As everyone awaits tough competitions across multiple positions for the Pittsburgh Steelers roster at training camp, one area has gone under the radar. Keep a close eye on the inside linebacker position to potentially be a fierce battle that results in tough decisions on the depth chart. It could witness players at the bottom of the tier force their way into role players by the end of camp.
It will be interesting to see how the final roster decisions land as the Steelers' difficult choices remain on the horizon.
The inside linebacker group is full of young pieces blended with veteran talent. Some have plenty of NFL experience and draft pedigree, while others have experience as special teams contributors. Competition will be their guide when it comes time to make cuts.
Both Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson lead the way as the best options at the position. Behind them is where true battles seem prepared to be waged. All of Malik Harrison, Carson Bruener, Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, and Jacoby Windmon will fight to make the roster and rise the depth chart at training camp. If they fail to make a positive stamp this Summer, it could cost them their job.
Pittsburgh Steelers could witness brutal linebacker roster battle at training camp
After constant speculation regarding Queen and his future with the Steelers, it wouldn't surprise anyone if trade winds continued. If the Steelers found a way out of his contract and located an upgrade over Queen, they would consider a move. That opportunity appears to have passed, however, so Queen will probably play a massive role on defense alongside Wilson once more.
Locating the battle lines behind the two projected starters is easy.
Beyond Queen and Wilson, there are likely three roster spots up for grabs. Cole Holcomb just re-signed on a two-year contract, so his job is probably safe. It will just depend on where he lands on the depth chart. There is a scenario where a player currently behind him can jump ahead for a bigger role.
After a strong rookie campaign on special teams, Carson Bruener will attempt to gain a larger role. He must earn a roster spot first, but his special teams abilities give him a great shot at making some noise at training camp. He must fend off any challengers around him, which won't be easy with this linebacker group. It is going to be a tough Summer even for Bruener to stick around.
The probable final roster spot up for grabs will come down to Malik Harrison, Jamin Davis, and Jacoby Windmon. All three have some degree of NFL experience, but Harrison does seem like the odd man out. He has been with the Steelers for a year, but he's vastly overpaid. Pittsburgh could easily see the veteran linebacker as a way to save cap space by letting him go.
If Harrison gets cut, that leaves Davis and Windmon fighting for positioning on the depth chart.
Davis is a former first-rounder who has shown the ability to play snaps at outside and inside linebacker. That versatility could help his cause. Windmon is someone the Steelers are familiar with and possesses the same versatility as Davis. It could come down to whoever plays better on special teams.
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