2023 NFL training camp: Position battles within AFC, NFC - ESPN

The 2023 NFL season is right around the corner, and training camp and preseason games are the stage for position battles.

Which newcomers will make an immediate impact? Which veterans are ready for a chance to crack the starting lineup? Which rookies have been so impressive that they will take the field from the first whistle?

There are No. 1 quarterback battles in Tampa, Indianapolis and perhaps Washington. There are backup quarterback jobs up for grabs in Green Bay, San Francisco and Tennessee. Those all are worth watching. Most of the other position battles have to do with protecting quarterbacks (offensive linemen) and limiting their production (secondary).

NFL Nation reporters break down the biggest competitions in training camp for all 32 teams.

Jump to:ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CINCLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | INDJAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MINNE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SFSEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Middle linebacker

There are a couple of other positions to watch here, but the middle linebacker is responsible for defensive communication and leadership, making it the most important battle for the Bills as they look to replace Tremaine Edmunds. The battle is between, in order of where things currently stand, fourth-year linebacker Tyrel Dodson and two 2022 draft picks — third-rounder Terrel Bernard and seventh-rounder Baylon Spector. Thus far, the three are rotating on the first team, with each spending a day running with the ones. The biggest tests are ongoing, with more practices in pads and preseason games to come. — Alaina Getzenberg

Cornerback

Dolphins fans would have formed a mob if I had written this two months ago, but with Jalen Ramsey potentially missing the first few months of the