2025 NFL coaching camp: Place battles on every depth chart
NFL coaching camps are off and operating, and the 2025 season is correct across the nook. Whereas observing practically two weeks of practices, our NFL Nation reporters have been logging their observations each day.
One of many greatest storylines all through each camp is that gamers are battling for positions on the depth chart. Gamers spend camp making their instances to be included on the ultimate 53-man rosters on the finish of August. Simply making it is not sufficient, although. Coaches are looking for readability on who begins and who will present backup.
For instance, the Los Angeles Rams wish to safe their third receiving possibility behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, whereas the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints are nonetheless making an attempt to determine which quarterback will begin Week 1.
Listed below are 32 of the most important place battles occurring at camps throughout the NFL.
Bounce to a staff:
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
AFC EAST
Backup quarterback
A lot of the Payments’ 53-man roster is locked in, however who would be the quarterback behind Josh Allen (who hasn’t missed a begin since his rookie season) is a query mark. Basic supervisor Brandon Beane expressed confidence in final season’s backup, Mitchell Trubisky, at first of camp, however he and Mike White have shared second-team reps in follow. The preseason video games may very well be key for this battle.
The opposite greatest battle may very well be at No. 2 cornerback, however the job is at present Tre’Davious White‘s to lose, with first-round decide Maxwell Hairston coping with a proper LCL sprain. — Alaina Getzenberg
Cornerback
Prepare to listen to about this place all season. The Dolphins launched or traded each of their beginning corners from final season and misplaced their lone returner, Kader Kohou, to a season-ending knee harm. They’ve been energetic in including to the place now that coaching camp has begun, signing Cornell Armstrong, Jack Jones and Mike Hilton. The latter two each began double-digit video games for the Raiders and Bengals final season, respectively.
Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Kendall Sheffield and Ethan Bonner are additionally within the combine, however the Dolphins’ current free agent additions will make for an intriguing battle this summer time. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Vast receiver
To this point in camp, the highest grouping has been Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas, with nine-year veteran Kendrick Bourne and 2025 third-round decide Kyle Williams subsequent in line. It was notable that when veteran Mack Hollins (who signed a two-year, $8.4 million deal in March) returned to follow final week after opening camp on the bodily unable to carry out (PUP) record, he labored alongside Diggs and Douglas, slicing into a few of Boutte’s reps among the many high group.
In the meantime, 2024 draft picks Ja’Lynn Polk (second spherical) and Javon Baker (fourth spherical), together with spring undrafted free agent standout Efton Chism III, are amongst those that have proven up making performs. There’ll doubtless be six (probably seven) vast receivers on the preliminary roster, so one thing has to present. — Mike Reiss
Middle
It’s incumbent Joe Tippmann versus Josh Myers, previously the Packers’ starter. It is a respectable open competitors, with each gamers getting an equal variety of follow reps.
Most outsiders thought Tippmann was entrenched, so it raised eyebrows within the offseason when Myers (56 profession begins) signed a one-year, $2 million contract and was promised a shot on the job. Tippmann was a second-round decide in 2023, however he ranked thirtieth out of 33 facilities final season in cross block win charge (Myers was twentieth).
Myers’ greatest benefit is his expertise, to not point out his familiarity with QB Justin Fields, his former school teammate. — Wealthy Cimini
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AFC NORTH
Kicker
The Ravens have two rookies battling it out to exchange Justin Tucker, who was launched in Might amid an NFL investigation into sexual misconduct.
Tyler Loop, a sixth-round decide, stays the favourite over undrafted free agent John Hoyland, however the competitors has been shut all through the primary week of coaching camp. Loop made his first 23 kicks of the summer time and is 28-of-31 (90.3%). Hoyland additionally has missed three makes an attempt, going 25-of-28 (89.2%).
The Ravens wish to choose a kicker across the preseason finale on Aug. 23.
“When the winner exhibits, it may present,” Ravens particular groups coach Chris Horton mentioned. “How quickly is that going to be? I do not know, however I do know that these guys are going to be out right here getting helpful work every single day and in these preseason video games.” — Jamison Hensley
Proper guard
Early in camp, the battle was billed between Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick, who signed with the Bengals on a one-year deal this offseason. However to date, Ford safely has the within observe.
