The most exciting parts of most NFL training camps are the field battles that take place between players for roster spots. Whether it’s for a starting position or just a spot on the final roster, training camp camps are very competitive and have a big impact on how the 53-man roster is formed.
Even though the Steelers have a lot of continuity this season, there are still places open and jobs to be won at almost every position. Let’s take a look at what battles will happen this year, and try to predict what the outcome will be:
Zach Banner vs. Chukwuma Okorafor
The biggest battle for training camp this year, both Banner and Okorafor have a good chance of winning the right tackle spot at the start. While Banner was the team’s swing tackle in 2019, Okorafor was the one who got it started when the RT spot opened last year against the Rams. In her career, Banner has made more of an impact in run-blocking, and Chuks more in pass-blocking, but Banner has not had enough pass-blocking snaps to measure his skills in that area. Both players have different skill sets, but similar experience and talent, that should make the fight come to a head. BTSC writer KT Smith made a major breakthrough about the two players here (Banner) and here (Okorafor), which goes much deeper and is worth reading.
The pronunciation: I’m a banker at Banner who shows he can pass block and win the starting straight approach. However, Okorafor is still very much in the conversation, and it may very well be that he starts from week 1. Regardless of the outcome, it will be a fun battle to look forward to playing.
Stefan Wisniewski vs. Kevin Dotson
The Steelers’ starting interior offensive line is made up of Matt Feiler, Maurkice Pouncey, and David DeCastro, who by 2020 should not change at all. Veteran Stefan Wisniewski is packed as Pouncey’s backup in center, but his versatility can keep him as the backup awaits as well. Mauling rookie guard Kevin Dotson is also in controversy for the place. He’s a fan favorite, but is still a bit raw.
The pronunciation: Without a period of precision to prove himself, Dotson finds himself under Wisniewski on the waiting table Week 1. The Steelers will have bigger plans for the future of the rookie, but he will not be immediately put in a big role.
Devlin Hodges vs. Paxton Lynch
Behind Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph, the third-string quarterback track has been highlighted since Duck Hodges had to start for the Steelers in 2019. Hodges is not the most athletic, but had some success as a starter last year despite entering the league as UDFA . Lynch, on the other hand, is a former first-round pick with a big arm, who has been a massive bust in the NFL.
The pronunciation: I’ve been a pretty big fan of Hodges, and that will not change. He is not much more than a solid quarterback of the third string, but must have enough talent and poise to defeat Lynch in training camp.
Wendell Smallwood vs. Jaylen Samuels vs. Kerrith Whyte Jr. vs. Trey Edmunds
James Conner and Benny Snell are locks to make the roster. Rookie Anthony McFarland Jr. of the fourth round is essentially a guarantee to make it, too. With such a deep running back room, there’s a good chance the Steelers will keep another back behind McFarland, and there are some intriguing options. Wendell Smallwood is a newly signed veteran scat back, while Samuels is an all-around pass-catcher with a lot of promise despite a disappointing 2019. Kerrith Whyte Jr. is a speed back with some kick return skill, while Trey Edmunds is a bigger runner with experience of special teams.
The pronunciation: This battle battle is perhaps the most difficult to predict, as all four running ranks have a good shot at the one remaining spot. My best judgment is that Samuels gets the place because of his unique skill set and experience. Whyte is running better, but is terribly similar to McFarland in his style of play. Both he and Edmunds would be great options for the training team. Smallwood would also be an option for one of the veteran slots in the squad.
Vance McDonald vs. Eric Ebron
Nobody really talked about the battle between McDonald’s and Ebron, because there is not much of it. McDonald is the better blocker, while Ebron is a dynamic receiver, which means they will likely be used in different roles. Still, there will be some sort of hierarchy, and both tight ends will no doubt want the top spot on the depth map.
The pronunciation: McDonald is called the starter because of his longer term in Pittsburgh. However, he and Ebron have similar speed counts in 2020.
Zach Gentry vs. Dax Raymond
With McDonald’s and Ebron as the two starters, there’s a good chance the Steelers will hold a third tight end to secure them in 2020. The battle for the spot is between Zach Gentry and Dax Raymond. Gentry is a towering pass-catcher who played very little in 2019, but was solid in blocking and catching when he was on the field. Raymond is a new free agent signing that does not have the height of Gentry, but a similar all-round solid skillset.
The pronunciation: I’ve seen the idea of keeping only two tight ends on the roster, but in the end I think the Steelers will stick to tradition and keep three, especially because of Ebron and McDonald’s injury history. Gentry probably wins this spot because he is longer with the team and has a little more potential.
Ryan Switzer vs. Amara Darboh vs. Saeed Blacknall vs. Deon Cain
The Steelers’ top four receivers are set in Juju Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, James Washington, and Chase Claypool. The team normally holds six, though, which means two spots on the roster can be open. Ryan Switzer is a veteran slot receiver with kick and point return experience, while Darboh, Blacknall, and Cain are all big / speed deep threats.
The pronunciation: Switzer makes the roster because he is a veteran and the only player with a locking skill set on the roster. His skill for kick and point return is also a plus. Cain slipped in as the sixth option because he is the best bet of three deep threats because of his athleticism and experience with the Steelers. I figured the team would only hold five wide receivers to hold back another run, but it’s even more likely that the team will stay with six in today’s pass-friendly NFL. In that scenario, Cain would probably be the fifth option, because Kerrith Whyte Jr. the extra running back would be who could provide kick-returns instead of Switzer.
In addition to straightforward approaches, there have not been many campground battles officially this year. However, as we have learned something from the 2019 season, depth can still play a big role in the success of any team.
What will be the outcomes of this roster boss? Let us know in the comments below, and make sure you stay up to date on BTSC for more news and analysis on training camps.
