Art Stapleton | NorthJersey

EAST RUTHERFORD - While the hype is focused on the goings-on at quarterback with Eli Manning and Daniel Jones taking center stage, it's unlikely that reveals itself as a legitimate competition out of the gates.

Intrigue? Absolutely. It's the prevailing story line of the summer with the Giants, who take the practice field for the first time in training camp Thursday afternoon.

As compelling as the performances of Manning and Jones will be, there are other position battles worthy of our attention. Here are three we'll be watching closely:

Grant Haley vs. Julian Love

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This promises to be the best showdown on the defensive side of the ball, and it's one that we'll be able to evaluate from the outset given the 1-on-1 opportunities in team drills. The perception is that Haley, the UDFA out of Penn State, has the lead coming out of spring workouts, and that is expected, considering Love is trying to find his way in a new system.

Both players are assets on the back end of a defense. Love is a potential steal as a fourth-rounder out of Notre Dame, and he should be in position to make a move during camp. Haley contributed on special teams as a rookie, and it should be no surprise that Love emerges there, too. Let's not forget Haley did not make the 53-man roster out of camp last season, and he had to work his way back to the team after time on the practice squad.

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Love has enough versatility where he could see time at safety as well - a position switch could even be in the offing, but unlikely this soon. The Giants should find a way to keep both, but Haley needs another strong August to avoid getting caught in a numbers' game, especially with Love and sixth-rounder Corey Ballentine at the position with first-rounder DeAndre Baker, last year's third round supplemental pick Sam Beal and former Pro Bowler Janoris Jenkins on the depth chart at corner.

Cody Latimer vs. Corey Coleman vs. Darius Slayton

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Slayton impressed Pat Shurmur with the way he progressed in spring workouts and there was speculation that the fifth-round receiver from Auburn could really put pressure on Latimer and Coleman for the third receiver spot.

But Slayton tweaked his hamstring and will be sidelined. It's not believed to be serious, although his momentum from June has been halted. Latimer and Coleman impressed enough last season to get another opportunity here. Both are potential contributors on special teams, with Latimer adding his presence at gunner to his capability as a returner. Coleman could end up being the Giants' return man in concert with Jabrill Peppers.

The Giants will be seeking someone to stretch the field vertically behind Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate, and all three (Latimer, Coleman and Slayton) have that in their games.

NY Giants training camp preview: Breaking down the receivers and tight ends

Scott Simonson vs. Garrett Dickerson vs. C.J. Conrad

The Jersey boys and the rookie from the University of Kentucky. With Evan Engram and Rhett Ellison as starters, what happens behind them on the depth chart will be interesting. Simonson was a surprise keeper with a solid preseason, and his blocking at times was exceptional. Dickerson is more of a move tight end who fought his way from the practice squad to the active roster and back again. He's a player with upside, and the Giants like the intelligence and football IQ he possesses.

The X-factor is Conrad, who had a strong spring and appears to bring a similar game to that of Ellison. He will undoubtedly emerge as a fan favorite in camp, and his story from being asked to leave the Combine due to a diagnosed heart condition until now is very good.

It's likely that there are only two spots for the three players, and right now it would appear either Conrad or Dickerson would be the odd man out. But stranger things have happened, and all three are good football players fighting to stick around behind Engram and Ellison.