Steelers Training Camp Will Produce Plenty of Position Battles

Someone will emerge as the lead back, but both will benefit from each other due to the varying degrees of playstyle.

Wide Receiver 

The Steelers traded for D.K. Metcalf and got rid of George Pickens. We know Metcalf is the number one guy, but who will emerge as the second option remains to be seen.

The Steelers signed Robert Woods to a one-year deal. He was brought in before the George Pickens deal, but he will be getting some playing time.e

Calvin Austin will look to build on a solid campaign from last season. He was mainly the slot guy, but he racked up 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns.

Roman Wilson, who spent a lot of his time injured in his rookie season, is looking to show what he can do. Out of Michigan, he has solid route running and will look to get some reps in the slot or potentially outside as well.

There will be a lot of mixing and matching within the Arthur Smith offense, and the receiver room will be an important area if the Steelers want to make noise in the AFC.

Safety 

With Minkah Fitzpatrick being dealt to the Dolphins in exchange for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, safety is now the number one area to watch on the defensive side for the Steelers this season.

DeShon Elliot signed a two-year, $12.3 million deal this offseason, thanks to his career year in the black and gold.

At this moment, Juan Thornhill is set to be the safety beside him unless the Steelers bring someone in. Sebastian Castro, while unlikely to be the starter, is also someone who will compete for the spot.

He played at Iowa and participated in 53 games, while Thornhill is a six-year veteran and has proven to be a solid safety. 

Thornhill had a down year last season as a member of the Cleveland Browns, but is confident he can have a bounce-back season.

Slot Cornerback 

Speaking of Jalen Ramsey, his position will also be one to look out for during training camp. While the starting position is clearly his, Beanie Bishop Jr. and Donte Kent will fight for the second position.

Bishop Jr was an undrafted free agent last season. He posted three interceptions in Weeks 8 and 9. Although his playing time later in the season was significantly cut down.

Kent is a seventh-round pick out of Central Michigan. He’s a very athletic corner who can hypothetically line up on the outside and in the slot. He will most likely be used on special teams for his first year, but his athleticism can work in his favor to earn more reps at corner.