Training Camp Preview: 3 position battles to watch on offense

If we’re going to be politically correct, there will be competition at every position during New York Giants training camp and preseason. But let’s be honest – only a few remain up for grabs.

However, each position battle is significant. The three that stand out as of now are right tackle, backup quarterback and the third-string running back.

Right tackle

There will be three players vying for the New York Giants’ starting right tackle job – David Diehl, James Brewer and Justin Pugh – though it seems like more so a two-horse race at this point.

Diehl, the incumbent, is probably the front-runner to retain the spot at right tackle. His fiercest competition will likely come from Pugh, the team’s first-round selection.

Pugh has the ability to fill in not only at tackle but guard, which gives the Giants some options with their offensive line in case an injury arises. But while Pugh could be the future tackle opposite of Will Beatty, it will likely take an injury or a mid-season switch to earn Pugh the starting nod.

Backup quarterback

It was a move out of left field when the Giants snatched up Ryan Nassib in the fourth round of April’s NFL Draft, especially since the team re-signed veteran backup David Carr in the offseason.

The former Syracuse signal-caller, who was a potential first round-caliber prospect leading up to the draft, will compete with incumbent David Carr for the backup role.

Carr is accustomed to Kevin Gilbride’s offense and has backed up Eli Manning four of the past five seasons. There is a certain level of comfort with Carr as the No. 2 quarterback – at least until Nassib can learn the playbook and get some game-time experience.

As we have discussed before, the biggest question here is whether the Giants will keep just two quarterbacks, as they have in recent seasons, or if they keep three. Carr would likely to be the odd man out if they keep two.

Third running back

We know the running back situation by now: David Wilson will become the Giants’ new lead back, while Andre Brown will provide the thunder to Wilson’s lightning, spelling the second-year player on short-yardage and goal-line situations.

The contenders for the third running back job include Ryan Torain, Da’Rel Scott and Michael Cox, the team’s seventh-round selection.

Torain and Scott are veterans, though neither has really opened up anyone’s eyes with their performances to date. Cox is a bit of an X-factor, as the rookie has yet to put on pads and line up on offense.

Scott has the ability to lend a hand with kickoff and return duties, which gives him an edge when it comes to making the 53-man roster. However, don't rule out Cox.