With training camp opening for the Steelers this week, here are five bold predictions for what may occur with the team.
Training camp is almost here, and the Steelers have a lot of exciting battles and matchups to watch. While the team already knows who will and won’t be starting, there are still some players on the fence that will make this camp worth watching. With so many possible outcomes, here are five bold predictions for the Steelers training camp in 2022.
Steelers prediction #1
Steelers have an open battle at return man
While not a heavily talked about battle, the Steelers seem to have quite a few options that could take the field as a return man in 2021. After losing Ray-Ray McCloud in free agency, the team was quick to find a potential replacement in Gunner Olszewski. The former Patriot is an accomplished special teamer all around and is the most obvious pick for who should win this job.
That said, there are quite a few names that could also make sense. While he wasn’t accomplished at it in school, Calvin Austin has the speed and change of direction ability to thrive as a return man. Odds are his offensive contributions are slow as he gets acclimated to the pro game, but punt returns could help him see the field early. Anthony McFarland is entering a critical camp, so he may try and latch on as a returner as well. Even a name like Anthony Miller could fill in here.
While not the most important position on the field, having a stable return game is important to an offense’s success. Olszewski is the obvious favorite, but there may end up being flashier options that make more sense for this team. Don’t be surprised to see this battle heat up once camp opens.
Steelers prediction #2
Heyward looks like the ultimate weapon
One of the most versatile picks from this past draft class, Connor Heyward seems like he has the potential to be a versatile chess piece for an offense. He served in a variety of roles while at Michigan State. He was a featured running back and tight end, and now he enters the NFL virtually position less. While the team lists him as a tight end, he seems more than likely to play more of an H-back role.
Though only a rookie, I think Heyward quickly becomes a camp phenom. He seems like a natural fit for a Matt Canada offense given his ability to play all over and impact the short game. There is a real chance he gets some looks early for the offense as both a pass catcher and a runner, as this team needs some help at both positions.
While an eventual shift to fullback should be on the table, the team seems like they want to use Heyward as a tight end right now. Though his size will limit him long-term at the position, I think his impact is feat early in camp. Don’t be surprised to hear reports of him seeing all sorts of snaps early once the team begins to practice.
Steelers prediction #3
Green actually looks good
One of the most disappointing players from the team last year was Kendrick Green. The rookie came into the league with high expectations as the Steelers were hoping that he could come in and take on the starting center role. All of this despite the fact he was a third-round pick without a lot of proven success at center. The results weren’t pretty, and the team seems content to move on from him this year.
While I in no way think that Green will be contending for a starting job this season, I do think that he looks better in camp. For starters, he will be entering his second season. He should be stronger and more prepared as he transitions to his second year. He will be stronger and play with better technique as players naturally develop from their rookie years.
The other reason he should look better is due to his competition. More than likely, Green will be running with the second-team offense. This means he will be blocking backup defensive linemen. Though Green had his obvious struggles as a rookie, playing against second and third-string defenders should give him a boost. I bet he has some hot reports early as he looks better than he did against inferior competition.
Steelers prediction #4
Rudolph leads the QB room
There is much anticipation about the upcoming Steelers quarterback battle that is set to take place in training camp. While the rightful focus will be on the true battle that is building between free agent addition Mitchell Trubisky and first-round pick Kenny Pickett, don’t be surprised to see Mason Rudolph get some early looks in camp.
This isn’t due to him finally becoming a legitimate franchise guy. Instead, he is entering his fifth Steelers training camp and is the only veteran option at the position. The team tends to give these guys at least an initial advantage even if there are better options behind them. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Rudolph get the early starter reps for the offense.
On top of this, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some early reports that Rudolph actually looks like the best option of the trio of quarterbacks. That isn’t due to him being the best option (he isn’t), but he should know his way around the offense the best out of every other quarterback. While I don’t have high hopes for Rudolph this season, don’t be surprised to see him get some early burn at training camp.
Steelers prediction #5
Sutton takes a back seat
The Steelers have a three-headed battle set to take place this year at cornerback. While having three capable players is never a bad thing, it should make camp an interesting place to see who gets the nod over who. While it may not perfectly emulate what this defense will ultimately look like once the season starts, don’t be surprised if Cameron Sutton sees less work with the first-team defense.
Considering he is the longest-tenured of the cornerbacks on the roster, it makes sense to treat him more as a veteran. This means the occasional day off in order for reps to be given to other players. While Ahkello Witherspoon was with the team last season, he didn’t get to participate in camp. Levi Wallace, meanwhile, is brand new and will need the extra snaps to get acclimated.
No, this doesn’t mean Sutton will be out of the running for the starting gig on the outside. That said, considering he has excelled in this slot, this could be the opportunity to see if they have two capable outside cornerbacks in order to let Sutton return to the inside. No matter what though, he should see some veteran treatment in order for the other players at the position to get some extra reps.
Training camp is almost here, and the Steelers are set to work through and finalize their final roster. While there will be quite a few big battles brewing, everything won’t sort out as many expect. Keep these five bold predictions in mind for when training camp opens.