Training camp is the perfect time for the Steelers to figure out how their assembled roster is.
They have brought this 90-man roster together, and it is now time to see if those players will be able to show their worth either to make the 53-man roster or stick around on the practice squad. It will take a lot of internal competition to show Pittsburgh they belong on this team, or if the club needs to investigate outside options to upgrade the group.
How will the team situate their offensive tackles?
Mark Kaboly reported that Broderick Jones will be the starter at left tackle, while Troy Fautanu and Dan Moore Jr. will battle it out for the starting job at right tackle.
That is big news already as Moore will be forced over to his opposite side. If Moore loses his job and cannot show he can be a proper swing tackle, then he could be in jeopardy of losing a roster spot in Pittsburgh. Maybe he won't be cut in this situation, but he could gain trade interest. Expect Moore to get every chance to start at right tackle to begin training camp, but Fautanu will be nipping at his heels.
Slot cornerback conundrum
Everything seems safe at slot cornerback after the Steelers signed Cam Sutton during mini camp. He helps a ton at that position and provides position flexibility. The big question that lurks around Sutton is if he will face any suspension for his off-the-field concerns from this past offseason or if he will be available in week one.
If Sutton does get suspended for any length of time, the Steelers lack depth and options behind him. They will have to count on guys like Ryan Watts, Anthony Averett, and Grayland Arnold to try and pick up the slack at the position. We will see where this goes but slot corner remains a concern behind Sutton no matter if he does receive a suspension or not.
Wide receiver depth chart positioning
Everyone wants to know who the Steelers will be trading for to upgrade at wide receiver, but don't rule out a guy on the roster winning the job at training camp.
Rumors are surrounding Pittsburgh with nearly every receiver said to be available either in free agency or via trade. The Steelers seem ready to go into training camp with the guys they have and see if one of them can win the job. If not, then they can circle back to this position towards the end of the preseason process and address it with external options.
Unless something changes, don't expect an immediate change to the position as the guys they currently have will get a shot at solving the issues at receiver first.
Can Justin Fields make a run at quarterback?
Don't expect anything to change at the starting quarterback spot unless Russell Wilson falls off a cliff.
Justin Fields is the backup for the Steelers, but he might be able to carve out a role for himself on offense one way or another. Unless something drastically changes between now and the end of training camp, Fields will have a limited role. Expect him to make some quality plays at camp and throughout the three preseason games.
Fields will do his best to make it a competition at starting quarterback, but it won't be enough in the end.