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NFL Training Camp: Top 5 position battles around the league

By Nate Williams

Jun 12, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks to pass as Brian Hoyer (6) looks on during minicamp at Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks to pass as Brian Hoyer (6) looks on during minicamp at Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 25, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass during training camp held at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 25, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass during training camp held at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Carolina Panthers, New Look Wide Receivers

The Carolina Panthers will field a brand new wide receiver corps in 2014. Gone is longtime veteran Steve Smith. The same for Brandon LaFell and the one-year services of Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr.

The four wideouts combined for 156 catches for 1,983 yards and 15 touchdowns last season.

To offset that, the Panthers drafted former Florida State Seminole, Kelvin Benjamin with the 28th pick in the first round and added veteran free agents Jerricho Cotchery from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jason Avant from the Philadelphia Eagles and Tiquan Underwood from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I think they’re looking fine. I’m really excited about who we have with us right now.”-Panthers coach, Ron Rivera

Jerricho Cotchery was decent in Pittsburgh last season, with his biggest contribution being the 10 touchdowns he caught in the red-zone. His pairing with Benjamin will give Pro Bowl QB, Cam Newton two decent targets on the outside to look for on fade routes inside the end zone. Three, if you count tight end Greg Olsen.

Jason Avant could continue to play in the slot as he did in Philadelphia with the Eagles. He is a reliable target on third-down situations and his career 12.3 yards per reception justifies this scenario.

The Panthers’ new receivers didn’t get many opportunities this spring to develop chemistry with Newton, who was recovering from offseason ankle surgery.

"“It’s been more difficult because Cam’s coming off an ankle injury and he had to get surgery, so we couldn’t throw with him as much as we would like,” Panthers receiver Tiquan Underwood told USA TODAY Sports."

It will be interesting to see which one of the new wideouts steps up to be the No. 1 guy.

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