Now that training camp has been going on for the last week the speculation has been replaced by reality.  There was a lot of speculation about which jobs would be up for grabs.  Now that we have seen several practices, let’s look at the top five competitions to watch from here until the season opener.

5.  Kamerion Wimbley vs. Thomas Howard

Wimbley was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Browns for a mid-round draft pick.  He had a stellar rookie season but never reached his sacks totals again.  Howard has been Oakland’s best pass coverage linebacker after he made six interceptions in 2006.  But he hasn’t come close to that since then.

This competition at outside linebacker features a couple of players who have shown the ability to be great but are yet to play consistently at a high level.  I’m picking Wimbley here, he wasn’t acquired for nothing.

4.  Jacoby Ford vs. Nick Miller vs. Johnie Lee Higgins

This is a three way match with more question marks than any other competition.  Ford is a promising rookie from Clemson who starred on special teams returns with his speed below 4.3 at the 40 yard dash. 

Miller was on the active roster all of last season even though he was always injured.  In camp last year he looked like he would be good on returns but with the injuries last year, we never saw him.

The biggest question mark of the group is JLH.  He had a breakout on returns in 2008 with three touchdowns.  He never recovered his amazing ability after he got clocked on opening night last season.  If he finds his 2008 form, this is his job to lose.

3.  Chaz Schilens vs. Louis Murphy vs. Darrius Heyward-Bey

Nobody is sure who will get the playing time in this group.  So far, Heyward-Bey is winning by default with injuries to Schilens (foot) and Murphy (concussion).  Heyward-Bey is a new man from his rookie year of nine catches.  Changing his jersey from 12 to 85 isn’t his only visible change as he has been a go-to-guy.

Schilens, entering year three, is Oakland’s best wide out when healthy.  After missing half of last season, he racked up 29 catches for 365 yards plus two touchdowns.  When healthy, he can be one of the best WRs in the NFL with a good QB throwing to him.

Murphy had some highs and lows in his rookie year.  He led the WRs with 34 catches for 521 yards and four touchdowns.  Three of those were game savers with a tying catch against the Bengals and two at Pittsburgh.  He might be the odd man out if DHB continues his improvement and if Schilens stays healthy.

2.  Chris Johnson vs. Stanford Routt

I guess the Raiders had different plans for Routt after handing him a $3 million tender.  Tom Cable said that “it’s a heated competition” between the two.  Routt said, “I just turned 27 a couple days ago so I know I’m not getting any younger.”  Routt has been a starter at times but also a nickel back mostly. 

Johnson seemed calm and confident about his chances of starting.  “I’m not even looking back because when you look back, you fall back.”  He went on to say “I’m entering camp as the starter and I’m going to leave camp the starter.” 

Nnamdi Asomugha seems to think maybe Routt has a chance.  “I do get the sense he’s been playing well, but you know, year six, you know, by now you have to have it.” 

Routt has been mentioned before as a possible starter but never secured the job.  But with the endorsement of Asomugha, he could give CJ a real threat.

1.  Offensive Tackles (Both Sides)

On the left, the young Mario Henderson is ahead of the younger rookie Jared Veldheer.  Veldheer is also seeing time at center so his focus isn’t all on the left tackle spot.  Henderson shouldn’t have much trouble holding his job, for now.

On the right, Langston Walker leads Khalif Barnes in the race to replace Cornell Green.  Walker is in back with the Raiders while Barnes was supposed to challenge Mario Henderson last year but he went down with a broken ankle.  Walker did a good job with Lamarr Houston in practice Monday so he seems to be the favorite here.

| 2010 Oakland Raiders predictions, Chaz Schilens, Chris Johnson, Darrius Heyward-Bey, JACOBY FORD, Johnie Lee Higgins, Kamerion Wimbley, Langston Walker, Louis Murphy, Mario Henderson, Nick Miller, Nnamdi Asomugha, Stanford Routt, Thomas Howard, Tom Cable