Sizzling NFC West training-camp position battles

With training camps underway, here’s a look at the top position battles to watch for teams in the NFC West.

Arizona Cardinals

RIGHT TACKLE | Paris Johnson Jr. vs. Kelvin Beachum: The Cardinals entered the offseason with several holes on their roster, but the offensive line was at the top of that list. They addressed it in the first round of the NFL Draft with the No. 6 overall pick, selecting former Ohio State star Johnson Jr. He figures to be a long-term answer.

But Johnson Jr. has yet to nail down the starting spot in a duel against veteran Beachum, who returned to the team on a two-year contract. Assuming Johnson Jr. wins the battle, Beachum could find another spot on the line or as a backup swing tackle. Johnson Jr. has franchise-player potential. 

Los Angeles Rams

CORNERBACK | Cobie Durant vs. Derion Kendrick vs. Robert Rochell vs. Ahkello Witherspoon: After trading veteran All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins this offseason, the Rams have one of the most unsettled secondary situations in the NFL. That is especially true at cornerback, where nobody should feel like they have a starting spot locked down.

Durant, Kendrick and Rochell are returning players, but they started just seven games among them during the 2022 season. Durant was the only one of the group to make an interception (three) last season. Rochell's spot could be in jeopardy if he does not win one of the starting jobs. To add to the position's depth, Los Angeles signed ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Witherspoon. 

Even with Ramsey, the Rams were one of the worst defenses in the league against the pass in 2022. 

San Francisco 49ers

QUARTERBACK | Trey Lance vs. Sam Darnold: Assuming he is healthy, Brock Purdy has the starting spot locked down, but there's another QB battle brewing. The loser of the Lance-Darnold duel could have an uncertain NFL future.

Lance must do something to justify his No. 3 overall selection in the 2021 draft. He has shown flashes of being an impact player when healthy but remains a major question.  Darnold, meanwhile, is on his third team and might be playing for his NFL career after washing out with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. 

Purdy is recovering from the torn right ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm that he suffered early in an NFC Championship Game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He practiced with the team Thursday. "Arm feels great," he said, per ESPN.

Seattle Seahawks

CENTER | Olu Oluwatimi vs. Evan Brown: The Seahawks have spots up for grabs on the offensive line, with the most important at center, where the team is trying to end a years-long revolving door.

Brown was signed to a one-year deal this offseason, but he has only started 24 games in his NFL career, splitting time between center and guard. He is far from a sure thing.  Oluwatimi, a fifth-round pick, enters the NFL with a strong pedigree after starting in an NFL-style offense at Michigan and winning the Rimington Award as college football's best center. 

The Seahawks have used eight different centers over the past eight seasons, and head coach Pete Carroll has repeatedly talked this offseason about needing to finally get that position right.