Training camp battles to watch:

[slashsteel]

First and foremost whether Broderick Jones starts out on PUP will impact at least one final decision. But here is some direct and not so direct battles to watch out for:

Mason Rudolph vs Will Howard. Two man enter one man leaves this thunderdome. The veteran competes with the 2nd year greenhorn for the right to stay alive on the roster. Chances are the loser is on someone’s roster this season barring injury.

Roman Wilson vs Travis Homer vs Eli Heidenreich vs Robert Tonyan. This gets lumped together as I think the low man on the totem pole goes on his merry way. This might cause a slight surprise and or annoyance for some fans depending on who is the odd man out.

Logan Lee vs Esezi Otomewo vs Dean Lowry vs Gabriel Rubio. This could be a situation where 1 or 2 of these players are left off the final 53. This group was touched on previously in another thread due to its depth which on paper has a look of plenty of capable with various strengths and weaknesses.

Darnell Savage vs Robert Spears -Jennings vs Sebastian Castro. Perhaps the weakest positional group due to coverage shortcomings . I am not sure if they keep one or two of these listed as special teams will factor in. I would think if one of the three looks good in coverage that could go a long way into securing a spot.

I think final cuts could potentially alter wide receiver and safety. If an upgrade positionally shows itself. The two areas at the floor of each group isn’t necessarily void of that thought process.

Have a favorite battle yinz will be watching?

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[Fiji Mariner]

RB should be interesting

Dowdle and Warren will both get their reps, but does 1 separate and become the primary because he just has to be on the field more? Does Johnson show anything? Who gets the last spot?

Behind a new OL and within a new scheme watching what the RBs do should be interesting.

I figure 25 on offense with 3 QBs and 9 OL.
That leaves 13 spots which should make that competition for 12&13 pretty interesting.

There are easily 9 locks in those 13 spots…another couple that would have to play their way off the roster leaving an interesting battle for 12&13


I’m looking forward to seeing what the DBs do as well. The DL and LBs are pretty predictable as to what will happen (barring a trade).

 

[slashsteel]

RB should be interesting

Dowdle and Warren will both get their reps, but does 1 separate and become the primary because he just has to be on the field more? Does Johnson show anything? Who gets the last spot?

Behind a new OL and within a new scheme watching what the RBs do should be interesting.

I figure 25 on offense with 3 QBs and 9 OL.
That leaves 13 spots which should make that competition for 12&13 pretty interesting.

There are easily 9 locks in those 13 spots…another couple that would have to play their way off the roster leaving an interesting battle for 12&13


I’m looking forward to seeing what the DBs do as well. The DL and LBs are pretty predictable as to what will happen (barring a trade).

Somewhat there is a few gray areas with Malik Harrison and of course the mentioned Dl-men.

I shouldn’t assume as it probably has a 50 fail record attached to it but assumed Johnson was showing enough in OTAs to stick. But really bad of me to take that approach when the pads haven’t been on and preseason is still a distance away.

Definitely curious about the bubble players who wins out. So many reasons for training camp to be a good watch and a good read. Still stoked about the turnover. The new coaching staff and additions…

 

[madinsomniac]

I think the Oline will be the top battles, everything but C is up in the air based on position shifts and such..

Next will be KR/ bottom 3 Wr. Top 3 are set, the last 3 or 4 are more questionable and can play out in several ways

Then we have the bottom of the DL... the top 5 are set. But the back end can go a bunch of ways

At Db there are a bunch of guy i think could play their way on to the team, like Donte Kent...

I also think some of the stacked positions could see guys traded if the younger guys force a spot... so ill watch for that... if,say, Bruener made a leap in his second year, moving an older vet ILB like Harrison or Holcomb could happen...

 

[slashsteel]

I think the Oline will be the top battles, everything but C is up in the air based on position shifts and such..

Next will be KR/ bottom 3 Wr. Top 3 are set, the last 3 or 4 are more questionable and can play out in several ways

Then we have the bottom of the DL... the top 5 are set. But the back end can go a bunch of ways

At Db there are a bunch of guy i think could play their way on to the team, like Donte Kent...

