Steelers training camp preview: 5 positional battles to watch

[Steelersfan43]

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to report to training camp Thursday at Saint Vincent, they do so knowing that much of the roster is set.

Such is the case for a veteran team that carries Super Bowl aspirations a year after missing the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.

Still, not every spot on the 53-man roster is set, with one starting position on the offensive line providing the most noteworthy competition throughout training camp and the preseason.

The Steelers have other vacancies to plug, and the following is a look at five that will merit watching throughout July and August:

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https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-training-camp-preview-5-positional-battles-to-watch/

 

[Stryker]

It's a poorly researched article. Not mentioning Jerald Hawkins for the RT comp, or Hodges as QB competition, or even some of the depth corners competing as safety backups, is kind of lazy.

Not dissing you 43, I just expect more from a trib article.

 

[ark steel]

While i'd like Hawkins to be something, he has been on IR for 2 out of 3 years, right? How much are they going to trust him? Im pretty sure Chuks and Fieler have the RT spot locked up.

Hodges seems like a pretty big longshot. If he sits on the practice squad, i dont think anyone is going to swipe him.

IMO, they took Rudolph because they think he can be a decent replacement for Ben. I don't think they cut Dobbs this early.

 

[slashsteel]

While i'd like Hawkins to be something, he has been on IR for 2 out of 3 years, right? How much are they going to trust him? Im pretty sure Chuks and Fieler have the RT spot locked up.

Hodges seems like a pretty big longshot. If he sits on the practice squad, i dont think anyone is going to swipe him.

IMO, they took Rudolph because they think he can be a decent replacement for Ben. I don't think they cut Dobbs this early.

I think I read they are looking at Gray as a G and his undrafted buddy Prince at RT. So there is a lot of bodies floating into the equation.

 

[Superman]

Dobbs won't be cut this early. He's likely the most intelligent guy in the room, and is a good teammate. He may be limited in leading the team as a starting QB, but hopefully he won't have to be counted on. Though he did show a large increase in ability last year over his rookie season. I've seen Dobbs since he was a Vol. If Rudolph can't overtake him this off-season/pre-season as the #2, then Rudolph is a wasted pick, IMO.

 

[SteelerSask2]

The Hodges kid would have to show a hell of a lot for anything more than PS. It's just tough to get quality reps ahead of a drafted guy. The Steelers aren't a good team for a guy like that. Especially with the amount they are gonna want to compare Dobbs and Rudolph for the two spot.