Quarterback:
Hunter Johnson (camp invite), Tanner Morgan, Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky
Pickett is the starter, Trubisky the backup. No mystery here. Currently the battle for the third spot is between camp tryout Hunter Johnson of Clemson and UDFA signing Tanner Morgan from Minnesota. Morgan has the clear edge in my opinion – he won’t make anyone forget Kenny Pickett. He has good experience with the RPO and can make plays with his legs – he’s just not a consistently accurate QB. Johnson, after transferring last year to Clemson from Northwestern got few snaps. He’d have to shock many in camp to make a roster.
Running Back:
Najee Harris, Jason Huntley, Anthony McFarland, Toa Taua (camp invite), Master Teague, Jaylen Warren
The top two are set. The battle for the third back is the only spot really at stake. If the Steelers are looking for a change of pace/third down back, the battle would appear to be between Huntley and McFarland. Teague and Taua are more physical backs in the same mold as Harris and Warren. Huntley and McFarland both can return kicks – and I think Huntley has the edge there. The battle here may be won more on special teams than in the backfield.
Tight End:
Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry, Connor Heyward, Darnell Washington, Rodney Williams
Again, the top two spots are likely locked in with Freiermuth and rookie Washington. The battle here is between Gentry and Heyward for the third position. Heyward, with his versatility and potential to play fullback, likely has the edge, but it would help to show he his blocking has improved so he is as good or better than Gentry. Not that Gentry is Mark Bruener, but he was better than Heyward in this department last season.
Fullback:
Connor Heyward, Monte Pottebaum
Pottebaum is the better blocker/pure fullback, but for the frequency in which they use a fullback will likely see them roll out Heyward as a hybrid FB/TE and place Pottebaum on the practice squad. Still, it will be fun to see what Pottebaum can do in camp/preseason. He is a people-mover.
Wide Receiver:
Calvin Austin III, Miles Boykin, Ja’Marcus Bradley, Jordan Byrd, Hakeem Butler (camp tryout), Dan Chisena, Dez Fitzpatrick, Diontae Johnson, Dwayne Menders (camp invite), Anthony Miller, Gunner Olszewski, George Pickens, Allen Robinson, Cody White
The top three are set with Johnson, Pickens and Robinson. The fourth spot likely goes to Austin III, but to be fair, he hasn’t played a down yet of pro football. Still, he likely has the big edge there.
That leaves a plethora of receivers left to battle it out. Boykin may hold an edge due to his experience, size and special teams play. But if they are in need of a return specialist, Byrd could be an interesting player to watch. Austin could also fit as a returner but has only returned punts in college – and just five his Senior season. A late camp tryout signee is Hakeem Butler who had a standout year in the XFL – he could make a strong push here as well. Of the rest, Menders is a Duquesne alum, Miller always seem to be in the discussion and Bradley is another guy to watch – a raw but athletic player with some return skills as well. And you can’t rule out Olszewski who may get a second chance to shine as a returner.
Interior Offensive Line:
Spencer Anderson, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Kevin Dotson, Trevor Downing, William Dunkle, Kendrick Green, Nate Herbig, Ryan McCollum, Isaac Seumalo
A lot to sort out here. To begin, it’s safe to assume Seumalo, Cole and Daniels are your interior starters. I know some think Daniels could be moved to C over Cole and Herbig starts at RG, but I don’t see them fixing what wasn’t broken.
That leaves a number of backup spots to be sorted out. Herbig would seem to be a lock. Anderson has played all five OL spots – they’ll be pushing for him to make the roster, but as a 7th round pick, its anyone’s guess. I think he, Dotson and Herbig likely are your OL backups, but if Anderson doesn’t pan out they’ll likely want to keep a center. A guy to keep an eye on is McCollum, who is a pure center who can fill in at guard.
Offensive Tackle:
Spencer Andeson, Le’Raven Clark, Broderick Jones, Dan Moore Jr., Chidi Okeke (camp tryout), Chuks Okorafor
Anderson is here more in spirit than in reality, He played every OL position in college so he has experience here. Okeke has some solid XFL experience. I think for practical purposes the four OT’s are Jones, Okorafor, Moore and Clark that make this squad. Okeke would be the one guy that could surprise many and bump the need to keep Clark.
The real battle may be at right tackle. Jones should win LT cleanly, though it won’t be just handed to him. But should he win that battle, they could look at Moore Jr. at right tackle. The competition between he and Okorafor could be the real battle here though Okorafor’s large contract may give them great pause to sit him.