Updated Predictions for Pittsburgh Steelers' Biggest Training Camp Battles
After nearly two weeks of training camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ biggest training camp battles are in full swing.
Although it is early, the players learned where they stand with the release of the initial depth chart just days ahead of the preseason opener in the Hall of Fame Game. There is plenty of time for players to rise and fall, but it does provide us with an initial look with what the coaches are thinking.
With 90 players competing for one of the spots on the final 53-man roster, every rep counts. Whether it is a position or team drill in practice or snaps during preseason action, all it takes is one play for the coaching staff to take notice.
From the competition for one of the final spots on the roster to the players battling for a starting position, we have learned a lot through the first two weeks of Steelers training camp. With that in mind, here is an updated prediction with who will win the top battles.
Punter
1 of 5
Competition: Brad Wing vs. Jordan Berry
One of the most important training camp battles is one of the least talked about, as incumbent Brad Wing is trying to hold off Jordan Berry for the starting punter job.
Wing was 29th in the NFL last season with an average of 43.7 yards per punt and ranked in the bottom half of the league in net average and punts inside the 20-yard line. Given the importance of field position, the Steelers hope to get better production out of their punter this season.
Berry averaged 41.0 yards per punt during his college career, including 43.8 yards during his senior season at Eastern Kentucky.
Through the early part of camp, Wing has proved to have a stronger leg in terms of yardage, while Berry has the edge on hang time. It would seem that Wing would have the edge, but longer punts aren’t always better.
Increased-hang-time punts provide the coverage unit with enough time to get downfield to prevent against long returns. However, punting with minimal pressure in practice is much different from punting in a game situation.
Until these two prove what they can do in live action, the edge in this battle will go to the incumbent.
Prediction: Brad Wing
Cornerback Depth
2 of 5
Competition: Kevin Fogg vs. Doran Grant
With news that Senquez Golson may require season-ending shoulder surgery, Pittsburgh’s depth chart at cornerback took a serious hit.
However, the Steelers quickly replaced Golson this past weekend by acquiring Brandon Boykin from the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional fifth-round draft pick. That leaves the Steelers with Boykin, William Gay, Cortez Allen and Antwon Blake as virtual locks to make the final roster
If the Steelers only keep five cornerbacks, the final spot will come down to Kevin Fogg and Doran Grant.
Fogg made a name for himself early in camp by making a number of interceptions but has come up short in Week 2. Often in position to make plays, he has given up a number of receptions and hasn’t had the same type of impact that he had over the first few practices.
The problem with this is that he must really stand out if he wants to beat Grant for a spot on the final roster. While Grant hasn’t lit up the practice fields, he did have a pick-six during a goal-line drill and came to camp with a strong build.
Grant is a physical cornerback who is willing to step up against the run and continues to grow while in coverage. Although Fogg is currently listed ahead of him on the team’s official depth chart, Grant has still impressed in practice.
Combine his performance over the past two weeks with his upside, and Grant will earn the fifth slot on the cornerback depth chart.
Prediction: Doran Grant
Third-String Tight End
3 of 5
Competition: Rob Blanchflower vs. Jesse James
As noted by Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, tight ends aren’t the focus of the passing game.
Adamski observed the tight ends last Wednesday and noticed that over 30 plays were run before quarterbacks targeted a tight end during team drills. That isn’t to say they are being ignored, but with a plethora of talent at receiver and running backs who can catch, there are only so many balls to go around.
This is part of the reason why not much is being said about Rob Blanchflower or rookie Jesse James. Both have performed well throughout camp, but neither has shown to be anything more than a third-string tight end at this point.
We haven’t seen the receiving abilities that Heath Miller can offer or the blocking abilities of Matt Spaeth. Instead, the young duo has demonstrated the upside to contribute but have not impressed enough to believe that they are a threat to make an impact on the offense this year.
Both have been inconsistent in all aspects of the game, whether it is blocking, catching or route running. While Blanchflower has the advantage over James in running routes, he also is more of a body-catcher than his competition.
The limited athleticism in each player is also noticeable during practice, as neither has demonstrated the ability to stretch the field. However, James has performed better in tight spaces—particularly the red zone—and this should catch the attention of the coaching staff.
Prediction: Jesse James
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No. 2 Wide Receiver
4 of 5
Competition: Markus Wheaton vs. Martavis Bryant
After hearing about Martavis Bryant all offseason, it would seem he should be the odds-on favorite to win the starting job at receiver opposite of Antonio Brown. That is not the case.
After his first full offseason as an NFL player, Bryant has developed nicely and has shown signs of becoming a well-rounded receiver. He is running better routes and has become a dangerous option over the middle of the field.
Surprisingly, the Steelers have limited his targets as a deep option and in the red zone compared to his rookie season. Given his performance in those areas last season, it appears as though the coaches want to see the other aspects of his game.
Overshadowed by Brown and Bryant, Wheaton is having a solid training camp. Outside of his occasional miscommunication with Ben Roethlisberger, he is handling duties working out of the slot well.
Wheaton’s ability to handle multiple positions is one of the reasons Roethlisberger told SiriusXM NFL Radio he believes the third-year wideout will be Pittsburgh’s “breakout player of the year.”
Injuries to both players provided a temporary setback to this camp battle, but this is one that will extend throughout the entire season. Both players will get plenty of opportunities all year, and offensive coordinator Todd Haley will mix and match his packages.
As far as an early favorite for the official No. 2 position out of training camp, Wheaton has the edge given his ability to play the inside and outside.
Prediction: Markus Wheaton
Starting Cornerback
5 of 5
Competition: William Gay vs. Cortez Allen vs. Brandon Boykin
Prior to the start of training camp, the competition at cornerback seemed grim.
The Steelers were once again going to ask William Gay to step up from the nickel role to start and then hope that Cortez Allen returned to form to lock down the other starting spot. Rookie Senquez Golson was a long shot but a player who could have at least competed for the nickel job.
However, Golson’s shoulder injury changed the outlook. The Steelers traded for Brandon Boykin and all of a sudden, the secondary looks much improved.
Boykin made his presence felt immediately, as he brought his physical style of play from Philadelphia. During individual and team drills, he's been impressive in coverage and has the ability to make plays on the ball. He will make an immediate impact on the secondary.
Meanwhile, Gay continues to be a steady option on the outside—as well as in the slot—and Allen has flashed his ability as a playmaker with several interceptions. More importantly, he has rarely given up a big play.
This battle has only just begun and will be the top competition to watch as we approach the start of the regular season. For now, Gay and Allen will maintain the top two spots given their performance in training camp and experience in the defensive system, but Boykin will make a strong push for a starting job by Week 1.
Prediction: William Gay and Cortez Allen
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of ESPN.com and roster information is courtesy of Steelers.com. Camp observations obtained firsthand.
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