The Pittsburgh Steelers are working hard under the hot and humid conditions at training camp. They are trying to decide where players should sit on the depth chart and who they must cut to reach a 53-man roster later this preseason. It's up to the players to make those decisions difficult; otherwise, the Steelers could search for external options to provide upgrades before the regular season begins.
Luckily for Pittsburgh, there have been a handful of early standouts at training camp.
The defensive unit appears to be off to a hotter start than its offensive counterparts. That is expected with the massive number of roster turnover that occurred on offense. Things should even out as the preseason process progresses, but the standouts have been on that side of the ball. If these hot starts keep, these players could have massive seasons.
Pittsburgh Steelers have had a few standouts during the early days of training camp
Derrick Harmon, DT
Most of Pittsburgh's rookie draft class has proven to be worthy of NFL action during the early days of camp. Derrick Harmon was the top pick by the Steelers, and he has shown dominance at times. He has been able to burst past the starting offensive line on a handful of occasions. His stock is up, and he is already in the starting lineup. The young defensive tackle should take pressure off Cam Heyward.
Harmon has already earned a starting defensive line job for the Steelers, and he should produce a magnificent rookie campaign if he keeps this momentum going.
He has been disruptive in every phase of football that the coaches have put him in. Everyone wants their first-rounders to make an immediate impact, and Harmon seems ready to become a terrific starter for a franchise that prides themselves on defense.
READ MORE: Winners and losers from the first week of Steelers training camp
Kaleb Johnson, RB
The offense had a slow start at training camp, but there were still some promising players. One of them was none other than rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. He continues to take snaps behind Jaylen Warren, who is projected to be at the top of the position's depth chart to kick off the season. Johnson is starting to catch up to Warren, and you can see the talent differential between the two.
Johnson is starting to show he can be a terrific running back both as a runner and receiver, but he must show his ability to protect the passer when called upon. It's something the rookie and the coaching staff have harped on since he was drafted in the second round by Pittsburgh. Warren has the starting job for now, but Johnson is already nipping at his heels as the preseason process plays out.
Cory Trice Jr., CB
He might not be on anyone's radar, but Cory Trice Jr. could play a massive role for the Steelers this year. The former seventh-round pick is entering his third training camp with Pittsburgh and must win a premier backup spot on defense. His chances of starting this season are low, but he should remain prepared.
His quick start to the preseason process should get his foot in the door for an expanded look.
Trice Jr. has been breaking up countless passes throughout the first week of practices. He is a tall cornerback who fits the mold of what the NFL demands from the position. With two starters who could become question marks for different reasons, Trice could see a starting role presented to him. Any sort of injury or demotion to Joey Porter Jr. or Darius Slay would shove Trice into the spotlight.