Let's start with one that didn't materialize until after the draft:
#2 Running back
Fozzy Whitaker vs. Darrin Reaves vs. Cameron Artis-Payne
I was surprised during one of Rivera's post draft interviews that he made a very candid comment about Whitaker being unproven at handling an NFL workload. Up until that point I would have thought this job was his to lose after his impressive performance against the Cardinals. Yet it means Rivera is aware of Whitaker's history and knows his RB depth can be depleted in a skinny second.
I doubt Reaves will give Whitaker a run but the rookie Artis-Payne is a different story. The kid had a heck of year at Auburn and has the tools the Panthers covet. Even if Whitaker stays healthy through camp and preseason (and I think he will) I think it only a matter of time until Artis-Payne takes over the back-up role and starts getting touches. I think that will take at least half a season though.
Predicted Winner: Fozzy Whitaker
Slot Receiver
Corey Brown vs. Jarrett Boykin vs. Stephen Hill vs. Ted Ginn vs. Brentson Berson vs Every other WR on the roster
This is the battle royal for this Panthers this training camp. They have 12 wide receivers on the roster and only about three of them are truly safe at this point: Benjamin, Funchess and Ginn. The rest are battling for maybe two remaining spots on the roster including the slot receiver position. As much as a want to get on the Stephen Hill bandwagon I think it will derail the first time he drops a TD pass in the preseason. So that really leaves it open for Brown or Boykin to snatch up the spot. My bet is on the 2nd year player who grew a lot as his rookie season progressed.
Predicted Winner: Corey Brown
Back-Up Fullback
Richie Brockel vs. Lee Ward
This is actually more like #4 TE vs. #2 FB. I might be going out on a limb here as Ward is my sleeper UDFA to make the roster. I think the Panthers realized last season when Tolbert missed a couple games how important a FB is to their game plan and when they lack the FB option they become less dynamic. I think Ward solves that problem though it might create a hole in special teams with the departure of Brockel. The Panthers will decide a #2 FB is more important than a #4 TE.
Predicted Winner: Lee Ward
#2 Tight End
Ed Dickson vs. Brandon Williams
With his contract extension now in place Dickson has the solid edge here but it is also time for Williams to fish or cut bait. The Panthers have given him plenty of time to develop his game and should be expecting to see some results, soon. Dickson certainly played better down the stretch last season but he didn't necessarily light the world on fire. If Williams has finally learned how to block he could challenge Dickson.
Predicted Winner: Ed Dickson
Back-Up Quarterback
Derek Anderson vs. Joe Webb
I'm of the opinion the Panthers will not be able to carry three QBs on the roster this season like they did last season. That means it is now Joe Webb's turn to prove he can back up Newton just as well as Anderson. Anderson has a lot going for him, mainly his 2-0 record last season filling in for Newton (albeit both against the hapless Bucs). Yet Webb's game better matches Newton's game and would therefore require less tinkering with the game plan should he be called into duty. None of that may matter in the end but I still expect to Webb bring his A game this preseason.
Predicted Winner: Derek Anderson
Back-up Left Tackle
Whoever Loses the RT battle vs Whoever else is left
Honestly I am unsure as to who is really competing to back up LT Michael Oher. Who really is 100% confident Oher will play at a high enough level for a full season? We need to identify a back up in a hurry right? Is is Jonathan Martin or Nate Chandler? Neither option brings confidence? Or might it be Mike Remmers if he loses out at RT or even the Canadian David Foucault? Here's an option I had not considered until yesterday:
Carolina Panthers' storylines to follow as OTAs take to the field - NFC South - ESPN
The not so obvious – Andrew Norwell was a pleasant surprise as the starting left guard at the end of last season. It seems like a given that he’ll be the starter going into 2015. But with Amini Silatolu back from a knee injury, he could make things interesting at a couple of positions. Silatolu has started all 25 games in which he’s played guard the past three seasons after being selected in the second round of the 2012 draft. Last year Silatolu was set to be the right tackle to replace Chandler before his knee flared up. Perhaps he’ll get a look behind Oher at left tackle. He definitely gives offensive line coach John Matsko options.
I guess Silatolu is another option but then again if he can get out played by a UDFA then being a back-up LT might be a bigger stretch than Byron Bell at LT. Still it would be nice if he could do something more to justify that high draft pick we spent on him. John Matsko may have options, but he doesn't have very good ones at LT.
Predicted Winner: Who the hell knows