5 top position battles at Patriots training camp - Pats Pulpit

What the report says

Pats Pulpit reported that the New England Patriots are entering training camp at Gillette Stadium with several roster competitions unresolved ahead of their first summer practice on Saturday. In a July 22 analysis, Brian Hines identified five leading position battles: third running back, reserve tight end, defensive edge, depth linebacker and depth cornerback.

At running back, the outlet said Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson appear secure atop the depth chart, leaving Lan Larison, seventh-round pick Jam Miller, undrafted rookie Myles Montgomery and Terrell Jennings competing for the next role. Special teams, including kick-return value, could affect that decision. At tight end, Hunter Henry is described as the clear No. 1, but the season-ending loss of free-agent addition Julian Hill has created uncertainty behind him, with rookie Eli Raridon, Tanner Arkin, C.J. Dippre and Jack Westover among the options.

The edge group was framed as one of the biggest concerns, especially with Harold Landry opening camp on the physically unable to perform list and Gabe Jacas still unsigned after rookies reported. Pats Pulpit named Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson as young players to watch, while noting that another veteran addition remains possible. At linebacker, Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss lead the group, while K.J. Britt, Chad Muma and rookies Namdi Obiazor and Khalil Jacobs are in the mix for depth jobs.

The report also highlighted cornerback depth behind Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones, with Kindle Vildor, Charles Woods, Karon Prunty, Marcellas Dial Jr. and Kobee Minor competing for reserve roles. Additional battles at wide receiver, interior offensive line and interior defensive line were noted as camp storylines.