Winning a battle at training camp is one thing, but for these Pittsburgh Steelers, they have a shot at being big-time role players. There are spots on the roster where not only can players make it past dreaded roster cuts, but they can thrive by earning significant playing time.
Fans shouldn't anticipate these players making a massive impact on day one, but they can earn a role beyond current projections.
Training camp is what Steelers Nation has been waiting for, and it's just around the corner. Several rookies and veterans might not be viewed as someone who can play a role on the team this season, but with a strong showing at training camp, they could. Here is a group of players to watch this preseason as they could significantly alter the upcoming campaign.
Pittsburgh Steelers who could alter the entire season with fantastic training camp performances
Max Iheanachor
He isn't flying under the radar, but Max Iheanachor isn't expected to win his training camp battle with Dylan Cook for the starting job at right tackle. The first-round pick will likely be the backup to Cook to start the season, but with a strong showing at training camp, he could slide up the depth chart.
The Steelers are fine with him being the backup to begin his career, but they would be thrilled if he won the job.
Jacoby Windmon
After signing with Pittsburgh late in the offseason process, Jacoby Windmon has an uphill battle to make it past roster cuts. With that said, he has made some noise in prior training camps. Windmon enters an inside linebacker group full of battles not only to make the club but also to compete for playing time. He is someone the team is familiar with and shouldn't be ruled out as a realistic possibility.
Eli Heidenreich
Forcing yourself onto an NFL roster is never easy for a seventh-round pick, but Eli Heidenreich continues to receive praise. His versatility and similar build to Christian McCaffrey continue to keep his trajectory going in the right direction.
Heidenreich must win a roster spot in a crowded running back group, but if he does, he could force a massive trickle-down effect on the Steelers this season.
Robert Spears-Jennings
Speaking of crowded positional groups, the entire secondary will be intriguing to watch at training camp. They have roles to be won and roster spots to be had. Robert Spears-Jennings is another seventh-rounder looking to stick around. The depth chart at the safety spot is thin, which is a great opportunity for a rookie like Spears-Jennings to earn a job and get some snaps his way.
Roman Wilson
This is a monumental training camp and preseason for Roman Wilson and the Steelers.
The veteran receiver has shown glimpses of potential, but failing to earn a significant role this year could see his career fall off a cliff. He must earn a roster spot first, but the hope is he could be a factor on offense. Any sort of setback or failure to exceed expectations could number Wilson's days in Pittsburgh.
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