5 Steelers to pay close attention to during the Hall of Fame Game

Steelers Defensive Back Antoine Brooks Jr.

Antoine Brooks Jr. heads into this game as the starting Nickel Corner for this defense heading into the 2021 season. The Steelers have a wide-open competition for the starting spot but giving Brooks the nod at the start is surprising. He has almost no experience on an NFL field and he is coming off a tough rookie season.

This will be a huge year for him if he does win the starting spot on this defense. There are huge shoes to fill at this position and it will warrant high expectations no matter who fills that void. This player is a former sixth-round selection so it will take an uphill battle for him to produce at a high level for this defense going forward. It is not entirely out of the cards but this game will be a huge stepping stone if he wants to secure this starting spot.

This player has had an up and down training camp thus far. He has made some solid plays that remind you of his predecessor, Mike Hilton. Other times show the struggles and growing pains of his lack in the experience department. These pre-season games will be huge for him getting in-game activity and showing coaches what he can do in front of spectators.