During the hot Summer is when the roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers is forged. Training camp is when players have the perfect opportunity to show why they deserve to win their jobs over their fellow world-class players. The truth of the matter is that some thrive with that pressure, while others shrink.
This year has been no different, as some have done terrific work, and others have seen their roster chances drop.
There have been some shocking performances by several members of the Steelers at training camp. Other starters around the team have shown they could be in store for a massive season ahead. On the flip side of that coin is the negative outlook for certain players. They haven't produced any notable plays at training camp and could see their name among the final cuts later this month.
Pittsburgh Steelers' final roster decisions are becoming easier after training camp performances
Dominating: Max Iheanachor
It wasn't the most exciting first couple of days for the most recent first-round pick, but Max Iheanachor seems to be catching on. The raw tackle had low expectations of becoming the starter heading into training camp, but those thoughts could be changing. Although Iheanachor might not have fully dominated, he has done a terrific job of getting his name into the starter conversation.
Dominating: Asante Samuel Jr.
He was on the roster bubble heading into camp, but no one has been more consistently dominant in practices than Asante Samuel Jr. The young veteran cornerback saw his role increase without Joey Porter Jr. available, and he hasn't held back.
Samuel has been the best cornerback on the field for the Steelers at training camp, and not only can he win a job, but he could also earn a significant role on defense.
Dominating: DK Metcalf
Everyone should hold high expectations for a star player, but DK Metcalf has been terrific at training camp. You consistently hear about his impressive plays that he makes during practice. Again, it shouldn't come as a surprise for a player like him to win his matchups, but it could put him in a position for a great season ahead. The Steelers will count on him heavily to be their top weapon on offense.
Dominating: Mason McCormick
After it was announced that Mason McCormick was flipping over to the left side many assumed he would be successful. He has prior experience at left guard, but McCormick is becoming one of the more dominant players in the trenches for Pittsburgh. He has been a player flying under the radar for the Steelers, but he has everything to play for as a potential contract extension isn't too far away.
Fading: Malik Harrison
It's all quiet on the Malik Harrison front thus far at training camp, which is bad news for the veteran linebacker. He still has a path to make this team, as no other inside linebacker has stood out either. He must show his ability to remain an effective special teamer if he wants to stick on the roster.
Harrison has a high cap hit, and his underwhelming play probably won't lead to him staying in Pittsburgh much longer.
Fading: Ryan McCollum
This is less about Ryan McCollum and more about the quality depth player Brock Hoffman presents. Not only can Hoffman start games at center, but he can slide to play effective snaps at either guard position. That versatility is bad news for Ryan McCollum, who has only shown himself as a serviceable center. TheSteelers's new addition of Hoffman has outshone McCollum at training camp.
Fading: Logan Lee
Pittsburgh has a crowded group of defensive linemen at training camp, and making final roster cuts won't be easy.
When it comes to Logan Lee, it was an important Summer for him to take a massive leap in his progression. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened, and he already missed time with an injury. The Steelers would love to see a young lineman prove themselves, but Lee doesn't seem to be on track to be one of them.
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