Every Steelers training camp has a slew of roster spot battles, but these four important battles are being largely ignored.
The Steelers kicked off their training camp recently as well as released their first initial depth chart. While it is extremely early in the process, there were some surprises in the initial release. This has led to the typical discussion of camp battles that are raging, but some positions seem to be ignored right now.
While all not necessarily for a starting position, these training camp battles should have a significant impact on the final roster. Here are the four Steelers training camp battles that no one is talking about.
Steelers interior offensive line depth
One of the biggest surprises with the initial depth chart release was that J.C. Haussenauer was listed as the starting center. Given his experience with the Steelers last year, this isn’t overly shocking. What was shocking was B.J. Finney being listed as the third center and top backup left guard. Kendrick Green, meanwhile, was the second-string center on the initial chart. Most expected Finney to man the initial top spot, but it seems as if Haussenauer isn’t going down easily.
Out of the eight or so players expecting to contribute along the inside of the line, only two are set starters and three are guaranteed to make the initial roster. It appears as though the rest of the interior is up for grabs, including starting center as while Green will certainly make the roster, he may not be ready to start. It’ll be interesting if Haussenauer can stick at center as well as who ultimately sticks on the roster as a reserve. Considering Trai Turner’s lengthy injury history, having capable depth here will be important.
Steelers backup safeties
The Steelers had quite a few secondary needs this offseason, and their strategy was a quantity over quality approach to the position. While slot cornerback is garnering the most national attention (and rightfully so), the safety depth chart is a bit of a mess as well. While both of the starters are securely set, who will line up behind them and play in case of injury is another story entirely.
To be fair, both of the players listed under the nickel category are also likely safeties at the end of the day. Antoine Brooks should be the primary strong safety behind Terrell Edmunds, so that position isn’t as big of a concern. As for free safety though, this group is a complete mess at this point in camp. Considering how important Minkah Fitzpatrick is for this defense, having a capable reserve is a must here.
Considering the Steelers’ earlier interests in a better backup safety, it is likely that a more experienced body joins the team by way of free agency, trade, or camp cutdown. Until then, this area is a big question mark, and the team has no clear answer as to what they should do. Both of their listed backups are low-round/undrafted rookies and the next most logical option is Arthur Maulet, but he has proven to be a better slot player than traditional free safety. This competition is wide open, and it is important that the Steelers find a capable backup here.
Steelers backup running back
The Steelers took a relatively expected route when setting their first running back depth chart. Najee Harris unsurprisingly was listed as the starter out of the gate, and Benny Snell was listed as the primary backup. The only real shock, and it likely has to do with his experience with the team, was Jaylen Samuels being listed as the fourth running back over Kalen Ballage. All of that said, finding the best backup running back going to be important for 2021.
While Harris will take on the primary bulk of carries, a backup will still spell him and ideally bring about a slight change of pace to the offense. The best player for that role on paper is Anthony McFarland, as his speed was his calling call in college. He had a disappointing rookie year last year, so he will have to show early in training camp that he has made some sort of jump in terms of development this season.
Snell is a safe option to be a backup, but if he doesn’t scream excitement as a player. He has obvious limitations as a runner that limit his upside even in a backup role. Ballage has been a player I’ve liked more in that role of the short-yardage back, but he needs to work his way into that role based on his current depth chart spot. Again, Harris will be the top dog, but the Steelers will want to spread some carries around, so finding the best backup running back will be important for 2021.
Steelers off-ball linebackers
While not an insurmountable blow, the recent retirement of Vince Williams has left the Steelers looking at some new options at linebacker. Devin Bush is on pace to be fully recovered from his injury by the start of the season, so the team will have to figure out who will be starting next to him. The easy favorite is Robert Spillane, but he did seem to falter down the stretch last season and may need a good option pushing behind him to keep the linebacker play stronger overall.
Even if the team rolls with him as the starter, the rest of the depth chart needs to sort itself out. While the majority of the other options should make the roster assuming a veteran isn’t added, where they ultimately end up on the depth chart will be telling. Even if Spillane is listed as the starter, they will likely have some sort of rotation at linebacker to get a variety of looks on the field and maximize the talent they have on the roster.
It isn’t out of the question either that the team could add a veteran to this room via free agency or through a trade as well. The names they have aren’t bad but adding one last really solid competitor could set this group over the top. Even though Spillane is the early frontrunner to start, his spot is far from secure. As well, the team may realistically want to use a rotation of guys as well to maximize the talents possessed at this position. The competition should be fierce here in camp as there is a lot of playing time up for grabs.
Some of the Steelers training camp battles are well documented and will be monitored going forward. Others, like these four, seem to be looked past by a lot of people despite how important solid play will be from these positions. Keep an eye on these four training camp battles that aren’t getting their proper coverage right now.