Training camp battles: AFC East

They used to be called training-camp battles.

At 32, Chad Pennington is still fighting for his job. (Getty Images)

Now they should be called yearlong battles. The move to more on-the-field work during the offseason has made competition for jobs in the NFL much more than just being decided in camp. It's the OTA days, the minicamps, the lifting and the conditioning. It all factors.

But camp is where the winner is decided. Each team has a handful of jobs up for grabs as they ready to open training camps, some more than others.

This AFC East look is the first of our division-by-division breakdown of the training-camp battles for all 32 teams.

Oops. I mean the climax of the yearlong battles.

Buffalo Bills

Jabari Greer vs. Leodis McKelvin, cornerback

The Bills used the 11th overall pick this year to land McKelvin, a small-school star from Troy. He has the coverage skills they need to complement Terrence McGee. Greer plays smart and sound, but he doesn't have McKelvin's speed.

Edge: Greer. It's tough for a rookie to step in and play right away.

Opening day starter: McKelvin. Why? He has silky smooth cover skills.

Miami Dolphins

John Beck vs. Josh McCown vs. Chad Henne, quarterback

They have been looking for a franchise passer since Dan Marino retired. This year is no different. The Bill Parcells regime takes over and has given all three quarterbacks a chance to win the job. Beck came before the current regime, so he has a lot of impressing to do. Henne is a rookie project.

A bust in Oakland, Josh McCown gets a shot in Miami. (US Presswire)

Edge: McCown, simply based on experience.

Opening day starter: Beck. Dolphins coaches have been impressed by the way Beck has embraced his chances. He is a gym rat. Beck struggled last season as a rookie, but he has the tools to be a solid starter. Henne is a little too raw, but will be a factor if Beck struggles.

New England Patriots

James Sanders vs. Brandon Meriweather, free safety

Sanders is the incumbent starter, but the Patriots love Meriweather's athletic ability. He has the range you want from a free safety. With Rodney Harrison playing the other safety, a player who lacks great range, it is needed. Meriweather is entering his second season, so it could be his time.

Edge: Sanders. He's got the experience.

Opening day starter: Meriweather. The Patriots need to get more athletic on defense and Meriweather brings that.

New York Jets

Chad Pennington vs. Kellen Clemens, quarterback

Pennington is 32, so his days as a starter could be decided this summer. He has been pestered by injuries in his career, including a high-ankle sprain last season. Clemens has a bigger arm but he didn't impress much when given the chance last season. His decision-making leaves a lot to be desired.

Edge: Pennington. It's not by much.

Opening day starter: Pennington. Clemens might have blown his chance last season. Pennington is the better option right now.