NFL Training Camp Battles: Positions Up for Grabs This Preseason
By Jason Bolton June 20, 2025 07:01
As the 2025 NFL preseason approaches, training camps across the league are heating up with fierce battles for roster spots and starting roles. With 29 teams scheduled for joint practices this year, players will face intense competition not only from their teammates but also from opponents in preparation for the regular season. Several key positions remain wide open, making this preseason one of the most intriguing in recent memory.
Quarterback Contests: The Most Watched Battles
Quarterback battles always draw the most attention, and 2025 is no exception. The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition is among the most closely watched, featuring rookie Shedeur Sanders challenging established veterans. Sanders’ dual-threat ability and poise under pressure have impressed coaches during OTAs and minicamps, but the battle remains wide open. As Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted, “Shedeur has shown great promise, but we’re looking for consistency and leadership. This camp will tell us a lot.”
Similarly, the New York Jets and Giants, who will hold joint practices in Florham Park on August 12 and 13, are both sorting out their quarterback situations. The Jets’ rookie quarterback, expected to be a high draft pick, will compete for the starting job, while the Giants are evaluating their options behind an aging starter.
Wide Receiver Depth: Young Guns Eager to Prove Themselves
Wide receiver remains a position of fierce competition on multiple teams. The Miami Dolphins, hosting joint practices against the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, have several young receivers vying for snaps behind their star wideout. Rookie receivers and undrafted free agents alike are battling for roles in the offense, with coaches emphasizing route running and special teams contributions.
The Green Bay Packers, preparing for joint sessions with the Colts, also have a crowded receiver room. With veteran departures and injuries, the door is open for emerging players to claim significant roles. Packers offensive coordinator Ben Johnson remarked, “Training camp is where players show us who they are. We expect some surprises.”
Offensive Line: Building the Foundation
Offensive line battles are often less glamorous but crucial for team success. The Denver Broncos, hosting the Arizona Cardinals for joint practices, have several open spots along the line. With new coaching staff and draft picks, the Broncos are looking to solidify protection schemes and run-blocking efficiency. Head coach Sean Payton stated, “Our offensive line needs to gel quickly. These joint practices will be critical for evaluating chemistry and technique.”
The San Francisco 49ers, facing the Broncos in joint sessions, are also in the mix, balancing veteran leadership with younger players pushing for starting roles.
Defensive Backfield: Speed and Versatility in Demand
Defensive backs face intense competition as teams look to counter increasingly dynamic passing offenses. The Baltimore Ravens, hosting the Colts for joint practices, have a crowded secondary with veterans and rookies competing for starting and nickel roles. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald emphasized, “Versatility and football IQ will set players apart. We need guys who can cover, tackle, and play the run.”
The New England Patriots, preparing for joint practices with the Vikings, are similarly evaluating their defensive backs, focusing on adaptability in various coverage schemes.
Linebacker and Special Teams Battles
Linebacker spots are also up for grabs on several rosters, with teams like the Tennessee Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosting joint practices and looking to identify players who can contribute on defense and special teams. Special teams, often overlooked, remain a critical area where young players can earn roster spots.
Joint Practices: A Crucible for Competition
This year’s joint practices, such as the Browns-Panthers in Charlotte and the Dolphins-Bears in Lake Forest, provide unique opportunities for players to showcase their skills against unfamiliar opponents. These sessions simulate game conditions and intensify competition, helping coaches make informed decisions.
The 2025 NFL training camps are rife with battles across key positions, from quarterback to special teams. With joint practices involving 29 teams, players face unprecedented opportunities and challenges to prove their worth. As coaches finalize rosters ahead of the preseason games starting July 31, fans can expect thrilling competitions and breakout performances that will shape the season ahead.
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