From 90 to 53. For a starting or rotation position, many candidates are there, for few chosen. Because competition means emulation, except for a few executives, NFL teams all experience battles during training camps. Today, the AFC North division.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback
On the starting line: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
One arrives after a mixed stint in Denver, the other arrives in a trade from Chicago. After the Matt Canada experiment, the Steelers are starting a new era with former Falcons coach Arthur Smith at the head of the offense. Since Ben Roethlisberger, stability has been expected at quarterback in Pittsburgh. They tried Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph. Unfortunately, none of these 3 players convinced the Steelers. Thus, Mike Tomlin and his staff decide to start from scratch with two revengeful quarterbacks.
Russell Wilson has experience on his side, Justin Fields has the profile that fits the offensive coordinator's style on his side. The goal is the same for both players: to get back on track so they can have a future in the NFL.
Mike Tomlin hasn't really ruled out Russell Wilson starting, claiming that Justin Fields has a chance of being the starter. It's not out of the question that the two players could play two different roles. According to some sources, Justin Fields could be used as a … kick returner. Other sources say that the former Bears kicker wouldn't be very accurate during the first practices with his new team.
One certainty, however, is that both players have guarantees. front office The Steelers have made an effort to surround them, with an offensive line and receivers that came mainly through the draft. The two quarterbacks have no excuse not to shine, unless former Panthers and Commanders Kyle Allen comes out of nowhere. But he's starting from a long way back.
Prediction: Russell Wilson
To watch: Receiver number 2, Linebacker
Cincinnati Bengals: Safety
On the starting line: Vonn Bell, Geno Stone, Jordan Battle, Daxton Hill
Since the departure of Jessie Bates, the hierarchy at safety on the Bengals side has been unclear. Cincinnati has the good idea of going for Geno Stone, one of the best interceptors last season. The latter will have to deal with competition based on experience (Bell) and youth (Battle, Hill).
A rookie last year, Jordan Battle saw a lot of the field late in the season, dislodging Nick Scott from the strong safety position. He therefore seems to be favored by Lou Anarumo to have the starting position. To accompany him, the competition could be reduced to two players between Bell and Stone. Mentioned, Daxton Hill played a lot of nickelback (3rd cornerback) last year, and should keep this position next year.
Von Bell has the advantage of knowing the system. Geno Stone is coming off a remarkable season in 2023, but can he keep it up? The battle is on between the two players.
Prediction: Jordan Battle, Geno Stone
To watch: Running Back, Defensive Tackle
Cleveland Browns: Running back number 2
On the starting line: Jerome Ford, Nyheim Hines, D'Onta Foreman
If Nick Chubb's return from injury goes well, he should get the majority of the carries. However, there is an alternative where that doesn't go as planned. With that in mind, the battle to be the backup runner becomes interesting.
Running back number 1 in Chubb's absence last season, Jerome Ford had a good performance with 9 touchdowns. Facing him, he will have 2 experienced players. Like Chubb, Hines is coming back from a knee injury. By changing teams, the former Bills player is starting from very far away. Overshadowed by the emergence of Khalil Herbert last year, released by the Bears, D'Onta Foreman is a powerful runner with a say in this battle.
Jerome Ford has the advantage of knowing Kevin Stefanski's offensive system. He also has the advantage of bringing content in reception (5 touchdowns in reception in 2023), a limited capacity for Hines and Foreman. To relieve a quarterback who has not totally convinced for the moment, the 3rd year player in 2024 would bring this safety valve. Hines should therefore be a more useful player on special teams. Unless he has an exceptional training camp, D'Onta Foreman will mainly bring his experience on powerful short-distance runs.
Prediction: Jerome Ford
One to watch: Linebacker, Quarterback number 2
Baltimore Ravens: Right Tackle
On the starting line: Patrick Mekari, Roger Rosengarten, Daniel Faalele
Who will replace Morgan Moses, traded to the Jets last offseason? The Ravens already have 2 players who have played right tackle: Patrick Mekari and Daniel Faalele. It could have been a 2-way battle to take the position. But, the Ravens staff decided to add a 3rd player who is coming up in the Draft: Roger Rosengarten.
The former University of Washington player was part of the best offensive line in the NCAA last season. Drafted in the second round, he will give the two experienced players a hard time. Very solid in pass protection (0 sacks conceded), Rosengarten offers, however, fewer guarantees on running games, the preferred scheme of the Ravens' attack.
In this area, Mekari is the favorite. His agility and initial punch make him a solid candidate to be the main anchor on this type of offensive play. However, last year, during the passing games, he sometimes failed, but without being catastrophic. For Daniel Faalele, it's a little more complicated. On the few snaps he played last year (186), he still conceded 3 sacks according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
To protect Lamar Jackson or create openings for the ground game, John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monker will have to find the right formula on the offensive line. In addition to the right tackle position, the 2 guard positions are also open to competition after the departures of Zeitler (Lions) and Simpson (Jets).
Prediction: Patrick Mekari
To watch: Cornerback, Guard
