Updated Steelers positional battles heading into final preseason game

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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 09: Zach Gentry #81 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Mason Rudolph #2 after scoring a touchdown in the second half during a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Heinz Field on August 9, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Tight end:

Zach Gentry vs. the rest of the group

The competition is really lacking here. Vance McDonald and Xavier Grimble are obvious locks. Outside of them, Gentry is slated to be the third tight end.

This doesn’t come as a big surprise as nobody has stood out among this group. Gentry was the Steelers 5th round this season. They aren’t going to throw him away unless Christian Scotland-Williamson, Kevin Rader, or Trevor Wood was fantastic all offseason.

Winning: Zach Gentry

Offensive line:

Zach Banner vs. Jerald Hawkins

Derwin Gray vs. Fred Johnson

This is perhaps the trickiest positional group to predict this year on the Steelers. Hawkins was a former 4th round draft choice, but Banner has been outplaying him most of the offseason.

Meanwhile, Derwin Gray was a 7th round draft choice this year who offers position flexibility. However, Fred Johnson has been impressive when called upon. This could come down to the wire, but Banner and Johnson are front runners for my money.

Winning: Zach Banner, Fred Johnson

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