Ford is firmly within the RG1 spot, one thing that has been strengthened solely with Patrick coping with an harm that saved him out of shape for a few days. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow mentioned the offensive line has carried out nicely in coaching camp. –– Ben Child
Quarterback
The Browns opened camp with what was billed as a four-way QB competitors, however the first week noticed veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett take the vast majority of first-team reps.
Pickett’s hamstring harm has seemingly paved the best way for Flacco to steer the beginning offense and stake his declare to be the starter. It has additionally opened extra alternatives for rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to make an impression, too.
Coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned he has a tentative timeline to decide on the starter however needs to guage every quarterback in varied conditions earlier than transferring ahead. — Daniel Oyefusi
No. 2 vast receiver
Sound acquainted? A yr in the past, that was essentially the most talked about place battle (aside from quarterback, after all) and on paper, the Steelers are in an identical place this yr after buying and selling away George Pickens.
The room is led by DK Metcalf, however the order behind him is a bit of murky. Throughout minicamp, vast receivers coach Zach Azzanni mentioned receiver Calvin Austin III, a speedy yards-after-catch (YAC) menace drafted in 2022, was the staff’s WR2 — however there are different gamers on the roster battling for the position, together with Robert Woods, Scotty Miller and Roman Wilson.
The Steelers additionally acquired receiving menace Jonnu Smith. Basic supervisor Omar Khan downplayed the potential of including one other true vast receiver to the roster, however the staff introduced in Gabe Davis for a go to earlier this offseason. There may very well be a number of vast receivers obtainable on the commerce market, too. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
Offensive deal with
There’s a battle in Houston that options each deal with spots and includes rookie Aireontae Ersery, a second-round pick of Minnesota. He is battling Cam Robinson and Blake Fisher, who’re the beginning left and proper tackles, respectively. Fisher was a 2024 second-round decide and Robinson was a notable free agent signing.
Final season, quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked 52 instances, which was the second most within the league, and Houston revamped the unit in hopes to guard Stroud higher. The Texans are excessive on Ersery, as they tried to commerce up for him within the first spherical, in response to league sources. — DJ Bien-Aime
Quarterback
Hardly ever will we see an open competitors between two quarterbacks who’ve beforehand been starters, however Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones are mentioned to have an equal shot on the job in Indy.
Richardson’s standing because the staff’s 2023 fourth total decide would possibly give him an edge, so Jones presumably must take the job from him. It is tough to argue that that has occurred up to now, with each passers displaying the inconsistency that has plagued their careers. However coach Shane Steichen mentioned he is keen to take his time reaching a choice, so this one might linger till the top of the preseason. — Stephen Holder
Security
Eric Murray, whom the Jaguars signed in free company, is locked in at one spot. The opposite has been a rotation of Andrew Wingard, Darnell Savage and Antonio Johnson.
Wingard, who has had 28 begins with the Jaguars since 2019, had all however received the beginning job over Johnson subsequent to Andre Cisco final season, however a knee harm price him the primary 9 video games of the season. He could be thought-about the slight favourite at this level, however that would change as soon as the preseason begins. — Michael DiRocco
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Tight finish
Chig Okonkwo is the incumbent, however rookie Gunnar Helm will push for the spot — or on the very least, get reps in two-tight-end units. Each gamers have actually caught quarterback Cameron Ward‘s consideration. Okonkwo frolicked with Ward in Miami to get a head begin on growing chemistry. The Titans employees likes to get Okonkwo the ball and let him decide up yards after the catch. Helm has carried out a very good job working the center of the sector and making catches in visitors.
Second-year tight finish David Martin-Robinson is an possibility who’s seeing lots of motion within the fast sport with this pace. Josh Whyle has pale considerably, however there is a good likelihood the Titans preserve 4 tight ends.