I also think some of the stacked positions could see guys traded if the younger guys force a spot... so ill watch for that... if,say, Bruener made a leap in his second year, moving an older vet ILB like Harrison or Holcomb could happen...

Is it? I think Troy and Mason are locked in on the left. Then yeah you have three options at RT and RG. But agree there is two top battles there.

With the rule changes how many kick returners and punt returners are back there? 1 or 2? I think they are hoping Wetjen takes the lead there.

Who would Kent replace? You mean instead of an extra S? I think you have 5 corners locked in 6 if we add Ramsey inside…

Yeah Bruener is definitely a mystery to me outside of special teams. I think Holcomb is a little safer compared to Malik.

 

[BLITZ]

backup long snapper. who will take the that roster spot? Deebo?

 

[slashsteel]

backup long snapper. who will take the that roster spot? Deebo?

Yes he is coming back in between lifting half the gym and playing with the ex browns player online. (Lions play with their pray at times) He long snaps and short snaps whatever neck is closest.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

RB should be interesting

Dowdle and Warren will both get their reps, but does 1 separate and become the primary because he just has to be on the field more? Does Johnson show anything? Who gets the last spot?

Behind a new OL and within a new scheme watching what the RBs do should be interesting.

I figure 25 on offense with 3 QBs and 9 OL.
That leaves 13 spots which should make that competition for 12&13 pretty interesting.

There are easily 9 locks in those 13 spots…another couple that would have to play their way off the roster leaving an interesting battle for 12&13


I’m looking forward to seeing what the DBs do as well. The DL and LBs are pretty predictable as to what will happen (barring a trade).

Johnson had better make the team, injuries happen to RBs, he's really the only one with bell cow potential, IMO. The others are RBBC backs.

 

[xjx]

He has to prove he has the stamina.

 

[Drink IRON City]

First and foremost whether Broderick Jones starts out on PUP will impact at least one final decision. But here is some direct and not so direct battles to watch out for:

Mason Rudolph vs Will Howard. Two man enter one man leaves this thunderdome. The veteran competes with the 2nd year greenhorn for the right to stay alive on the roster. Chances are the loser is on someone’s roster this season barring injury.

Roman Wilson vs Travis Homer vs Eli Heidenreich vs Robert Tonyan. This gets lumped together as I think the low man on the totem pole goes on his merry way. This might cause a slight surprise and or annoyance for some fans depending on who is the odd man out.

Logan Lee vs Esezi Otomewo vs Dean Lowry vs Gabriel Rubio. This could be a situation where 1 or 2 of these players are left off the final 53. This group was touched on previously in another thread due to its depth which on paper has a look of plenty of capable with various strengths and weaknesses.

Darnell Savage vs Robert Spears -Jennings vs Sebastian Castro. Perhaps the weakest positional group due to coverage shortcomings . I am not sure if they keep one or two of these listed as special teams will factor in. I would think if one of the three looks good in coverage that could go a long way into securing a spot.

I think final cuts could potentially alter wide receiver and safety. If an upgrade positionally shows itself. The two areas at the floor of each group isn’t necessarily void of that thought process.

Have a favorite battle yinz will be watching?

​

​

Great post slash, thanks for all your great ones along the way, appreciate yaz.!!!

I’m no guru, but I think both Roman Wilson and Logan Lee make the roster. Nothing to back that statement up other than “gut” feeling combined with how their respective names roll off while saying them.

Regardless of today’s opinion, I am extremely looking forward to the training camp and battles to progress along the way.




Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

Johnson had better make the team, injuries happen to RBs, he's really the only one with bell cow potential, IMO. The others are RBBC backs.

I’ve read where some say he is a little slow & lazy mentally, that could be enough to question his longevity here.

I also have to address the “Tomlin” dog-house factor as well. That won’t be a variance on this year’s roster cut or not.

McCarthey will give him ample oportunity to make or not make the roster (I think he makes it as RB3).



Salute the nation

 

[SteelerFan448]

QB: Really interested to see if Howard vs. Rudolph is a real camp battle or if they'll just go with the veteran.

