Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - When you have a team that is at the level the Buffalo Bills are, training camp is all about staying healthy for Week 1 of the regular season.
However, there are some competitions to keep an eye on as the Bills begin their workouts at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, New York.
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The biggest spot that opened up during the offseason is at middle linebacker, as Tremaine Edmunds - an every down player - used free agency to land a big contract with the Chicago Bears. His departure created a big hole in the middle of the defense.
At this point, there is no clear cut replacement for Edmunds. It will be interesting to see if the Bills have one guy who can take that job, or use multiple players to fill the spot to start the year.
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Staying on the defensive side of the ball, the starting cornerback spot opposite Tre'Davious White is there for the taking once again.
The Bills used three different players to handle that job last season, but I'm sure they're hoping former first-round pick Kaiir Elam steps up and becomes an every down player. As a rookie last season, Elam was on the field for just 45% of the snaps.
Dane Jackson and Christian Benford are also in the mix for the spot in the secondary.
I have some concerns about the Bills' defense with the loss of Edmunds, the expected absence of Von Miller at the start of the season, and with the all-important veteran safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, both age 32, coming off injuries.
The offense does not appear to have any starting jobs available, for the time being.
James Cook is expected to take over top running back responsibilities heading into his second year in the NFL.
Free agent addition Connor McGovern is the favorite to start at left guard on the offensive line.
The only possible change, as far as I'm concerned, would be at right guard. Ryan Bates started every game last season, but could be challenged by 2023 second-round pick O'Cyrus Torrence, who many had going as a first-round talent back in late April.
For me, the most interesting race to keep an eye on will be spots on the wide receiver depth chart after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
The Bills' strength the last few seasons has been their offense, specifically the passing game. I don't expect that to change.
In fact, it needs to be better than it was last season. Buffalo needs better production from the supporting cast at wide receiver than they got last season.
The slot receiver job is up for grabs after the offseason departure of Isaiah McKenzie. The door is open for Khalil Shakir, who showed off a good skill set in a limited role as a rookie last season.
I'm looking forward to seeing how the speed of Deonte Harty can pay off for an offense that preaches yards-after-catch. Josh Allen spoke very highly of Trent Sherfield during the offseason workouts, so hopefully the depth at the position will be much better.
A recent injury has opened up a starting spot on special teams. Nyheim Hines was going to handle kick and punt return duties, but the Bills will now shift to Plan B with Hines sidelined for the season.
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It would appear Shakir and Harty are the top-two candidates for those responsibilities.
It has been a long offseason for Bills fans. Thank goodness football is back.
