Steelers training camp battles: Slot CB swings wide open after suspension of Cameron Sutton
Just 48 hours ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers thought they had their starting secondary mapped out. But following the NFL's decision to suspend CB Cameron Sutton for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Pittsburgh is back to square one. Luckily for the Steelers, the leagues decision comes two weeks before training camp, giving the team ample […]
Just 48 hours ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers thought they had their starting secondary mapped out.
But following the NFL's decision to suspend CB Cameron Sutton for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Pittsburgh is back to square one.
Luckily for the Steelers, the leagues decision comes two weeks before training camp, giving the team ample time to figure out who will be their starting slot CB for the first eight weeks.
So that's where our training camp battle series is going to begin. Here are four candidates on the current roster to start come Week 1.
The Frontrunner: Josiah Scott
Scott has the most starting experience of any option currently on the roster. After being drafted by the Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, Scott was traded to the Eagles in 2021 where he appeared in 33 games and made four starts, recording two interceptions and four career tackles.
On top of his experience, Scott was the favorite to start at nickel befior the Cam Sutton signing, as he garnered the majority of starting reps during OTAs.
“I was drafted as a slot in Jacksonville initially,” Scott told Steelers Now back in May. “My role in the NFL has always been a slot. You know, I’ve flexed to other positions like safety, I’ve played dime for the Eagles. So, I’ve worn many hats, but the nickel is the most comfortable position that I’ve played since I came into the league.”
Scott will have his hands full with the others on the list however.
The Newcomer: Beanie Bishop
The rookie UDFA from West Virginia may be a feel-good story given his proximity to the team, but make no mistake about it, Bishop is heading to camp with a chip on his shoulder and a clear goal; to start.
“I had a teacher that once told me, when I told her I wanted to be a professional football player, ‘Get a real job – that’s not possible.’ So I always try to do the impossible,” Bishop said back at rookie minicamp…
"…It’s just a testament to all the work that I put in. Like I said, it’s just one of those things that fuel the fire, I always felt that I was overlooked and undervalued, so it just helps me whenever I get comfortable or anything. Remember guys didn’t think that you should be here.”
Bishop was impressive over the course of the offseason and will give every other slot CB on the team a run for their money. I'm not saying he's Mike Hilton, but he plays with a similar demeanor and I expect him to make noise once the pads come on.
The Darkhorse: Grayland Arnold
Arnold is the hybrid of the group. Most recently a safety with the Houston Texans, Arnold is both experienced and adept at multiple positions in the secondary and could be exactly what Pittsburgh is looking for.
"Truthfully, I can see myself as a safety-nickel guy, a defensive back in general,” Arnold told reporters in June. “I am just here for football so if that is outside corner, or inside, or at safety, that is fine with me.”
If you're ging to play nickel in the Steelers secondary, you obviously have to be able to cover, but you better be both willing and able to tackle and be a plus one in the run game, something Arnold isn't afraid to do.
The Longshot: Thomas Graham Jr.
Graham may not have the experience or excitement surrounding him that the other contenders on this list do, but what he does have is size. At 5-11 and nearly 200 pounds, Graham is big for a nickel and will be taller and heavier than every aforementioned player.
So for Graham, winning the warm up lines will need to turn into wining reps for him to start for the Steelers.
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