Sizzling AFC East training-camp position battles

With training camps underway, here’s a look at the top position battles to watch for teams in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills

MIDDLE LINEBACKER | Five-man race among Tyrel Dodson, Terrel Bernard, Baylon Spector, A.J. Klein and Dorian Williams: The CB2 job will be among the most notable position battles, but with Tremaine Edmunds now in Chicago, Buffalo has its biggest hole to fill at middle linebacker. Luckily for Buffalo, it has several candidates in contention to be All-Pro Matt Milano's new sidekick.

The 31-year-old Klein stands the lowest chance of winning the competition considering Buffalo spent three draft picks on linebackers (Bernard, Spector and Williams) in the past two drafts. Excluding Klein, Dodson — Edmunds' former backup — has the most experience in the role, playing in 32 games the past two seasons. But the investment in 2022 draft picks Bernard and Spector, both of whom played as rookies, might give them an edge. 

With three practices in the books, it's anyone's guess who the early favorite is. Dodson, Bernard and Spector have alternated first-team reps. Rookie third-rounder Williams shouldn't be overlooked either as Buffalo continues to work on transitioning him to middle linebacker, though WGR 550's Sal Capaccio said he's also competing for weakside duties.

Miami Dolphins

SAFETY | Brandon Jones vs. DeShon Elliott: Two former University of Texas teammates will go head-to-head in South Beach to start alongside Jevon Holland in newly hired DC Vic Fangio's defense.

Jones started seven games for Miami in 2022, recording 49 tackles, two sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble before suffering a season-ending ACL tear. Elliott, a free-agent signing, racked up 96 tackles, three pass breakups and one interception for a Detroit defense that allowed the third-most passing yards last season (4,446). 

So far, Elliott has been working with Miami's starters, with Jones slowly easing back into action while he rehabs, which included sitting out Thursday's practice. Per ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques, HC Mike McDaniel isn't concerned about Jones' absence, as he's one of many players working with restrictions because the team is “protecting them from themselves."

Jones' history in Miami could give him the inside track to beat out Elliott, although, with a new system being implemented, he'll need to start participating in team drills soon. 

New England Patriots

RIGHT TACKLE | Calvin Anderson vs. Riley Reiff vs. Conor McDermott: Although New England reportedly shopped QB Mac Jones this offseason, suggesting it might hold a quarterback competition, he's widely expected to be the starter in the opener against Philadelphia. While Jones' job might be safe for now, it remains to be seen who will protect him after four different players, including McDermott, started at right tackle last season. 

The revolving door at the position led the Patriots to bring in veterans Reiff and Anderson in free agency to compete for the starting role. According to Pro Football Focus’ player grades, Anderson was the 48th highest-rated tackle last season while Reiff ranked 51st among 81 qualified players at the position. 

Despite appearing like the odd man out, McDermott has split reps with Reiff, with Anderson on the non-football illness list for the time being. However, Reiff has received the majority of first-team snaps during training camp, indicating it's his job to lose, which makes sense considering he has made 149 starts across his first 11 seasons. Even so, the situation should become clearer once Anderson returns to practice, as he still has time to win the starting spot.

New York Jets

RIGHT TACKLE | Max Mitchell vs. Mekhi Becton: One of the more intriguing camp battles in the division includes linemen aiming to get their respective careers back on track. Mitchell, a second-year tackle, had his rookie season cut short after doctors discovered blood clots in his right calf and lung, but he returned in time for OTAs. He allowed three sacks in 2022 and is competing against former 11th overall pick Becton, who had his fifth-year option declined after playing one game over the past two seasons. 

While Mitchell has struggled against the Jets' fierce pass-rush early in training camp, Becton has been a non-factor. Becton's knee hasn't been healthy enough to participate in team drills and he even sat out Wednesday's practice.

HC Robert Saleh recently praised Mitchell's resiliency after being thrust into the starting lineup and dealing with his health issues last season, saying, "‘You trust a guy like him because he's going to figure it out. He's just pure grit and grind." 

The confidence in the Louisiana product doesn't bode well for Becton and his future in New York, which may end this offseason if his underwhelming performance and knee issues persist.