The Pittsburgh Steelers are in an ideal environment to develop their team during training camp. The preseason process is long, and just because someone struggles one day doesn't mean the end of the world is near. There is time for players to stack strong days ahead. If they fail to turn things around, it could lead to them missing the roster. Time is becoming their enemy.
Not every day is going to be terrific for each player, but you can read the writing on the wall for some.
You can tell that a group of players is standing out and winning a significant number of their reps at training camp, while others are struggling. There is no reason to press the red button out of panic just yet, but it's getting closer. It's time to turn things around for some, while others want to maintain their positive momentum and push forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers have witnessed mixed roster results at training camp
Winner: Roc Taylor, WR
Few players have emerged out of the woodwork more than Roc Taylor. The undrafted free agent has had an outstanding training camp, and most signs point positively toward his performance. He should gain significant opportunities as the preseason plays out. His chances of sticking at the top of the depth chart are slim, but don't rule anything out if he continues on this path.
Taylor must make a name for himself on special teams if he wants a shot at the roster. He has shown consistent flashes of brilliance as a receiver, but that won't land the playmaker a job. The Steelers are desperate for talent at the position, and the odds of the undrafted rookie becoming their top choice to replace George Pickens seem unlikely.
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Loser: Aaron Rodgers, QB
It's not all bad news around Aaron Rodgers, but he could be doing better. The offense has been dominated at times at training camp, and a lot of that has to do with the top unit struggling. Rodgers is on a new team, and it makes sense for the veteran to have a few growing pains along the way. The Steelers are still hopeful he will get hot at the end of training camp.
The future Hall of Fame gunslinger has been inconsistent, but there are plenty of new faces on the offensive side of the ball.
They are expected to improve as the preseason progresses plays out, but they have yet to turn things around. Rodgers hasn't been terrible, but you'd like to see more consistency from the quarterback. He needs a better ending to camp than his start.
Winner: Yahya Black, DT
Most of the rookie class has gained high praise throughout training camp. Hitting on a mid to late round pick is where championship caliber teams are forged, and the Steelers hope they got a nice hit with Yahya Black. Their fifth-round selection has produced a fantastic start to his NFL career. A common trait of the rookie is his ability to stuff the run and put his hands up during pass plays.
Black is a massive defensive tackle who has high expectations despite his draft positioning.
He has been a consistent disruptor in the running game and has batted down a handful of passes during practices. His roster spot is secure, but he can gain a significant role on defense if he keeps this momentum. Black could be a bright spot for Pittsburgh as the preseason opens.
Loser: Broderick Jones, OT
He had a slight rebound, but Broderick Jones has fallen flat on his face at training camp. He appears much lighter, but he fails to use that as a strength. His athleticism remains, but the former first-round pick doesn't seem to be prepared to make the switch to left tackle. There is plenty of blame to go around for his failure to become a strong starter, but you have to start with the player.
Most of Pittsburgh's success will fall on the shoulders of Jones this season. He must protect Rodgers's blind side and help out in the run game. The Steelers face some of the best pass rushers in football this year, and Jones will have to stop many of them. Unless the former top pick turns things around at training camp, he continues to be a walking red flag in the trenches.