NFL Camps Spotlight 5 Key Non-QB Battles as 32 Teams Set Depth Charts

Q: With Kenneth Walker gone and injuries mounting, who will emerge as the surprise starting running back for the Seattle Seahawks this season?

Jadarian Price remains the likeliest surprise Week 1 starter for Seattle, though George Holani is the strongest challenger and could open the season in a near-share. The Seahawks’ backfield has been reshaped by Kenneth Walker III’s departure to Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet’s ACL recovery, which may keep him out until October or later. That has left Price, Holani and Emanuel Wilson competing for the early lead role in camp. Price has the strongest long-term case. Seattle used a first-round pick on him, and multiple camp reports describe him as a major offensive piece and the expected future RB1. Some outside projections even give him a clear edge for the early-season workload, reflecting the organization’s investment and upside belief. Holani, however, is making the battle real. He has taken frequent first-team reps and in some practices has been first in line with the No. 1 offense. Coaches reportedly trust his familiarity with the scheme, pass-catching ability and blocking, and ESPN reporting has pointed to him as a player the staff likes more than his limited NFL résumé suggests. Wilson is still in the mix after getting some first-team work, but the broader reporting suggests he is more likely to carve out a situational power role than fully seize RB1. So while Holani is the more immediate camp surprise, Price is still the best bet to emerge as Seattle’s starting running back once the competition settles, with Holani likely earning meaningful early touches beside him.

3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Jul 29

Five non-quarterback battles stand out as NFL training camps open, with Miami’s wide receiver room rated the league’s most wide-open after moving on from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Cleveland’s receiver competition also draws focus, where first-rounder KC Concepcion and No. 39 pick Denzel Boston challenge veteran Jerry Jeudy and second-year deep threat Isaiah Bond for major roles.
Cincinnati faces one of the biggest defensive questions after Trey Hendrickson’s exit, leaving Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, Shemar Stewart and No. 41 pick Cashius Howell to fight for pass-rush snaps.
San Francisco’s secondary has parallel camp fights at cornerback and safety, while Seattle must sort out RB1 after Kenneth Walker III left in free agency and Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL.
The battles matter because all 32 coaching staffs are getting their first full look at reshaped rosters, and camp results will begin defining depth charts and starting jobs for the season.