5 biggest positional battles during Steelers training camp

Steelers need to decide who will start opposite of Cam Heyward

Cam Heyward is back and will be one of the two starting defensive ends for this defense until he retires. Tyson Alualu will be the starting nose tackle, but many questions remain about the other defensive end spot. That is now vacant after Stephon Tuitt decided to retire early in the pre-season process.

Many have expressed their opinions on who should get the start at the opposite spot of Heyward and there are some good theories. Alualu could win the spot and play nose tackle when he is called upon, then another player could play end on those downs. That would lead to a second-place competition to play that role when needed.

Chris Wormley and newly signed Larry Ogunjobi seem like they will also have legitimate cases to push for the starting spot opposite of Heyward. The three of Wormley, Alualu, and Ogunjobi will have the best shot to prove themselves for the starting gig. They all have starting experience and have shown the ability to fill that kind of void.

As everything stands right now, Alualu seems like the early favorite to start opposite of Heyward but will move to nose he has to. That will then have Wormley or Ogunjobi start at end while Aluau is at nose tackle. Ogunjobi would be the favorite for that job, but that will all depend on his health.