Vikings: The best position battles

Football coaches crave player competition. The whole "every job is open" philosophy is designed to raise intensity and performance, meant to keep 'em on their toes.

But as the Vikings report to training camp today in Mankato, most positions already have an established starter. That's not to say the depth chart should be written in permanent marker, but it seems the best position competitions will take place with the second unit.

Here are four to watch:

WIDE RECEIVERS

Aundrae Allison, Robert Ferguson, Jaymar Johnson, Darius Reynaud, etc.

The Vikings addressed this major area of need by signing Bernard Berrian, who figures to carry the label of No. 1 receiver. Sidney Rice showed flashes of his talent as a rookie and could see his role expand in his second season. Bobby Wade led the team in receptions last season and is best suited for the slot. The Vikings need other guys to provide depth. Ferguson had 32 catches last season, and Allison should be improved in his second season. Johnson is a sixth-round pick and will have to fight to make the team, but he is fast (4.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and mature, having survived a tough upbringing.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Fred Evans, Ellis Wyms,

Letroy Guion

The Vikings have a pair of Pro Bowl tackles in Pat and Kevin Williams, but those two can't be on the field for every snap. Depth is important. Evans, in his second season with the team, played 11 games in 2008, finishing with five tackles and one sack. Wyms, an eight-year veteran who signed a one-year contract, has 16 1/2 career sacks, including five for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2006. Guion probably should have stayed at Florida State for his senior season, but he decided to leave and now must make the most of his situation.

NICKEL

Charles Gordon, Marcus McCauley, Benny Sapp

The Vikings have a couple of decent options. Gordon showed he can handle being used in the slot in nickel situations last season and looks like the best bet. McCauley lost his job in the nickel package to Gordon last season, but the rookie filled in at left corner when Antoine Winfield was out because of an injury. Sapp signed as a free agent this offseason from Kansas City and has some experience. He said he wants an opportunity to compete for a starting spot at cornerback, but probably will have to battle Gordon to be in the nickel package.

QUARTERBACK

Brooks Bollinger vs.

John David Booty

We know Tarvaris Jackson is the starter and veteran Gus Frerotte is No. 2. But the competition for that third spot will be between Bollinger and Booty, a rookie fifth-round pick. Coach Brad Childress loves to groom young quarterbacks, so it makes sense that Booty will ultimately get the nod. Bollinger survived offseason workouts to make it to camp, but he needs to be impressive to make the cut.

CHIP SCOGGINS