RB/WR: I want to see Eli Heidenreich on the roster and think he could be an asset in different areas, I just don't know where the Steelers really want to use him. Basically, does he do enough to earn snaps?

OL: Unspectacular veterans vs. highly-touted rookies. Do the Steelers just rip the bandaids off and let the rookies grow and develop or do they work their way into the lineup? OL is more difficult because you want this group to play together all season and moving parts in the middle of the year isn't ideal.

As much as I'd love to say I'm interested in the battle for DL6, I'm just not, lol. I think defensively, moreso how are the snaps going to be divided? Where does Benton play as I assume Harmon gets more snaps. Does Black take a step up or back? Do the Steelers roll with Queen/Wilson or do they rotate Wilson in and out. What is the division of labor among edge rushers? Where does Ramsey play? What do they do with all their outside corners?

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

Rubio, lee, otomewo,(sp), battle will be fun to watch. Cook vs iheanachor, at rt battle too.
Will be interesting to see how McCarthy employs vets vs camp fodder guys compared to tombert, in pre season games.

 

[slashsteel]

Great post slash, thanks for all your great ones along the way, appreciate yaz.!!!

I’m no guru, but I think both Roman Wilson and Logan Lee make the roster. Nothing to back that statement up other than “gut” feeling combined with how their respective names roll off while saying them.

Regardless of today’s opinion, I am extremely looking forward to the training camp and battles to progress along the way.




Salute the nation

I think they like Lee’s effort level. With Wilson I think he knows his routes a little better to date but a new scheme has me wondering if he will have another hiccup. As in how much patience the team will show if he does..

 

[bigben]

Johnson had better make the team, injuries happen to RBs, he's really the only one with bell cow potential, IMO. The others are RBBC backs.

Bellcow based on his size?
I am hopeful Johnson finds success in the new system, a three headed monster would be a nice luxury.
He hasn't shown the ability to produce on the ground let alone pass block or catch.
Bellcow backs in this league are almost non existent for a reason. A true Bellcow is a night and day upgrade over anyone else at the position. I would bet the house Johnson ain't that guy.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

With Wilson I wonder if he shows anything that makes him worth keeping. The top 3 are no brainers. To me Skowronek would have to **** the bed to get cut (he brings ST value and just about as much receiver value as any of the non top 3).

To my eyes Metcalf, Pittman, Bernard, Wetjen and Skowronek are virtual locks. If only 6 receivers (I’m counting Eli as a RB or a hybrid RB/WR as the 4th RB and 7th WR).

3 RBs, 1 FB, 6 WRs, 2 TEs and Eli is my guess. If that is how it goes it pretty much leaves that 6th WR as the up for grabs spot (and the 3rd RB).

If my eyes are seeing right that leaves 1 spot up for grabs…Wilson has a path to that spot, but I have AT Perry making Wilson very dispensable. It only takes 1 guy to steal his lunch and he has shown next to nothing so far, so odds are the field can win.

Not sure why so many have any faith in Wilson given what he’s shown thus far…or maybe Tomlin was just that much of a handicap/retarded shitforbrainstwatwaffle and Roman actually is an NFL WR???

 

[TDX27]

I'm keeping Howard and Allar. Rudolph only stays if there's an injury or they keep 4 QB's.

Roman has looked good, but we've heard that before. One of the pundits said he looked to be WR3, but I've also read how good Bernard looks. Good battle there for sure. I think he is easily in the WR3/4 position with Bernard.

 

[TDX27]

And not a camp battle, but I can't wait to see Warren and Dowdle in the backfield. Both can be 3 down backs.

Health is key, but this O has the talent to have 2 RB's with 1,000+ yards from scrimmage and 2 WR's with 1,000 yards. I doubt both happen, but definitely one of those is realistic.

