Updated Steelers positional battles: Who’s winning after week 1?

There were a lot of things to note from the Steelers first preseason action of 2019. Here are the players currently on top of the positional battles in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers were missing most of their starters on both sides of the ball. Though it was hard to get a feel for some of the positional battles with so many players getting the day off, there were a few things we learned.

A lot can change over the next three weeks, but here is my updated positional battles and each player that has the edge at this point:

Mack linebacker

Devin Bush vs. Mark Barron

The Steelers didn’t pay Mark Barron $12M over the next two years for nothing. Pittsburgh listed Barron as a starter over Devin Bush on their initial depth chart, and at least planned on easing Bush in along the way.

That doesn’t look like it is going to happen. As much as the Steelers gave Barron this offseason, it’s going to be really hard to keep Devin Bush off the field from week one. The 10th overall pick was spectacular in his first preseason action, and despite being 8 years younger than Barron, he has the inside track to be a starter when the season opens.

Winning: Devin Bush

Backup quarterback

Josh Dobbs vs. Mason Rudolph

You can’t fault either one of these quarterbacks for their performances in their first preseason action of 2019. Both Josh Dobbs and Mason Rudolph impressed with their opportunities.

Dobbs did throw an intercepted pass that was called back, but made several big throws down the field. Rudolph showed poise behind the pocket, and led his offense to two touchdown drives.

If Dobbs would have struggled in this game, I could see a change occurring here. However, both quarterbacks had excellent games behind the backup offensive line. Rudolph is really making a push though.

Winning: Josh Dobbs

Backup cornerback

Artie Burns vs. Justin Layne vs. Cameron Sutton

Just a few weeks ago, we didn’t know if Cameron Sutton was even going to be a lock to make the roster. However, training camp has shown us that the Steelers plan to use him in a much larger role this year. He is on track to be the dime backer and primary backup.

Burns didn’t suit up in week one against the Buccaneers and Justin Layne showed that he still needs a lot of work. Cameron Sutton played early in the game, and the Steelers appear to have more trust in him than the other two cornerbacks at this point.

Winning: Cameron Sutton

Backup linebacker

Tyler Matakevich vs. Ulysees Gilbert vs. Sutton Smith

It still remains to be seen exactly how the Steelers want to use Sutton Smith, but the 6th round draft choice has no chance to make it at outside linebacker. That spot has basically been taken by Ola Adeniyi already. Sutton Smith needs to get on the field soon if wants a shot at this roster.

Matakevich and Gilbert both had excellent showings on Friday night. Matakevich has the experience with a special teams pedigree. It’s possible two of the three could make the team, but unlikely the Steelers could hold a job for all three linebackers.

Winning: Tyler Matakevich, Ulysees Gilbert

3rd tight end

Christian Scotland-Williamson vs. Kevin Rader vs. Zach Gentry

Despite being listed ahead of Zach Gentry on the Steelers initial depth chart, Kevin Rader was a long-shot to make the team. The fumble on his lone catch didn’t help his cause.

Scotland-Williamson earned just 5 snaps before suffering a groin injury, and didn’t get a chance to help his cause. Gentry made the most of his snaps as he reeled in all three targets for 3 catches and a touchdown.

Winning: Zach Gentry

6th wide receiver

Ryan Switzer vs. Eli Rogers vs. Johnny Holton vs. Tevin Jones

Realistically, Switzer and Rogers both stand a good shot at making the team. However, there is a slight chance that the Steelers could go with a big receiver that can play special teams for their final spot – much in the mold of Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Tevin Jones and Johnny Holton both flashed on Friday night, but Holton was more efficient in the receiving game, and likely has a leg up on Jones at this point. None of this matters, however, if the Steelers elect to keep both slot receivers.

It will be interesting to see how these battles unfold as we continue throughout the preseason. Let’s hope all of these young Steelers step up their game and show why they deserve a spot on the 53-man roster.