Training Camp Battles

Position-by-position look at training camp battles

With training camp fast approaching, this is a good time to set the table for the positional battles that will unfold over the next few weeks. Here's an early, position-by-position look, our attempt to handicap the roster race:

Quarterback - Chad Pennington (r.) is entrenched as the starter. That isn't going to change, regardless of how he performs this summer. Kellen Clemens and Marques Tuiasosopo will battle for the No. 2 job, with Clemens the slight favorite. Rookie Brett Ratliff is just a training-camp arm.

Running Back/Fullback - Unlike last training camp, which was an absolute free-for-all, this looks pretty cut and dried. Obviously, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are locks. New FB Darian Barnes isn't a lock, but it's his starting job to lose. Stacy Tutt and Cedric Houston probably will round out the backfield.

Wide Receiver - After Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, there are no locks. Justin McCareins, once thought to be a goner, had a terrific offseason and is the favorite to land the No. 3 job. But something tells me he could be trade bait, especially if one of the younger wideouts steps up. Brad Smith is a lock, but can he be a full-time receiver? Tim Dwight is a useful player, but he's older and coming off a foot injury. Rookie Chansi Stuckey will be an interesting player to watch. So, too, will former VCU basketball player Jesse Pellot-Rosa, who could be practice-squad material.

Tight End - This position could be in flux throughout the preseason. Chris Baker is entrenched as the starter, but there isn't much behind him. Sean Ryan and Jason Pociask, who missed his rookie season with a shoulder injury, are next on the depth chart. But, if I were them, I wouldn't put a down payment on a new house ... yet.

Offensive Line - A lot depends on the Pete Kendall situation. A few weeks ago, I thought he was a sure goner, but now I'm not so sure. He's still a solid player. If I were the Jets, I'd keep him. Here are the locks: LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, C Nick Mangold, RG Brandon Moore and RT Anthony Clement. LG Adrien Clarke (Kendall's possible replacement), rookie T Jacob Bender and C/G/T Wade Smith shouldn't be too worried. G/T Adrian Jones needs to show something. Keep an eye on LG Robert Turner, a rookie free agent. The team really likes him.

Defensive Line - This will be one of the most competitive units in camp. Shaun Ellis, Dewayne Robertson and Kimo von Oelhoffen will go into camp as the starters, although von Oelhoffen could be unseated by newcomer Kenyon Coleman. After those four, there will be a wild scramble for the remaining spots, with a group of last-chance veterans fighting one another for two or three spots: Bobby Hamilton, Michael Haynes and Eric Hicks. They're thin at tackle, with Sione Pouha and C.J. Mosley backing up Robertson.

Linebacker - Another highly competitive unit. Three starting jobs are locked up - Jonathan Vilma, Bryan Thomas and Victor Hobson. Rookie David Harris will push Eric Barton, who could be expendable if Harris has a big camp. Matt Chatham, Brad Kassell and Cody Spencer are good special teamers. Draft mistake Anthony Schlegel could be a goner.

Cornerback - My money is on No. 1 pick Darrelle Revis to emerge as the opening-day starter, opposite Andre Dyson. Justin Miller will stick because of his kick-returning ability. David Barrett, if healthy, is a solid veteran, although his high salary ($3.6 million) could be an issue. Hank Poteat and Drew Coleman could be on the bubble.

Safety - Kerry Rhodes, Erik Coleman and Eric Smith are the top three. After them, it's Rashad Washington, who earns his keep on special teams. It'll fun to watch rookie Leonard Peters, the Hawaiian with the Troy Polamalu hair.

Kicker/Punter - Mike Nugent and Ben Graham. No competition here.

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/

pretty much agree with him