 

[Litos]

With Wilson I wonder if he shows anything that makes him worth keeping. The top 3 are no brainers. To me Skowronek would have to **** the bed to get cut (he brings ST value and just about as much receiver value as any of the non top 3)
...
Not sure why so many have any faith in Wilson given what he’s shown thus far…or maybe Tomlin was just that much of a handicap/retarded shitforbrainstwatwaffle and Roman actually is an NFL WR???

I guess people wants to see the draft investment make the team and thrive. Late 3rd is no shabby value

 

[Drink IRON City]

With Wilson I wonder if he shows anything that makes him worth keeping. The top 3 are no brainers. To me Skowronek would have to **** the bed to get cut (he brings ST value and just about as much receiver value as any of the non top 3).

To my eyes Metcalf, Pittman, Bernard, Wetjen and Skowronek are virtual locks. If only 6 receivers (I’m counting Eli as a RB or a hybrid RB/WR as the 4th RB and 7th WR).

3 RBs, 1 FB, 6 WRs, 2 TEs and Eli is my guess. If that is how it goes it pretty much leaves that 6th WR as the up for grabs spot (and the 3rd RB).

If my eyes are seeing right that leaves 1 spot up for grabs…Wilson has a path to that spot, but I have AT Perry making Wilson very dispensable. It only takes 1 guy to steal his lunch and he has shown next to nothing so far, so odds are the field can win.

Not sure why so many have any faith in Wilson given what he’s shown thus far…or maybe Tomlin was just that much of a handicap/retarded shitforbrainstwatwaffle and Roman actually is an NFL WR???

Great post SIR !!! Appreciate yaz Fiji

I had to think about that 2 TE roster and remembered that we have an OL that is great ion the jumbo package.

Should be no problem only carrying two, I’m sure there is a PS player if need for injury replacement purposes.




Salute the nation

 

[Buster]

If Howard looks good in camp, It wouldn't surprise me if Allar gets "injured" at the end of camp and does an IR stint. I don't think they want to go into the season with just 2 backups with no NFL game experience.

 

[WindyCitySteel]

And not a camp battle, but I can't wait to see Warren and Dowdle in the backfield. Both can be 3 down backs.

Health is key, but this O has the talent to have 2 RB's with 1,000+ yards from scrimmage and 2 WR's with 1,000 yards. I doubt both happen, but definitely one of those is realistic.

Neither have ever been a 3 down back.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

Great post SIR !!! Appreciate yaz Fiji

I had to think about that 2 TE roster and remembered that we have an OL that is great ion the jumbo package.

Should be no problem only carrying two, I’m sure there is a PS player if need for injury replacement purposes.




Salute the nation

Fully expect a ps TE or 2, we’ve got a couple guys that look like they could be easily stashed on PS

And having a FB/H back type rookie in the mix along with that extra OL option “3 TE” type sets could easily still be in play if warranted. I don’t think we’ll see much of that though outside of rare situational plays. MM offense seems like we will feature the WR more than the TE (the AS offense), crazy to think we may actually open up the passing game in a passing league.

I know I’m ready to see some meaningful changes and hopefully an offense from the 2020’s as opposed to what we’ve been force fed post Ben

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

i straight up prefer howard over allar. Im kinda pissed off that kaboly and writers are shoving howard off the team in lieu of allar. But mccarthy drafted allar...so,, idk.

 

[madinsomniac]

i straight up prefer howard over allar. Im kinda pissed off that kaboly and writers are shoving howard off the team in lieu of allar. But mccarthy drafted allar...so,, idk.

There is 0.00000000% chance that without an off field issue a third round pick gets cut his first season... it simply doesnt happen

If the Steelers are absolutely convinced they can compete this year, and every move they made seems to support that, then its very likely that Rodgers and Rudolph will both be virtual locks as well...

Howards only path to a roster spot is either beating Rudolph convincingly to be the qb 2... and because of the experience gap, it probably means Rudolph has to look bad in the new system more-so than Howard has to look great...

That or Howard has to convince them to keep 4 qbs, which almost never happens cause there are no snaps to develop a qb 4..

The infortunate truthbright now is Allar can look like an utter bust and Howard can look like a star, and unless Rodgers gets hurt or Rudolph sucks, Howard is still getting cut