2026 NFL training camp: Position battles on each depth chart - ESPN

NFL training camps are off and running, and the 2026 season is right around the corner. While they work all the early practices, our NFL Nation reporters log their daily observations.

One of the biggest storylines throughout every camp is that players are battling for positions on the depth chart. Players spend camp making their cases to be included on the final 53-man rosters at the end of August. But just making it isn't enough. Coaches are seeking clarity on who starts and who will provide backup.

For example, the Cincinnati Bengals are looking to secure their third receiving option behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, while the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings are all still trying to decide which quarterback will start Week 1.

Here are 32 of the biggest position battles going on at camps across the NFL.

Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Left guard

Bills general manager Brandon Beane emphasized the importance of this competition on the first day of camp, saying "[left guard is] a premium spot that we need to make sure we're good there. The No. 1 thing is to protect No. 17 [quarterback Josh Allen]." Veteran free agent addition Austin Corbett remains in the lead for the open spot on the line, but he is competing with Alec Anderson, who has experience with the offense. Anderson, 26, has served as a sixth lineman and backup in his two full seasons on the 53-man roster, and Corbett, 30, has started 78 games in his career. — Alaina Getzenberg

Wide receiver

The team's wide receivers room has been the butt of many jokes and «worst-of» lists