When training camp started we went and looked at a few position battles that were looming. From inside linebacker to center to safety, it appears we know the results of most of these training camp battles.
The best battle of the offseason was Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher vs. Demorrio Williams and Corey Mays, followed closely by the battle at center.
After several months of competition, here are your position battles:
Center: Casey Wiegmann vs. Rudy Niswanger
This one was a little odd since it was Niswanger taking most of the first team snaps and being listed on the first team during training camp. However, it was Wiegmann who landed on the first team during the first depth chart of the regular season. It appears Wiegmann will start.
Free safety: Jon McGraw vs. Kendrick Lewis
This wasn't much of a battle because even when McGraw was injured there seemed to be no question he'd come back for the starting job. Like I've been saying, I see McGraw as the starter to open the season and Lewis stepping into that role at some point.
Inside linebacker: Derrick Johnson/Jovan Belcher vs. Demorrio Williams/Corey Mays
This one came right down to the wire. The Chiefs reportedly told DJ that he would be starting which more than likely means Belcher will be starting next to him. This is probably the way many of us figured the battle would end up when it started months ago. Williams and Belcher had their shot last year and couldn't hold onto it.
Nose tackle: Ron Edwards vs. Shaun Smith/Derek Lokey/Garrett Brown
These were the guys that at one point lined up at nose tackle behind Edwards but it appears he'll hold down the starting job for another year. We figured someone would take Edwards' job during training camp -- Smith maybe -- but no one stepped up to take it.
Tight end: Leonard Pope vs. Tony Moeaki
I figured Moeaki had a shot at winning this one but he was injured for a few weeks during training camp which derailed any chance he had at starting. Like the inside linebacker competition, this is one position battle that will continue to go on during the regular season. I could see Moeaki's role increasing at some point in 2010, but for now it's Pope.
Running back: Thomas Jones vs. Jamaal Charles
This one is no closer to being resolved and it never will be resolved. It's becoming clear that the word "starter" won't mean much between these two guys. Whoever has the hot hand, and matches up the best with the opponent, will be taking the majority of the carries.