Steelers' veteran who played a critical role on defense in recent years could be on the outside looking in by the end of camp

He is now slated atop the second team, but the offseason additions of Malik Harrison and Carson Bruener will certainly be intriguing. The Steelers are going for a defense that is both physical and multiple. 

One that can play with multiple defensive backs, yet not give up big plays in the run game. You need versatile linebackers to do that, and the last we saw Holcomb, he was just that. 

And through the spring and early part of summer, Holcomb looked good. But OTAs and minicamp aren't training camp, and training camp isn't the regular season. 

Holcomb is in the final year of his deal and would save $2m against the cap this year. Carson Bruener, the inside LB that Pittsburgh selected in the 7th round of April's draft, has a cap hit of $874,235.00.

So that is a battle to watch. How Holcomb looks in live action against a late-round rookie. My bet would be on Holcomb, but when you miss over a year and a half, it's going to be a long road back. 

We'll see what the Steelers decide, but it's going to be a critical three-week stretch for Holcomb.