Top position battles we’ll be watching – Extra Points – Boston.com

Let’s add some lesser battles we’re intrigued by…

1. Carpenter vs. Hightower vs. Spikes vs. Fletcher for who stays on the field next to Mayo in clear passing situations, i.e. your 4-2-5 nickel.

2. Fanene vs. Pryor (PUP) vs. Francis for interior pass rusher. Maybe even throw Forston in here as a wild card. Pryor has to get healthy, but if he somehow has a healthy season in him this year I think the defense will be immediately improved.

3. Woodhead vs. Vereen for primary third down running back duty. Woodhead has to be the favorite to start, but Vereen might have the higher ceiling.