The Pittsburgh Steelers will get a day off on Monday after an exciting first week of 2023 training camp. There were a plethora of new faces on the field for the black and gold after General Manager, Omar Khan had an incredibly busy free agency and draft period. The offense remains quite young while the defense is experienced and paid very handsomely to dominate opposing offenses in 2023. The overall potential for success in 2023 has often been related to second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett and his growth after his first full offseason as the unquestioned starter at the position.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett winds up to make a throw during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Overall, no one really knows if Khan's aggression in free agency will pan out for the Steelers. Many thought he might be done before the leader of the front office went out and signed linebacker, Kwon Alexander to a one-year deal prior to Sunday's practice. He may not be taking the first-team reps, but will certainly push guys like Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson.
Steelers Have Immense Amount Of Competition All Over
That seems to be one of the most common themes for the Steelers in 2023. There is competition all over the field. There are many positions that are not sorted out yet, which makes it all the more possible that the team has the most depth on both sides of the ball than it has in years. Respected beat writer, Mark Kaboly, of The Athletic detailed exactly where the question marks are as the franchise prepares for the second week of training camp.
"You have competition at the third receiver, backup tight end, left tackle, inside linebacker, cornerback, safety and punter, all created intentionally by the Steelers."
He's spot on. While some guys may be considered the favorites to be the top guys, or even first in line to backup, there is plenty of experience and talent all over the place. For example, who's to say that a guy like Braden Mann won't beat out Pressley Harvin III?
Steelers punter, Pressley Harvin III walks on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 prseason game in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
In an action-packed AFC, there is really no way to predict who may come out on top in 2023. Sure, the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals (barring any setbacks to Joe Burrow's calf injury) are going to be looked at as the favorites early on. The door, however, is open for some of the second-tier teams to surprise some people. According to Kaboly, Pittsburgh should be in that conversation.
"Despite seemingly being a year or two away from being a true contender for a seventh Lombardi Trophy, the way the Steelers have constructed their roster around the top 10 or so players has expedited the expectations (yes, I said it again) for this year," Kaboly wrote.
Khan has set up a system for 2023 that is based on intense competition all around. Guys like Roberts and Holcomb are absolutely expected to be on the field for the first defensive snap of the season, but with a hungry Robinson lurking and the newly signed veteran in Alexander, they are not going to be able to take a snap off throughout August.
The same goes for the rigorous battle at tight end behind Pat Freiermuth. Darnell Washington and Zach Gentry both share strengths in the blocking game while Connor Heyward may have the ability to be a bit more versatile. Khan's goal was clearly to elevate the level of competition and get the best out of each player to maximize potential throughout camp and into the season.
Steelers tight end, Zach Gentry (#81) prepares to haul in a pass during warmups prior to a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium against the New York Jets in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: JSKO_PHOTO)
The cornerback battle is also extremely exciting to follow. Joey Porter Jr. is trying to become the rare rookie under Mike Tomlin that is at the top of the depth chart on day one of the regular season while a veteran like Levi Wallace is fighting for his playing time all while Patrick Peterson is trying out new positions so the unit has the opportunity to be as efficient and unique as possible.
Then, at wide receiver, fans see the potential second-year (might as well be a rookie) receiver, Calvin Austin III at a legitimate threat to win the third spot on the depth chart over veteran, Allen Robinson II. There is excitement all over the place.
Kaboly hit the nail on the head in his latest article that you can read here. Competition in Steelers' camp is flowing through the air and it might just accelerate the team's so-called "rebuild". In his first full offseason as the general manager, Khan may have absolutely hit a home run.
Do you like the amount of competition going on at training camp for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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