The query might be who contributes extra on particular groups, Whyle or Thomas Odukoya. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Working again
The Broncos, with so many starters from 2024’s playoff staff returning, do not actually have the standard coaching camp battle anyplace between Participant A or Participant B. What they’ve as an alternative are battles for situational snaps.
At operating again, there may be not less than a battle to see who will get the ball in essentially the most conditions. J.Okay. Dobbins, who was signed throughout the staff’s June minicamp, has spent loads of time in staff drills with the starters in coaching camp’s early going. His reliability as a cross catcher and cross blocker offers him the within observe on a lot of the third down work.
However rookie RJ Harvey has flashed high quality imaginative and prescient and quickness by means of the outlet up to now, a lot so coach Sean Payton has mentioned “he is doing distinctive.”
Jaleel McLaughlin has proven affect as a receiver out of the backfield and Audric Estime, at 227 kilos, is the most important of the operating backs with essentially the most potential energy inside.
There might be lots to kind out and far can change, however Dobbins seems, for the time being, to examine essentially the most bins in essentially the most down-and-distance conditions. — Jeff Legwold
Left guard
With rookie first-round decide Josh Simmons taking all of the reps at left deal with, the most important battle for the Chiefs is choosing who they wish to see first at left guard.
The primary possibility is Kingsley Suamataia, the 2024 second-round decide who has switched from guard to deal with. The extra veteran possibility is Jaylon Moore, who was a spot starter at left deal with with the 49ers. How Suamataia and Moore carry out within the preseason will doubtless decide who wins the beginning position.
The runner-up tasks to be the Chiefs’ high backup when an harm happens. — Nate Taylor
Cornerback
Eric Stokes has performed primarily with the starters throughout coaching camp, whereas third-round decide Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson have alternated first-team reps.
Jakorian Bennett, who has began in 11 profession video games however had season-ending surgical procedure in 2024, has performed with the second- and third-team protection.
This place group is way from being solidified, and although coach Pete Carroll has given the secondary a ton of reward, there are a number of crimson flags. Stokes has performed a full season simply twice in his four-year profession. In the meantime, Porter has upside however has began in solely seven profession school video games at cornerback. — Ryan McFadden
Middle
The Chargers’ inside offensive line was abysmal final season, and the play at middle performed a big position. Middle Bradley Bozeman ranked one hundred and sixtieth in run block win charge, because the Chargers struggled to supply the dominant speeding offense Jim Harbaugh promised when he took the job.
The Chargers have a three-person battle for that beginning spot, amongst Bozeman, Zion Johnson (who performed left guard final season) and Andre James, who the staff signed in free company. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
Working again
The Cowboys are basically giving equal seems to Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, who signed as free brokers within the offseason.
Every has had their moments in camp, which is a constructive signal. Williams might need an edge as a cross catcher out of the backfield, however Sanders could be higher suited to the soiled yards along with his type.
“If we’ve a man that clearly wins the beginning job, then he’ll be the beginning man,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned.
“Is he the bell cow? There’s all these cool phrases that go along with it. ‘Oh, he is a bell cow,’ or ‘He is the person,’ or ‘He is the stud,’ or no matter. Let’s let these guys compete. And it does take a couple of [back]. It often takes greater than two.” — Todd Archer
Second cornerback
One would suppose the most important battle is at proper guard with former top-10 decide Evan Neal within the combine, however it’s truly the second beginning outdoors cornerback spot reverse Paulson Adebo.
It is a full-on competitors between 2023 first-round decide Deonte Banks and 2022 third-rounder Cor’Dale Flott. They’re alternating days with the first-team protection at coaching camp. The Giants are making Banks earn it after a down season.
“Competitors brings out essentially the most in folks more often than not,” coach Brian Daboll mentioned.
The truth is that Flott had a greater season final yr. Banks’ focused EPA of 33.4 was the fourth lowest within the league amongst gamers with not less than 100 protection snaps, in response to NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Flott was considerably higher at 7.1 whereas rookie Dru Phillips led all Giants cornerbacks at minus-7.2. — Jordan Raanan
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Cornerback
The departure of Darius Slay this offseason opened up a beginning spot on the surface reverse Quinyon Mitchell.
