Open thread: What will be the best Lions training camp battle?

A look at which positional battles we’re looking forward to the most.

We’re just over three weeks away from the start of Detroit Lions’ training camp, and I can feel its presence lurking around the corner. We’ve already got the sweltering heat here in Michigan, and several NFL players are filling their Instagram stories with workout videos. Training camp is one of my favorite times of the year, so I like to jump at any opportunity to talk about it.

Today’s topic is everyone’s favorite training camp topic: positional battles. On Wednesday, Erik Schlitt kicked off his series for the site on training camp battles with David Blough vs. Tim Boyle. There are plenty more to come, but for today, let’s jump to the ones that will be the most entertaining and, perhaps, the most important to the Lions’ success in 2021.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What will be the best Lions training camp battle in 2021?

My answer: I purposely left this vague by saying the “best” battle. Whether that means the most competitive, most entertaining, or most covered by the media is up to you, dear reader.

For me, the best training camp battle is one at a position of major importance (sorry, long snapper battle). It also includes players that are (hopefully) talented and equally matched. Finally, in order to have a good training camp battle, it needs to be a position that is fun to watch at camp.

The battle for the second outside cornerback position fits all three of those criteria. Cornerback is an important position, and it’s a ton of fun to watch at camp. Best of all, the Lions have two worthy candidates to line up opposite Jeff Okudah (presumably). Amani Oruwariye has shown flashes in his first two years of being a player capable of being a starter. Quinton Dunbar is just two years removed from being one of the best cornerbacks of 2019.

Throw in a solid coaching staff in Aaron Glenn and Aubrey Pleasant—both of whom have a reputation of developing young defensive backs—and this camp battle should be a must-see from Day 1.

Which training camp battles are you looking forward to seeing?