Training camp battles: Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers

    San Diego Chargers

Cam Thomas vs. Ogemdi Nwagbuo, starting nose tackle

The new Chargers jerseys let run-stuffing nose tackle Jamal Williams leave via free agency and he's now with Denver. That left a huge void in the middle of their defense. Williams did miss time with a knee injury last season, which forced the Chargers to adjust. Ian Scott, one of the players who saw time there with Williams down, is no longer on the team. San Diego does like Nwagbuo, a 310-pound second-year player, who had 19 tackles and a sack last season in five starts when Williams went down. Thomas was a fifth-round pick in April who has the size and power needed to be a run stopper in the NFL. He was expected to go higher than he was drafted, so the ability is there.

Edge: Nwagbuo. He has the experience and goes in as the top guy.

Opening day starter: Nwagbuo. But this will be a position manned by committee.
Oakland Raiders

Michael Bush vs. Darren McFadden jerseys, starting running back

McFadden was supposed to be a lot like Adrian Peterson. So far, that hasn't been the case. McFadden has the same type of tools that Peterson shows off in Minnesota, but he hasn't put up the numbers yet. He's battled injuries, which has slowed his growth. Entering his third season, it's his time to explode. Or maybe, he never will. Bush, a power back, has seized the slow development of McFadden to show off his hard inside running. He is a difficult back to tackle, although new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson recently said he wants him to run tougher. Jackson likes the power backs, which could help Bush.

Edge: McFadden. He was drafted high for a reason.

Opening day starter: new McFadden jersey. I just think he's ready to take the next step. And that explosive speed is so valuable to an offense.