the job and plays well, the Jaguars have a talented left tackle locked into a reasonable deal.
Despite still being limited by his injury, Beachum should easily beat out Joeckel for the spot, who might find himself as a backup or trade bait.
Pick: Beachum
Colts - Right guard/tackle
Hugh Thornton vs. Jonotthan Harrison vs. Denzelle Good vs. Joe Reitz vs. Joe Haeg vs. Le'Raven Clark
The left side of the Colts' offensive line is set in stone, with Anthony Castonzo at left tackle, Jack Mewhort at left guard, and rookie Ryan Kelly at center. The right side of the line, however, is yet to be decided.
Thornton has been unable to establish himself, despite being handed several chances over the past few seasons. Harrison failed at center, but a switch to guard might highlight his strengths in the run game while minimizing the mental errors. Reitz and Good impressed when forced into action at the tackle spots last season, and both are set to compete at right guard and tackle. The two rookies, Haeg and Clark, project long-term as tackles, but could gain experience early on inside.
Reitz has long been viewed as the utility man for the Colts, but his standout play at left tackle in 2015 means he provides more value starting than as a sixth lineman. Thornton might be the favorite for the right guard spot, but Good should press him hard and ultimately form the last piece of an improved offensive line.
Pick: Reitz (RT), Good (RG)
Texans - Backup running back
Alfred Blue vs. Tyler Ervin vs. Jonathan Grimes
Free-agent addition Lamar Miller will certainly handle the majority of the workload out of the backfield, but he'll still need time on the sideline, and the Texans have several options for his primary backup.
Blue has received significant carries over the past two seasons with injuries to the recently departed Arian Foster. However, his glaring lack of speed meant he averaged 3.1 and 3.8 yards-per-carry in 2014 and 2015, respectively. His experience and strong ball security could help his case, but the Texans will likely look for a more explosive second option.
Fourth-round pick Ervin is a speedy playmaker and possesses strong receiving skills. However, head coach Bill O'Brien has been reluctant to rely heavily rookies early in their careers, so veteran Grimes could be an alternative. In limited opportunities last season, Grimes showed his skills as both a runner and a receiver, averaging five yards-per-carry and catching 23 balls. With Miller able to carry the load, the Texans should go for youth over experience, and give the rookie a chance to shine as the main backup.
Pick: Ervin
Titans - No. 2 receiver
Dorial Green-Beckham vs. Andre Johnson vs. Justin Hunter vs. Tajae Sharpe vs. Kendall Wright
The Titans handed Rishard Matthews a significant deal in free agency, and he projects as one of the club's starting receivers. Behind him, however, the Titans have question marks.
The club recently brought in Johnson, but the seven-time Pro Bowler is long past his best. He struggled with drops and was unable to consistently separate himself from opposing cornerbacks last season with the Colts. Hunter has never realized his potential and is, at best, headed for a depth role. Rookie Sharpe has been running with the first team during the offseason, but the Titans shouldn't press him into action too early. Wright needs to prove he can stay healthy and should slide into the slot, where his skills are best suited.
Green-Beckham is the favorite for the job following a solid rookie season. He was considered a raw player, but put up 549 yards and four touchdowns, and should secure the role if he can stay in shape.
Pick: Green-Beckham