Steelers 4 takeaways from initial training camp depth chart

J.C. Hassenauer listed as the starting Center

It was recently said by Head Coach Mike Tomlin that rookie Kendrick Green will be getting the starting nod at the Hall of Fame Game. It was then assumed that Green would then become the starting center for the Steelers this upcoming season.

J.C. Hassenauer will have that starting spot for now after the release of the initial depth chart. He played games in relief and started some games for this team last season. It was mostly poor results when this player was plugged into the middle of the offensive line. He is not an NFL player but the team wants Green to work for that starting spot. Even if Green is not deemed ready by the coaches to start week one, it is still hard to believe Hassenauer will be the starter at center. It is much more likely that B.J. Finney would win the spot while Green is brought along slowly.

This might be the biggest surprise of the first depth chart to be dropped. Many people do not have this player making the final 53 man roster let alone the starting job at center. This is a bottom of the roster player that does have some starting experience so that is something and the team seems to like him. Hassenauer just isn’t the answer and the coaches know that, well at least they should know that.

Alex Highsmith remains the starter over Melvin Ingram

Ever since Melvin Ingram signed onto the team, many fans have wondered if he will take over the starting spot in 2021. The answer is no and likely will always be no unless there is an injury or Alex Highsmith has a bad season. That does not seem like a possible option as Highsmith has been conditioning well and getting ready for this chance since being drafted last year. He was a highly productive player in college and has a nice rookie season as a role player. That type of role player will be Ingram’s new job description in 2021. It is a big role for this team and Ingram should fit in perfectly with Pittsburgh.

Highsmith seems to be getting ready for a breakout performance in the upcoming season so don’t be surprised when he is a constant starter like Bud Dupree was during his time here. Ingram also has to learn the playbook during a shorter period so that will take some getting used to. It takes longer for some players than others to adjust and understand which plays are being called. Highsmith was always going to be the starter heading into 2021 no matter who else was brought aboard behind him. This depth chart should not change much throughout the pre-season barring injury.