Third-year participant Kelee Ringo has been splitting reps with veteran Adoree’ Jackson, who was signed to a one-year deal in March. Ringo gave up some huge performs early in camp however has elevated his sport of late, whereas Jackson has been principally regular all through.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio mentioned the time is now for Jackson to succeed in his full potential.
“In Tennessee, when it got here time to re-sign him after his contract was up, they did not,” Fangio mentioned. “The Giants, his contract was up, they did not. It is time to present who he’s or who he is not.”
Philadelphia had the No. 1 cross protection in 2024, in order that they’ll want constant play from both Ringo or Jackson to keep up that stage of defensive dominance. — Tim McManus
Proper deal with
Washington drafted Josh Conerly Jr. within the first spherical, however he is rotating first-team snaps with veteran Andrew Wylie.
Final summer time, the Commanders made quarterback Jayden Daniels show himself earlier than he earned all of the first-team reps and once more earlier than being formally named the starter. So, if he has to show himself, so does Conerly.
It’s going to be exhausting to precisely gauge the competitors till Conerly performs within the preseason. For now, he is nonetheless studying the pace, learn how to set shortly versus edge rushers and adapting to the play power.
With Daniels final summer time, it was apparent he ought to begin. Conerly just isn’t but at that time, however having an eight-year vet comparable to Wylie round offers Conerly time to develop — and the staff would not must pressure him into the lineup till he is prepared. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Left deal with
The Bears have three gamers competing to guard Caleb Williams‘ blindside: incumbent starter Braxton Jones, second-year offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo.
Every brings one thing completely different to the desk — Jones’ 40 begins over three seasons, Amegadjie’s potential and Trapilo’s disciplined, tactician-like play — which suggests this place battle doubtless will not be determined any time quickly.
Coach Ben Johnson mentioned the staff is taking a “clean slate” strategy to present every participant a good shot and that he would not care whether or not it takes three weeks or your entire coaching camp to decide.
Jones, Amegadjie and Trapilo have all gotten first-team reps by means of the primary week of camp and can proceed to rotate in with the beginning offensive line to search out the staff’s greatest match. — Courtney Cronin
Middle
The Lions’ beginning middle place is up for grabs, however it’s seeming increasingly more prefer it’s veteran Graham Glasgow‘s job to lose after the primary few padded practices.
“It is appeared fairly dang good,” Lions coach Dan Campbell mentioned final week. “So, I believe every single day that it seems fairly dang good, it will get a bit of clearer.”
Second-round decide Tate Ratledge can also be competing for a beginning position on Detroit’s offensive line and has performed middle and proper guard in coaching camp as nicely.
The Lions try to kind issues out after shedding four-time Professional Bowl middle Frank Ragnow to retirement in addition to veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who signed with the Titans this offseason. — Eric Woodyard
Vast receiver
Possibly the Packers do not have a real No. 1 receiver — with Christian Watson out to start out the season whereas nonetheless recovering from proper ACL surgical procedure — however there’s nonetheless a pecking order to be decided. Inexperienced Bay’s 2025 first-round decide Matthew Golden might need thrust himself close to the highest of that record instantly.
Those that suppose it is exhausting for a rookie receiver to make a direct affect ought to watch how easily Golden has slot in to date in camp. That mentioned, the likes of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and even tight finish Tucker Kraft can even vie for quarterback Jordan Love‘s consideration. — Rob Demovsky
No. 4 vast receiver
The No. 4 vast receiver place would not appear too necessary for many groups, however for the Vikings, it’s.
Starter Jordan Addison might face an NFL suspension after pleading responsible to a “moist reckless” cost of driving with alcohol concerned, whereas Justin Jefferson has been slowed by a strained left hamstring. In different phrases, the fourth receiver might play a big position at instances this season.
Fortunate Jackson and Jeshaun Jones have been the early standouts in coaching camp, whereas two veterans to remember are Tim Jones and Rondale Moore. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Security
Jessie Bates III has one spot locked down, however the different is a contest between veteran Jordan Fuller and rookie Xavier Watts. DeMarcco Hellams, who missed all of final season (ankle), has been taking part in nicely in follow, too.
