7 Steelers training camp battles that are heating up in 2021

Vince Williams vs Robert Spillane vs Gary Johnson

At one point this offseason, it appeared as though the Steelers were going to be once again extremely thin at inside linebacker. There were thoughts that this team could target a new starter there as early as the first round, but those rumors died down once Vince Williams resigned with the team this season. That didn’t stop the team from drafting Gary Johnson in the fourth round though, and when you add in Robert Spillane to the mix, suddenly you have three guys competing to start at inside linebacker.

The lowest man on the totem pole is clearly Johnson, as being a fourth-round pick doesn’t even guarantee you a roster spot let alone a starting gig. That said, he tested off the charts as an athlete and his run stops at Texas A&M were solid. He has definite long-term starting potential as an athletic two-down linebacker in this league, and the Steelers may want to give him a go early on. Robert Spillane also will remain in the mix, as he is probably the team’s best coverage linebacker outside of Devin Bush.

As of right now, the frontrunner to start should be Williams, as his veteran status and impressive ability to rush the passer and crash running lanes makes him arguably the best two-down linebacker in the league. Spillane will serve as more of a coverage option when needed and likely the top backup. Don’t sleep on Johnson though, as his insane athletic traits could allow him to see the field sooner than later.