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4 key position battles to watch in the AFC East

Stew Milne / USA TODAY Sports

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 East.

Position Battles
AFC: East | North | South | West
NFC: East | North | South | West

Bills - No. 2 Running Back

Mike Gillislee vs. Jonathan Williams vs. Karlos Williams

With LeSean McCoy already dealing with an ankle injury which limited him during OTAs, the battle for the Bills' backup running back spot takes on an extra level of importance. Karlos Williams had a productive rookie year in 2015, but the power runner will be suspended for the first quarter of the 2016 campaign. The time off might help him get back in shape after he reported to OTAs well above his playing weight.

Mike Gillislee flashed some production last season, scoring a touchdown in three straight games late in the year. Rookie Jonathan Williams, who was considered one of the steals of the 2016 NFL Draft, could also factor in after registering more than 1,100 yards for Arkansas in 2014.

Pick: Gillislee (until Karlos Williams returns)

Dolphins - Right Guard

Billy Turner vs. Jermon Bushrod vs. Kraig Urbik

Branden Albert and Ja'Wuan James are expected to start at tackle with first-rounder Laremy Tunsil slotted at left guard, resulting in a log jam on the right side.

Turner, who started 12 games for the Dolphins last year, returns as the favorite, the two-time Pro Bowler Bushrod was added from the Bears, where he played under new Dolphins coach Adam Gase last season. Urbik, 30, comes to Miami after six seasons with the Bills, where he started four games in 2015.

Pick: Turner

Patriots - No. 2 Receiver

Danny Amendola vs. Chris Hogan

Edelman and Amendola have been a cute little receiver duo in New England for the past three seasons, but this year, a third pass-catcher has arrived on the scene. Hogan's two-inch height advantage and extra 30 pounds give him an edge over Amendola, who is essentially a poor man's Edelman.

Hogan is known for his uncanny ability to get open, but his stats and familiarity with the Patriots' system don't match up with Amendola's. With the addition of tight end Martellus Bennett, the Patriots are expected to use a lot of two-tight end, two-receiver sets.

Pick: Amendola

Jets - Inside Linebacker

Erin Henderson vs. Darron Lee vs. Bruce Carter

The Jets will return David Harris as one of their starters at inside backer, but the departure of Demario Davis leaves one spot up for grabs. The team will be looking for a full-timer after Davis started every game beside Harris for the last three years.

Henderson spent last season with the Jets, making 45 tackles, but didn't start any games. The Jets spent their first-round pick to bring in Lee from Ohio State, where he stood out on a star-studded team. They also added Carter in free agency after he started three games for the Bucs last season.

Pick: Lee

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