Five position battles to keep an eye on during Steelers training camp

Heading into the 2022 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers roster is pretty much set.  There are however a few interesting camp battles to keep an eye on during the Steelers training camp next week.  Let’s take a look at the top five position battles heading into this upcoming season:

1. Starting Quarterback:  Kenny Pickett vs Mitch Trubisky

The biggest, and most crucial competition during Steelers training camp will of course be at quarterback.  All eyes will be on the battle between Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky for the right to be the successor to Ben Roethlisberger.  One has to believe that Trubisky has the advantage early on because of his experience in the league.  Mike Tomlin has insisted from the beginning that this is an open competition however.

2.  Left Guard:  Kendrick Green vs Kevin Dotson:

As bad as Kendrick Green was last season, it still appears he has an outside shot at a starting position.  Reports have begun to surface that Green is very much in a battle with Kevin Dotson at left guard position.  https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/05/25/kevin-dotson-kendrick-green-competing-for-steelers-left-guard-job/

Considering how bad he played in 2021, this comes as a shock to most.  There were times last season when the Steelers coaching staff was less than thrilled with the play of Kevin Dotson as well.  Steelers plan at offensive line already in turmoil  The best case scenario for this team is Dotson shakes off whatever it is that the coaches are unhappy with, and wins left guard job.  No one wants to see Kendrick Green get any significant playing time again in 2022.

3.  Defensive Line:  The last two spots

The Pittsburgh Steelers almost always carry six defensive lineman on their 53 man roster.  Given that the team currently goes seven deep easily, this presents quite a battle for this year’s Steelers training camp.  At first glance you would think Montravius Adams would be the odd man out.  He happens to be the only other true nose tackle besides Tyson Alualu.  Given the recent injury history with Alualu, Pittsburgh may be inclined to hold on to Adams.  That leaves a competition between Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, and Chris Wormley for what potentially could be the last spot along the defensive line.  This is definitely a position to keep an eye on as camp progresses.

4.  Sixth Wide Receiver: Miles Boykin vs Anthony Miller

Wide receiver is another position group where the Steelers generally like to keep just six players.  This sets up for quite a battle between newly acquired Miles Boykin, and incumbent Anthony Miller.  Miller was never able to crack the 53 man roster despite the slew of injuries at that position last season.  This may be his last chance to be an NFL receiver, but now he has some stiff competition.  Myles Boykin has all the physical traits you want in a wide receiver.  He scored a near perfect 9.94 RAS score coming out of college, headlined by his 4.42/40 speed.  Maybe being away from the Ravens run fist offense will finally unlock his great physical attributes.  If it does, Anthony Miller will be looking for work sooner rather than later.

5. Backup Running Back: Benny Snell vs Anthony McFarland vs TBA

Neither Benny Snell, nor Anthony McFarland did anything last season to make us believe they are viable backups to Najee Harris.  The team has done nothing so far to improve upon that spot on the roster besides adding a couple of undrafted free agents.  Despite the hype train for Mateo Durant being red hot, he is still a long shot to be the primary backup.  We have to wonder if another name will be added to the mix as training camp wears on.  Until then we have to think Snell is the favorite, with McFarland apparently in the Mike Tomlin doghouse for most of 2021.