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4 key position battles to watch in the NFC West

Kelley L Cox / 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 NFC West.

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

49ers - Quarterback

Colin Kaepernick vs. Blaine Gabbert

Long gone are the days of camp battles between Joe Montana and Steve Young. With the 2016 season looming, new head coach Chip Kelly will have to chose either Kaepernick or Gabbert to lead his offense.

Gabbert is thought to be the early favorite, as Kaepernick has been sidelined for all the team's offseason workouts due to shoulder, knee, and thumb injuries. This additional time to learn Kelly's unique offensive system cannot be overstated, but Kaepernick has been cleared to return for training camp and should begin to split first-team reps.

Gabbert's inability to make quick decisions and poor pocket presence means he's a questionable fit in Kelly's offense. Kaepernick may not be much better, but he at least has a history of playing at a solid level. The 49ers have invested a lot in Kapernick, and while his contract shouldn't affect the decision, they should do hope he can win the job. He remains an outstanding player from a physical standpoint, and Kelly could be the man to help him realize his potential.

Pick: Kaepernick

Seahawks - Defensive tackle

Ahtyba Rubin vs. Jarran Reed vs. Jordan Hill vs. Sealver Siliga

Seattle allowed long-time defensive tackle Brandon Mebane to leave in free agency, and now needs someone to step up and replace his run-stuffing talents.

After Reed fell to the second round of this year's draft, the Seahawks have a decent group to choose from. Hill and Siliga will likely act as depth, leaving the rookie to fight for the starting role with the veteran Rubin. Reed showed off impressive skills in run defense during his collegiate career, but Rubin has a years worth of experience in the Seahawks' system.

Most teams don't have the talent to compensate for the early struggles of a rookie starting in the center of the defense, but the Seahawks have All-Pros at every level. Reed will be given the nod, but with Seattle likely to play predominantly in their nickel or dime defense, Rubin should see significant snaps with the starters.

Pick: Reed

Cardinals - Outside linebacker

Markus Golden vs. Alex Okafor

The Cardinals have established starters across their roster and little should change from last season, but the arrival of Pro-Bowl outside linebacker Chandler Jones means only one pass-rusher can be his running mate.

Okafor was expected to make a leap last season after an eight-sack 2014 campaign. However, poor play and injuries derailed his 2015 season. He's more physically talented than Golden, but there's reason to question the Cardinals' belief in him. Golden played with relentless effort in his rookie year in 2015, racking up a respectable four sacks and two forced fumbles.

Both will see significant action in Arizona's rotation, and the club would prefer Okafor lock down the job due to his superior ceiling, but Golden's motor is a better compliment to the dynamic edge-rushing skills of Jones.

Pick: Golden

Rams - No. 3 receiver

Brian Quick vs. Pharoh Cooper vs. Bradley Marquez vs. Mike Thomas

After the Rams' relatively established duo of Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt, the club has question marks about who else can contribute at receiver. Los Angeles drafted Cooper and Thomas this year, giving No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff pass-catchers he can develop alongside.

However, their roles during their rookie seasons are yet to be set. Five-year veteran Quick's time with the team may be coming to a close after a disappointing 2015 season, leaving the third-receiver role open. He could still fight to keep his job, but it's more likely the Rams go with a younger option.

Marquez fits the slot role well, but Cooper has impressed during workouts, and the fourth-round pick has the draft pedigree to earn the nod if their battle is close.

Pick: Cooper

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