• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Pittsburgh Steelers Jan 14, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts on the sidelines during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers: Six Training Camp Battles to Watch

July 25, 2018
Faneca: Hines Ward “Absolutely, 100 Percent Deserves” to Be A Hall of Famer

Faneca: Hines Ward “Absolutely, 100 Percent Deserves” to Be A Hall of Famer

March 3, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Wyatt Davis

March 3, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Raiders TE Foster Moreau

Raiders Backup TE Fight for Snaps

March 3, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dyami Brown

March 3, 2021
Possible Chicago Bears trade target Russell Wilson

Chicago Bears: Desperation Could Help Team Land Big Quarterback

March 3, 2021
Matt Mitrione: Showcasing that NFL and MMA  Crossovers Can Work

Matt Mitrione: Showcasing that NFL and MMA Crossovers Can Work

March 3, 2021
Why Not Eight? Tom Brady Already Focused On 2021

Why Not Eight? Tom Brady Already Focused On 2021

March 2, 2021

This Or That: Jon Feliciano Or David Andrews?

March 2, 2021
Could Miami Replace Stability Center Ted Karras with Green Bay’s Corey Linsley?

Could Miami Replace Stability Center Ted Karras with Green Bay’s Corey Linsley?

March 2, 2021
Former Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine

Chicago Bears: Team Makes First Move To Add Salary Cap Space

March 2, 2021
How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”

How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”

March 2, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: CB Ronald Darby

Giants Free-Agency Targets: CB Ronald Darby

March 2, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Pittsburgh Steelers: Six Training Camp Battles to Watch

Parker Hurley by Parker Hurley
July 25, 2018
in AFC, AFC North, Around FPC, Featured, NFL, NFL Featured, Opinion, Pittsburgh Steelers
Reading Time: 7min read
0
Pittsburgh Steelers Jan 14, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts on the sidelines during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 14, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts on the sidelines during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

More FromFPC

Faneca: Hines Ward “Absolutely, 100 Percent Deserves” to Be A Hall of Famer

Faneca: Hines Ward “Absolutely, 100 Percent Deserves” to Be A Hall of Famer

March 3, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Wyatt Davis

March 3, 2021

Raiders Backup TE Fight for Snaps

March 3, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Dyami Brown

March 3, 2021

One Tomlinism every Pittsburgh Steelers fan knows is “two dogs, one bone.” He says it every year around this time in reference to somebody’s job. Mike Tomlin is a players coach, but he is very matter of fact about whether a player is competing to move up or down the depth chart. He embraces competition. With that said, there are seven battles that will go on in camp that will be worth following. Who are the dogs, and who gets the bone?

Inside Linebacker

Last week we ran a breakdown focusing in on the past, present, and future of each inside linebacker on the roster. Vince Williams thrust into a starting role, but may not see the field in sub-package football. Jon Bostic will likely be competing with Tyler Matakevich for starting snaps not only beside Williams but also alone at times in sub-package football.

Matakevich enters as the leader, but we like Bostic to earn the job with his leadership and understanding. On top of that, the team does have questions in the depth. Can Matthew Thomas go from a UDFA to the fourth linebacker in the rotation? If Sean Spence is going to start over L.J. Fort in a playoff game, why would Fort make the roster over Matt Galambos or Keith Kelsey as a fifth man? Is he that much better than both on special teams? These questions will be answered soon enough.

Vance McDonald vs Jesse James

Last season Jesse James out snapped Vance McDonald 906 to 227. McDonald was injured for a good portion of the season, but when healthy never out snapped James in a single game. Until the Pittsburgh Steelers played their most recent playoff game.

The team started to get McDonald involved into the offense when he got healthy toward the end of 2017. The Steelers have also mentioned getting McDonald more involved over the offseason.

As we have laid out, McDonald does wonders over Jesse James in terms of run blocking, and it shows statistically. The issue is always going to be healthy with McDonald. However, after a full year under his belt, if he can prove that health, he should enter the season as the starter.

Cameron Sutton

Cameron Sutton, in general, is going to be an interesting name to watch for. He could wear a lot of hats for this defense. The third round rookie from Tennessee is certainly going to enter camp as the backup in the slot. The question is whether or not he is the first backup on the outside as well.

When Joe Haden went down, the team went to Coty Sensabaugh before Cameron Sutton. However, the Steelers paid for it and brought in Sutton, benching Sensabaugh. Sutton enters camp ahead of Sensabaugh on the outside now, right?

Does he even compete with Artie Burns for snaps on the outside? The Steelers talked about it in Week 16 last season. It is not as wild as it seems.

On top of that, Cameron Sutton could be competing for the dime defensive back role. William Gay played 27% of the snaps last season as a nickel back who could line up in a variety of spots. This is assumed to be a good spot to ease Terrell Edmunds into the NFL as a rookie. However, what if Sutton shows better than Edmunds? Does he get the role?

This is a big summer in identifying where Sutton stands amongst his peers in this defensive backfield.

Defensive Line Depth

The Steelers starting three defensive lineman and first man off of the bench are all accounted for and in no competition. From there, things get interesting. Between Daniel McCullers, Joshua Frazier, L.T. Walton and Greg Gilmore, only two will make the roster. Which two?

McCullers is the most likely to be gone. He has contributed little and was brought back on a minimum level deal with no guarantees. The team signed him just in case, and if any two of the other three show up, they should beat McCullers.

Walton is the most likely to stay. He has the most experience of the group and can play at each defensive line position. From there, who gets the sixth spot?

Joshua Frazier is the leader in the clubhouse. As a seventh-round pick, he would have a role similar to McCullers. He would just have to live up to it in the ways in which McCullers has not.

