Training camps are all about competition. Although quarterback will get most of the attention when the Buffalo Bills get under way at St. John Fisher College on Thursday, it is not the only position battle on offense.

     Starting jobs and backup spots are available this summer, and first-year head coach Chan Gailey has let it be known that everyone has a chance to fill those roles.

     Here are some key competitions to keep an eye on:

RUNNING BACK ROTATION

  On the roster: Joique Bell, Rodney Ferguson, Fred Jackson, Marshawn Lynch, Corey McIntyre, Chad Simpson, C.J. Spiller.

     Breakdown: The big question is what the pecking order will be during and after training camp. Based on the offseason practices and his outstanding 2009 campaign, Jackson is the early favorite to start. But the Bills used the ninth pick in the draft on Spiller for a reason. Once signed, he'll see the field a lot as Gailey has drawn up a number of plays to utilize Spiller's game-breaking ability. Jackson may not average 17.7 touches from scrimmage per game like last season, but he will get plenty of opportunities.

     The person who will be most affected by Spiller's arrival is Lynch, who sits third on the depth chart after refusing to participate in most of the spring drills. It's no secret he wanted out of Buffalo in the offseason. But he indicated during minicamp that he's ready to accept whatever his role might be. We'll see.

     Simpson and Bell won't have much of a chance to crack the top three unless there's an injury, though Bell is a good practice squad candidate. McIntyre figures to hold off Ferguson to retain the fullback job.

NO. 2 WIDE RECEIVER

  On the roster: Marcus Easley, Lee Evans, James Hardy, Felton Huggins, Chad Jackson, Steve Johnson, Donald Jones, David Nelson, Roscoe Parrish, Naaman Roosevelt.

     Breakdown: Evans is the clear top receiver, but based on the spring practices, there is no true front runner for the second, third, fourth or fifth spot. Hardy has the most to prove. A year removed from a major knee injury, the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder will get a chance to be the big possession receiver and red-zone target the Bills envisioned when they made him their 2008 second-round selection. Don't discount Johnson winning a starting job. He showed promise his first two years and looked really good in the offseason workouts.

     Easley, the Bills' fourth-round pick, was a pleasant surprise in the spring and has a shot at significant playing time with a good summer. Jackson is a wild card because of his excellent physical tools, but the former New England second-round bust has to turn potential into production.

  Parrish probably won't start, but is a good fit in the slot. Perhaps Gailey will get more out of the diminutive wideout than his predecessors. Another rookie that impressed was Nelson, who will get a good look in the slot. Roosevelt also made a good impression, but will the former St. Joe's and University at Buffalo star get enough reps in camp to earn a roster spot? At worst he could earn a place on the practice squad.

TIGHT END

  On the roster: Michael Matthews, Shawn Nelson, Derek Schouman, Jonathan Stupar.

     Breakdown: The physically gifted Nelson is clearly No.‚1, but who lines up behind him? Schouman has flashed some skills, but has overcome injuries that ruined two of his first three years. Nelson and Schouman are the best receivers of the bunch, but Gailey wants more out of the position. Matthews has a great chance to win a job because the 6-foot-4, 270-pounder is a physical run blocker and he's familiar with Gailey's system after playing for the coach at Georgia Tech. Stupar's chances were helped by Joe Klopfenstein going on the injured reserve list last week, but a roster spot is far from assured. Injuries have affected this position the last two summers, so don't be surprised if the Bills add a free agent before camp starts.

OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH

  On the roster: Sean Allen, Demetrius Bell, Kyle Calloway, Kirk Chambers, Christian Gaddis, Cornell Green, Geoff Hangartner, Nick Hennessey, Cordaro Howard, Andy Levitre, Jamon Meredith, Andre Ramsey, Ed Wang, Jason Watkins, Eric Wood.

     Breakdown: After not addressing left tackle early in the draft, free agency or via trade, the Bills are counting on Bell to take a huge step forward as the starter. He flashed some talent but also showed how raw he was in eight games last season. He's also coming off major knee surgery, but is expected to be ready for training camp. Green was signed to take over at right tackle.

     The third and fourth tackles will be Meredith and Wang. Meredith started four games last season after being plucked from Green Bay's practice squad. He took all the first-team left tackle reps during spring workouts while Bell recovered. Wang, the Bills' fifth-round draft pick, is viewed as a developmental prospect. The Bills are taking a huge leap of faith that this foursome will be good enough.

     Wood returns at right guard after breaking his leg midway through his rookie season. Levitre and Hangartner enter camp unchallenged at left guard and at center, respectively. The concern is who will back up these guys. Beside Chambers, the other reserve candidates have little or no NFL experience. Free agent guard Chester Pitts, an eight-year veteran and long-time starter in Houston, is still available. It wouldn't hurt to explore that possibility.

     The Bills went through seven different starting combinations last season because of injuries, so they need the starting five to get every snap together this summer.

     "It's going to be vital for that group," Gailey said. "The continuity and the communication in the offensive line is one of the secrets to success in our business. So having that group on the same page will really help."

awilson@buffnews.comnull