With training camp kicking off on Saturday, it means that numerous players will be competing at different positions, all fighting for a spot on the roster. And while there are multiple different battles that will be occurring, three stand out over them all.
Here are three of the top position battles to watch:
EDGE
The Patriots‘ rookies reported to training camp on Tuesday, July 21, with one player missing. Edge Gabe Jacas, the team’s 2026 second-round pick, has yet to sign his rookie deal, having missed all of OTAs and mandatory minicamp. So, if Jacas remains sidelined due to the contract issue, it means the edge rotation will be something to keep an eye on. Jacas was expected to get the starting spot opposite Dre’Mont Jones, but while he’s been sidelined, it’s been Elijah Ponder with the top unit.
However, Harold Landry is also expected to play a factor depending on how his recovery is going from his knee injury that occurred last season. Then, there’s also 2025 fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson, who will be looking to show off his Year 1 to Year 2 jump. Others who will likely slot in at the position are Jesse Luketa, Amari Gainer, seventh-round pick Quintayvious Hutchins, and UDFA Xavier Holmes.
Kick returner
Last season showed a glaring hole on special teams for the Patriots when Antonio Gibson, who had been the team’s top kick returner in past seasons, went down with a torn ACL. With him sidelined, multiple players were rotated in, including TreVeyon Henderson, who performed the best. Kyle Williams and Efton Chism also served as kick returners last season. But this is an area where some receivers or running backs that are lower on the depth chart can carve out a role and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Wide receiver
The wide receiver room is VERY crowded at the moment, with 12 pass catchers currently on the roster. And while some have a guaranteed spot on the roster, including A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and Mack Hollins, there are others who could be on the bubble, which will make every rep they receive in training camp all the more important.
Kayshon Boutte would usually be a roster lock, but the Brown trade, along with his contract, has made him a top trade candidate. Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas impressed last year, and coaches have talked highly about them following the season. With such a crowded room, Efton Chism will be competing with Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, Jimmy Kibble, Jeremiah Webb, and Nick DeGennaro for that last spot.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 3 position battles to watch during Patriots training camp
