Bills Training Camp Battles: Erik Pears v. Mansfield Wrotto

With the NFL lockout expected to end this week and the Buffalo Bills preparing for the start of training camp somewhere between July 29 and August 2, it's time to start looking at some of the positional battles that will be waged at St. John Fisher College leading into the 2011 season. The right tackle position looks to be particularly interesting heading into the fall.

The Incumbent: Mansfield Wrotto. In a long year of fluctuation at this position, the Bills got the most sustained success out of Wrotto, a player that fits best at guard but who nonetheless had some redeeming moments on the edge. The Bills gave Wrotto a contract extension prior to the lockout.

The Challenger: Erik Pears. Pears started the final two games of the 2010 season at right tackle, and has been talked up all off-season by the Bills as the type of heady vet that can plug in and play right away.

The Unknown: The Bills appear to have their long-term right tackle in mind with rookie Chris Hairston, but it's also possible that the team looks to add further competition to this position in the form of a free agent - particularly if they'd like Wrotto to compete for a guard spot.