Training camp battles: AFC South

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This AFC South look is the third of our division-by-division breakdown of the training-camp battles for all 32 teams:

Houston Texans

Ephraim Salaam vs. Duane Brown, left tackle

Can Ephraim Salaam 'top' Duane Brown in Houston? (Getty Images)

After Tony Boselli didn't pan out, the Texans have been scrambling to find a left tackle every year since. Salaam did a nice job starting last season, but he is a stopgap at best. The Texans took Brown in the first round this year in large part because he has great athletic ability.

Edge: Salaam. He started all last season, while Brown is a rookie.

Opening day starter: Brown. Salaam, who I've called "The Spinning Top" in the past, can't hold up for the long term. Why wait to play Brown?

Indianapolis Colts

Charlie Johnson vs. Mike Pollak, right guard

When Jake Scott left to sign as a free agent with the Titans, the Colts needed to plug a hole on their line. They've done that with guards in the past and not missed anything. That's the Bill Polian way: You can always find guards.

Edge: Johnson. He's the more experienced player. Pollak is a rookie moving from center to guard.

Opening day starter: Pollak. Johnson is a nice player to have around as a backup, but he isn't what the Colts need starting. Pollak is that player. He has the smarts to fit in on the Colts line as a rookie the way Tony Ugoh did last season.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Khalif Barnes vs. Richard Collier, left tackle

The Jaguars love their physical offensive line, but the left tackle spot remains somewhat of a concern. Barnes has been the starter the past two seasons, and he has ability. But the Jaguars have had issues with his off-field troubles. Plus, he's entering the final year of his contract. Collier is a huge third-year player with good feet. He has trimmed his body down, and appeared quicker this spring.

Edge: Barnes. It's his job to lose.

Opening day starter: Barnes. He's a battler and the competition will bring out the best in him.

Tennessee Titans

LenDale White, Chris Johnson and Chris Henry, running back

Will it be the power of White or the speed of Johnson or Henry? White is a plodder, but he can move the chains. The worries with him are that he's coming off knee surgery and he tends to get fat. Johnson, this year's first-round pick, can be an explosive runner. Henry has that type of speed as well.

Edge: White. He got the bulk -- bad word? -- of the carries last season.

Opening day starter: Johnson. They used the first-round pick to get him for a reason. White has had issues with his weight. Johnson has take-it-to-the-house speed. The reality is all three will play.