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Steelers Pre-Camp Projected Depth Chart

By Kim Myers

Jul 27, 2015; Latrobe, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers huddle on the field during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2015; Latrobe, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Steelers huddle on the field during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) hits Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) hits Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebackers:

Starters: Ryan Shazier, Lawrence Timmons

Backups: Vince Williams, Steven Johnson

The inside linebackers are at a different story entirely. On one end we have Lawrence Timmons (30), who is playing under a huge salary cap number this season probably because the Steelers don’t want to revamp his contract and lessen the hit by extending him.

Timmons’ stats plummeted in the 2015 season after spending the majority of his career so far as the unsung hero of the Steelers defense. It could be the schematic change from Dick LeBeau’s defense to Keith Butler’s defense or it could indicate a decline in Timmons’ abilities. Who knows how this one plays out.

On the other end of the spectrum there is eager anticipation for what Ryan Shazier can contribute if he can stay healthy for an entire season. Shazier missed three weeks last season with a shoulder injury and then suffered a concussion later on in the season.

When Shazier was healthy he was a force on the field making tackles, stripping fumbles and grabbing interceptions. Steeler Nation can’t wait to see more of Shazier this season.

Steven Johnson was a free agent signing the Steelers made this march when they parted ways with Sean Spence. Johnson played primarily special teams last season with the Tennessee Titans and played for the Denver Broncos prior to that.

Next: Cornerbacks

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