6 biggest battles heading into Vikings 2023 training camp

Vikings training camp battle No. 1

Starting safety: Lewis Cine vs. Camryn Bynum

Being a first-round draft pick doesn't necessarily mean a player is in line for a starting job as soon as they are ready. In fact, Lewis Cine may have to be very impressive in training camp and preseason if he wants a chance to unseat Camryn Bynum.

Bynum has been solid and consistent having 20 starts under his belt in his first two seasons with 17 of those coming last season. when he had 81 combined tackles, six pass defenses, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.

Veteran Harrison Smith restructuring to return for at least one more year means that one of these players won't be in the starting lineup this season. Smith was recently revealed to be No. 97 on the NFL's list of The Top 100 Players of 2023.

Since Cine is healthy and ready for action, this is his best opportunity to prove he is ready to take on a starting role but now he will have to prove that he's a better option than Camryn Bynum too, and Bynum is unlikely to give up that role without a fight.