Position Battles to Watch Across All 32 NFL Teams This Preseason

By Jason Bolton August 15, 2025 06:54

As the 2025 NFL preseason heats up, position battles across all 32 teams have emerged as captivating storylines that will shape rosters and potentially decide futures for many players. These competitions draw intense scrutiny from coaches, fans, and analysts eager to see who will secure starting roles, backups, or even a roster spot. Here is a look at some of the most intriguing position battles that fans should watch closely this preseason.

Starting with the quarterback carousel, Cleveland Browns present one of the tightest competitions. Veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with young guns Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, are all fighting for one or two QB slots. Flacco, with his experience, currently holds an edge, but Pickett’s upside makes this room unpredictable. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski remarked, “Each guy brings something unique. It’s about performance and poise under pressure.”

In wide receiver battles, the New England Patriots are spotlighting their slot receiver position. Stefon Diggs anchors the group, but younger players like Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and veteran Mack Hollins are battling for precious reps and roster spots. Mike Reiss of ESPN notes, “The Patriots will likely carry six receivers, so the competition is fierce for those middle-tier roles.”

The offensive line also features hot fights, such as the Cincinnati Bengals’ right guard contest between Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick. Ford’s physical run blocking stacks up against Patrick’s versatile and technical pass protection. Bengals offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said, “The right guard spot is crucial. We want a player who can execute consistently and give Joe Burrow time to shine.”

On special teams, the Baltimore Ravens’ kicking job is wide open following the departure of Justin Tucker. Rookie Tyler Loop has impressed with remarkable accuracy during camp, but John Hoyland isn’t far behind. Ravens special teams coach Chris Horton explained, “We let the players compete, see who handles pressure best. This isn’t just about leg strength; mental toughness is key.”

Defensively, the Las Vegas Raiders’ cornerback group sees a battle between Eric Stokes, Darien Porter, and others aiming to lock down a starting role in a secondary looking to rebound. Coach Pete Carroll praised the group’s competitiveness but acknowledged “there’s no room for error in a division this tight.”

Other notable battles include the Houston Texans’ offensive tackle competition involving rookie Aireontae Ersery against veterans Cam Robinson and Blake Fisher, highlighting the Texans’ commitment to protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud better after last season’s struggles when they allowed 52 sacks.

The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback situation features a rare duel between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones, both with starting experience. Coach Shane Steichen said, “We’re letting the guys earn it. This competition could linger well into the preseason.”

Meanwhile, cornerback competitions with injury returnees and rookies aplenty are heating up in teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs, further emphasizing the importance of depth and adaptability across all units.

Position battles add a thrilling layer to NFL preseason beyond just wins and losses. They test players’ perseverance, skill, and readiness to contribute at the highest level. As Mike Reiss puts it, “Sometimes preseason battles create unexpected stars and deepen team chemistry.”

These competitions culminate as teams finalize their 53-man rosters, where every snap in preseason games carries enormous weight. Veterans strive to maintain their spots, young hopefuls aim to break through, and coaches seek the perfect blend for a successful season.

For fans tuning in, the preseason is more than warm-up games it’s the proving ground where legacies start, careers are saved or launched, and the epic drama of NFL competition comes alive for every position on every team.