Fuller and Watts have been alternating with the first-team protection alongside Bates. Fuller was with Falcons coach Raheem Morris on the Rams’ Tremendous Bowl staff, whereas Watts was a third-round decide who many thought could be drafted larger. Atlanta expects its rookies to get lots of taking part in time this yr, and that features Watts. — Marc Raimondi
Middle
Austin Corbett and Cade Mays have been alternating days working with the first-team offense.
Corbett was first up, however he has performed solely 9 video games over the previous two seasons due to accidents. Mays caught the attention of the teaching employees final season when he began eight of the ultimate 9 video games and allowed solely 10 QB pressures.
Mays is youthful and has the lower-priced contract, counting solely $3.4 million towards the cap to $5.6 million for Corbett, who turns 30 in September. Mays could be a greater long-term resolution for continuity if all issues are equal. Each have carried out nicely in camp, so this might go all the way down to the wire. — David Newton
Quarterback No place battle might be extra scrutinized in New Orleans than the one at present occurring at quarterback. Kellen Moore mentioned he would not anticipate to make any huge choices on this till the primary preseason sport or past, and to date the Saints have cut up first-team reps between three of their 4 quarterbacks (rookie Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener). Each Rattler and Shough have rotated into the primary staff offense not less than twice. There was no front-runner only one week into camp, and the Saints will doubtless attempt to preserve issues even for some time — not less than till they take a nine-day street journey to California and start getting ready for a sport towards the Los Angeles Chargers. — Katherine Terrell Nickelback Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles already mentioned Christian Izien might be on the 53-man roster. However in what capability? The previous undrafted free agent grabbed a beginning position in 2023 earlier than serving as a backup to Tykee Smith final season however wound up stepping in at security and even at outdoors nook. However rookie Jacob Parrish has had a number of interceptions since he obtained to Tampa, and Bowles needs ball hawks. — Jenna Laine Exterior linebacker Arizona dedicated to enhancing its cross rush this offseason by signing Josh Sweat and drafting Jordan Burch, including them to a room that already included Zaven Collins, Xavier Thomas and BJ Ojulari. One facet of the road belongs to Sweat. The opposite is up for grabs and might be a struggle between incumbent starter Collins and the others. Coach Jonathan Gannon mentioned he ideally needs his greatest gamers on the sector, and his employees might be monitoring snaps. Whereas the remainder of the surface linebackers will compete to be a starter, there may very well be room in sure packages and conditions for everybody. — Josh Weinfuss No. 3 vast receiver This alternative speaks to how set many of the Rams’ roster was going into coaching camp. Behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, the Rams have a gaggle of Tutu Atwell, 2024 sixth-round decide Jordan Whittington and 2023 undrafted free agent Xavier Smith, who’re competing to be Los Angeles’ third receiver. The position is particularly necessary within the Rams’ offense due to Sean McVay’s important utilization of 11 personnel (three receivers on the sector). — Sarah Barshop Security After years of depth chart and roster stability, the Niners have lots to select from right here. However security could be essentially the most intriguing, with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh saying the competitors right here is vast open. Presumptive starters Malik Mustapha (knee) and Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) are coming off important accidents, and it is unclear after they’ll return. From there, the Niners added Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant in free company and Marques Sigle within the draft. They often do not preserve greater than 4 or often 5 safeties, however it may take a while to kind this out following the offseason departure of Talanoa Hufanga. — Nick Wagoner Proper guard It is not essentially the most thrilling place battle, however it could be a very powerful one on condition that Seattle’s offensive line wants each edge it will possibly get. Incumbent Anthony Bradford has been taking many of the first-team reps forward of Christian Haynes and Jalen Sundell. With Haynes mixing in, Bradford made 11 uneven begins final yr earlier than an ankle harm ended his season. The Seahawks nearly actually will not rotate proper guards like they did final season, however the competitors there and at middle might final into the preseason. — Brady Henderson
NFC WEST
