Oakland Raiders: Top 5 Training Camp Position Battles

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Andre Holmes (18) is defended by Buffalo Bills cornerback Corey Graham (20) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL draft and undrafted free agency mostly complete, the roster appears set for the Oakland Raiders heading into training camp. So which positions could encounter the most interesting battles for starter spots?

Running Back: Latavius Murray vs. Roy Helu Jr.

The hot name among Raider fans right now is Latavius Murray. His potential flashed a number of times last season and they are anxious to see him get a legitimate shot at the starting job. Still, his injuries have piled up the past couple seasons, which explains why the team looked to add veteran depth behind him. Don’t sleep on Roy Helu Jr. He spent lots of time behind Alfred Morris in Washington. Getting his own starting job is why he left, and he’s good enough to get it.

Wide Receiver: Michael Crabtree vs. Andre Holmes

Just because he waited a long time to sign a contract doesn’t mean Michael Crabtree is a shoe-in to join Amari Cooper as the top two receivers for Derek Carr to throw to. With James Jones gone the #2 slot is wide open and Crabtree will have to face down the bigger Andre Holmes, who led the team in receiving last season and became a favorite target for Carr.

Tight End: Mychal Rivera vs. Clive Walford

There is probably no more wide open position on the Oakland Raiders roster than tight end. Mychal Rivera is the current starter by default since he held it last year, but 534 yards hardly justifies him keeping it without competition. That is why the team drafted Clive Walford. The Miami product has two-way ability as a blocker and pass catcher with a good mix of strength and athleticism. That ability to help in the running game could give him a key edge.

Middle Linebacker: Miles Burris vs. Curtis Lofton

Jack Del Rio was hired to fix the problems that are plaguing the Raiders defense, and a big one is middle linebacker. Though Miles Burris did make 109 tackles last year, he had zero impact plays of any kind and struggled mightily against the run and pass. Now he’ll have to hold off veteran Curtis Lofton who also struggled last season but has a history of playing well to show he can rebound. Burris must hope that a change in scheme can save him.

Strong Safety: Nate Allen vs. Jonathan Dowling

Being the more experienced player who has started a number of seasons in the NFL, it’s easy to see why Nate Allen will get the first look at strong safety. However, people forget the presence of former 7th round pick Jonathan Dowling who, at 6’3″, has the range and hitters’ mentality the best box safeties possess. He was a playmaker in college. Don’t be surprised if Del Rio and his staff unearth something special there.

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