However, Greg Gilmore is an interesting challenger. A UDFA from LSU, Gilmore brings more versatility along the line than Frazier. Does the team go for the pure nose tackle backup or the player with a potentially higher ceiling? Could Gilmore compete with Walton?

Skill Player Depth Depth

When breaking down the 53-man roster, the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to keep about 13 skill players. This would include Le’Veon Bell, James Conner, Roosevelt Nix, Antonio Brown, James Washington, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Vance McDonald, Jesse James and Xavier Grimble represent nine locks.

That leaves Jaylen Samuels, Steven Ridley, Fitzgerald Toussaint, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Justin Hunter, Marcus Tucker and Quadree Henderson to likely grab up four spots. There are deeper names on the roster, but those feel like huge long shots.

Samuels and Heyward-Bey essentially just have to meet expectations to grab up two of those spots. Samuels is a fifth-round rookie in a role he has never truly played, so his spot cannot be a lock. Heyward-Bey is getting older and only provides on special teams. Still, he is a team leader and if he can bring anything will hang around.

Quadree Henderson is unlikely to make the team unless he looks completely dynamic as a return specialist. It is possible, but it leaves us with a true spotlight on four players at two positions.

Stevan Ridley and Fitzgerald Toussaint both played roles for the Steelers last season. Justin Hunter saw some limited action, and Marcus Tucker spent the season on the practice squad. Do two receivers make it? One from each position? Can any of the four shine in the preseason?

Quarterback

Ben Roethlisberger is the starting quarterback. Things get shaky from there. We laid out a potential plan in which the Steelers could follow to try to maximize learning about their other three quarterbacks.

Still, it feels as though early into the preseason the Steelers have to decide whether they want to see what they have from Mason Rudolph or Joshua Dobbs. This is a tough scenario because if they spend so much time letting Rudolph compete with Landry Jones for backup snaps, they likely are not getting anything out of Dobbs, who they would like to see as their number three.

If they want to see what they have out of Dobbs as the number three, they are taking away snaps that Rudolph would need if he were to become the backup. Each scenario makes Dobbs look like the odd man out.

It will be interesting to see how they get Dobbs snaps, whether or not Mason Rudolph can compete with Landry Jones or whether or not Jones stirs up enough trade interest early into camp to make some of the questions go away.

– Parker Hurley is Pittsburgh Steelers team manager of Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @parkerhurley Follow @FPC_Steelers and Facebook.

Tags: Cameron Suttonjaylen samuelsJon BosticJosh DobbsLandry Jones
Share603Tweet377
Previous Post

Should Julio Jones Receive a Contract Extension?

Next Post

Patriots Training Camp: Early 2018 53-Man Roster Projection

Parker Hurley

Parker Hurley

Next Post
Assessing the 2018 NFL Draft: New England Patriots

Patriots Training Camp: Early 2018 53-Man Roster Projection

Titans of Special Teams

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 32: HOFer Alan Faneca Joins the Shows
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 5:11 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43721848/eyetest_ep32.mp3
  • Ep.196: Karendacity, Southern Unhospitality, Hot Dogs
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 4:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3050453055.mp3?updated=1614787762
  • 3/3 - Car Stories; Veterans Released; Patriots QB in 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3395676457.mp3?updated=1614789665
  • Ep.71: 2021 Preview: Week One
    by Full Press Coverage on March 3, 2021 at 9:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7736742284.mp3
  • The Most Dangerous Lead in Hockey - Mar. 2, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/6F48GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5459284023.mp3?updated=1614718406
  • Ep #95: A Look At Latest Comments From Brett Veach
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7560364991.mp3
  • Ep 31: A Conversation With Former HOF Voter Ira Miller
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43706342/eyetest_ep31.mp3
  • Ep. 195: The Creep, the Sheep, the Sleep
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 5:09 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7267001388.mp3
  • Ep.194: Cascading Waterfall of WTF
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 7:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4347396937.mp3
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 11 - LeBron vs. Ibrahimović; Why Kobe Isn't the Right Choice for NBA Logo
    by Full Press Coverage on March 2, 2021 at 1:59 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43696480/pick_and_roll_3_1.mp3

  • WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on March 2, 2021 at 4:49 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: March 1, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Lashley Finally Did It […]

  • NXT TakeOver Draft: Who Can Build The Best All-Time TakeOver Card?
    by Evan Gomes on March 1, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    Who can create the best NXT TakeOver card? One of the most consistent events in wrestling over the […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

More Wrestling News

  • Dinamo Riga Sack Peteris Skudra
    by Aivis Kalnins on March 3, 2021 at 7:46 pm

    After a massive failure during the regular season which led to a historically bad finish - Dinamo […]

  • Don’t Look Now, But Islanders Are Tied For First In Division With The Capitals
    by Curtis Rush on March 3, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    The New York Islanders have pulled into a tie with the Washington Capitals for first place in the […]

  • Jarry Shines as Penguins Defeat Rival Flyers
    by Luke Talotta on March 3, 2021 at 5:48 pm

    Tristan Jarry was stellar in goal for the Pens and continues to show that his early-season […]

  • Par for the Course: Desert Aesthetic Highlights Palm Springs Arena
    by FPC AHL Staff on March 3, 2021 at 4:47 pm

    The arena plan calls for groundbreaking in May near Palm Desert, aiming for completion in time for […]

  • How Can You Not “Love The Drake?”
    by Murray Pam on March 2, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    Drake Batherson potted another two goals Monday in the Ottawa Senators 5-1 romp over the Calgary […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage