The Dolphins are slated to open training camp at the team facility on the Nova Southeastern University campus in Davie as the players are expected to report on Thursday. When they get there, they should be excited about renovations to the facility this offseason, as several million dollars was spent in upgrades to the locker room, weight room, film rooms and hallways.

But it won't all be sunshine in Florida. There are several starting positions being hotly contested as training camp gets ready to kickoff.

1. QB – David Garrard vs. Matt Moore. It has been around 18 months since Garrard threw a pass in an NFL game, but the career 85.8 rated passer is expected to push the incumbent Moore for the starting position while rookie Ryan Tannehill learns with a headset and clipboard. Moore appeared in 13 games last year as he completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 2,497 yards with 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions. It’s his job to lose, but the former Pro Bowler is hot on his heels. 

2. RG – John Jerry vs. Artis Hicks. Jerry started three of the final five games last year as management deemed his inspired play enough to let Vernon Carey walk this offseason. But it has been Hicks, a 10-year veteran who started three games and appeared in nine overall for the Cleveland Browns last year, who has been taking reps with the first-team during OTAs. Whoever lands the job will be counted on to boost a running attack that averaged 4.2 yards per carry last year.

3. DE – Jared Odrick vs. Jamaal Westerman. Odrick, who missed nearly all of 2010 with a broken leg, rebounded to finish with 22 tackles, six sacks and an interception last year in a 3-4 scheme. But with the team transitioning to a 4-3 base this season, he must find a spot inside with incumbent tackles Randy Starks and Paul Soliai or beat out former outside linebacker Westerman for a spot on the edge. Westerman, who also must adapt to putting his hand on the ground, had 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks last year. 

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.