Top 10 battles to watch in Patriots training camp

Aug 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scrambles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scrambles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Geneo Grissom Patriots
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Geneo Grissom (92) before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Chris Long vs. Geneo Grissom

Long is wearing Chandler Jones’ old No. 95 jersey, but that doesn’t mean he will be a shoo-in for the third spot in the defensive end rotation along with Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard. Keep in mind that Long has posted a combined four sacks over the past two seasons, so he will have to prove his worth before the Patriots plug him into the three-man rotation.

Patriots won’t be stopped if they can stay healthy  

Grissom, on the other hand, is young and holds much potential. Grissom was one of the lesser-talked about bright spots on the Patriots’ roster last season, eventually being rewarded for his hard work with a Week 17 sack of Ryan Tannehill.

However, you have to think that Long’s years of experience and desire to win now that he’s with a winning team will turn his game around.

Advantage: Long

Next: 3. Lewis vs. White vs. Foster vs. Brown