Rookies from the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens reported to training camp way back on July 16. Nearly one month later, it's a good time to evaluate everything we've seen thus far.
Before training camp started, Around The League broke down the training camp battles to watch in the AFC. Updates on those battles are below, although we left out the quarterbacks after hitting on them earlier this week. We also broke down the biggest battles from both conferences on Wednesday's "Around The League Podcast," if you are into that sort of thing.
New England Patriots wide receiver
Aaron Dobson didn't practice until this week, so he has a lot of ground to make up. Otherwise, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have to be thrilled with the state of their receiving corps compared to a year ago. Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola have stayed healthy. Kenbrell Thompkins flashed early in camp, and Brandon LaFell has come on strong of late. Josh Boyce is getting left behind. A year ago, this group was one of the worst in the league. They don't have a No. 1 receiver, but it could be a strength now.
Miami Dolphins running back: Lamar Miller vs. the field
Miller remains in the lead. Knowshon Moreno didn't participate in a full contact practice until this week. He should be ready for the season and looks like a safe bet to make the team. Daniel Thomas and Mike Gillislee are battling for scraps.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
The surprise here thus far is that Robert Woods is not running with the Bills' first team. Despite positive practice reports and two solid preseason games, Woods has been stuck as the No. 4 receiver behind Sammy Watkins, Mike Williams and Chris Hogan. The Bills appear to be trying to motivate Woods. It would be a surprise if Hogan held off Woods, but Williams' spot as a starter looks more secure.
Browns running back: Ben Tate vs. Terrance West
This has gone just how the Browns coaching staff hoped. West is emerging as a strong 1A option who will handle a lot of passing down work. This wasn't a competition where the coaches wanted much separation. Both players will play with the starters.
Baltimore Ravens running back: Ray Rice vs. the rest
Bernard Pierce has reportedly looked like the best running back in camp, and he's fully recovered from his injuries last year. Pierce should open the season as the team's starter while Rice serves his two-game suspension. Rice also looks to have some burst back after his disastrous 2013 campaign. This could be partly training camp puffery, but there are reasons for optimism that the league's worst running game can bounce back.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Indianapolis Colts running back: Trent Richardson vs. Ahmad Bradshaw and Vick Ballard
Ballard is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon, while Bradshaw is being held out of the preseason thus far. Daniel "Boom" Herron could force his way into a three-man rotation. Richardson looked like his old self in the preseason opener, which isn't a good thing. There are a lot of "Ifs" in this backfield.
Tennessee Titans right tackle: Taylor Lewan vs. Michael Oher
Oher is "comfortably entrenched" as the team's starting right tackle, while Lewan looks ticketed for a swing tackle role. Lewan has mostly taken his snaps at left tackle behind starter Michael Roos. That's not an ideal spot for the No. 11 pick in the draft, but Lewan will be a starter next year.
Titans running back: Shonn Greene vs. Bishop Sankey; Dexter McCluster vs. Sankey
This one is too early to call. The Titans coaching staff has talked up Sankey to the media, but they also played him behind McCluster in the preseason opener. We're not overly worried about that, but it wouldn't be a surprise if Greene has a big early-down role.
Oakland Raiders running back: Darren McFadden vs. Maurice Jones-Drew
*The latest "Around the League Podcast" also updated the NFC battles and ranked the best backup QBs in the league. *
