Steelers Minicamp: Former Super Bowl champion has a rookie hot on his heels for starting defensive role
The annual appetizer for training camp is upon us. Starting on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be at mandatory minicamp for three days before a five-week break and the return of the NFL season with training camp. Here are three defensive storylines to watch for at minicamp, including a potential unseating at the starting LB […]
The annual appetizer for training camp is upon us.
Starting on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be at mandatory minicamp for three days before a five-week break and the return of the NFL season with training camp.
Here are three defensive storylines to watch for at minicamp, including a potential unseating at the starting LB position:
Storyline #1: ILB Battle
While the leaders in the clubhouse when it comes to who starts at LB are record-setting free agent Patrick Queen and former Super Bowl champion Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson is going to make his case for a starting role as early as this week.
The explosive rookie was dinged for medical concerns and is believed by some to be a one-contract player, meaning Pittsburgh will look to get the most out of him on his rookie deal.
That starts with using him not only in sub-packages but as a full-fledged starter. Alongside Queen, the two would form the most explosive and well-rounded group of inside linebackers since Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams in the mid-2010's.
Look for Wilson's role to only grow as we head into camp.
Storyline #2: Cam Sutton's Return
After making news last week as a controversial signing, Sutton is back where he spent the first six years of his career, and likely back to the position that he knows best: Nickel.
See, as a member of the Lions, Sutton struggled when placed on the perimeter and tasked with guarding opposing teams' best-receiving threats.
But in Pittsburgh, Sutton can get back to his role in the slot which helps everyone in the secondary.
There is the obvious legal situation that looms over him, as well as the potential suspension from the league, but the on-field product will be must-watch as the whole team gathers in Pittsburgh for the first time in 2024.
Storyline #3: EDGE Depth
It's no secret that Pittsburgh boasts arguably the league's best tandem of pass rushers with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. But beyond those two, things become a little scary. That's why Pittsburgh invested in Nick Herbig last year, who lit up training camp and the preseason with his detailed pass rush plan as a rookie.
Heading into year two, Herbig may look to take on a bigger role on the defense, but his overall utility as a designated pass rusher can truly be a major factor for a Steelers defense that if healthy, can be the best in the league.
Steelers Minicamp: Upcoming week presents an opportunity to change how Pittsburgh handles rookies
Here are three offensive storylines to watch at mandatory minicamp.
