Pittsburgh Steelers: Training camp storylines to watch

Battle of the Backers

While the majority of starting positions are set in stone, there are a few noteworthy position battles to watch through the duration of training camp, primarily at inside linebacker. The absence of Ryan Shazier will loom large on the defense, as showcased last season after his horrific injury. Defensive Coordinator Keith Butler will have two primary options to fill the void, between third year veteran Tyler Matakevich and newly signed free agent Jon Bostic.

Matakevich opened camp as the starter next to Vince Williams, while Bostic substituted on nickel packages and other rotations. Some favor Matakevich due to his experience in Butler’s scheme, while others would give to the advantage to Bostic for his run-stopping abilities, earning the 18th highest grade in the run among all linebackers, per Pro Football Focus.

Despite having lower career numbers and fewer years in the league, some of Matakevich’s teammates are all for him playing, including the man Tyler may find himself starting next to.

"“Everybody hates on Tyler…I don’t know why people don’t think he’s an NFL linebacker” said Vince Williams to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “The man won a Butkus award at the college level. He can make plays.”"

Matakevich has indeed earned the opportunity to start with the first team defense, and it appears it will be his to lose against Bostic. While many writers who cover the team assume Bostic will eventually take over first string duties, time will tell us if Bostic is able to catch up to the playbook in enough time, or if Matakevich will find himself rising to the expectations the organization has placed on him despite being a seventh round pick.