Steelers Veteran Exposes Unique Tactic Mike Tomlin Deploys Against 2 Players

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in training camp for roughly a week, but the pads have not come on yet. That all changes on Tuesday as the intensity will take a step up as players put on full pads in Latrobe, PA. This is where clear lines in the sand are drawn when it comes to the depth chart and roster building, and fans will be able to get a better evaluation of the offensive and defensive lines. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is going to be paying extra close attention to his team now that the pads are on as he gets a better idea of what his unit will look like in 2025.

There are always interesting position battles going on during training camp, but those battles are not for starting roles on most occasions. Usually starting lineups are fairly set in stone, maybe aside from a few positions. However, the bottom of each position group also features a ton of competitions as guys are fighting to make the final roster at the end of camp. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward spoke about what Tomlin will do to make the competition intense between two players when the pads go on during the most recent episode of Not Just Football With Cam Heyward.

"He pits every player against each other," Heyward said. "He'll pit people against each other. There's times we go into meetings and he will put two guys’ pictures up and say, '2 dogs, 1 bone.' Before practice. You guys could be on the same side of the field, same position. But, he is letting you know there is one spot, who is willing to take it over? Who is willing to be the alpha in the situation?"

Heyward mentioned that Tomlin will put two players’ pictures on the board in front of the team prior to a practice to heighten the battle between them. This could be guys competing for a starting job, a premiere backup role, or the last spot at a certain position. This is what camp is all about, and those guys are competing against one another on every snap, especially once the pads are on.

There are a couple of spots to pay attention to on Pittsburgh's roster when it comes to battles, like Heyward described. One of which is going to come at the tight end position, near the back of the depth chart. Connor Heyward is currently the team's fourth-string tight end, and he also has some versatility as he plays special teams and can line up at fullback. However, JJ Galbreath has been making some noise at tight end for the Steelers and the undrafted free agent seems to have a decent chance to surpass Heyward on the depth chart. He doesn't provide the same versatility, but could probably be considered more of a weapon at tight end in the passing game.

Steelers Will Have Interesting Battles Along The Defensive Line

Outside of tight end, the defensive line is going to have to have some tight battles. Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, and Yahya Black are all locks to make the final roster. Daniel Ekuale probably falls into that group as well. The franchise kept eight players on the defensive line in 2024, so that would leave room for three more players. It'll come down to Isaiahh Loudermilk, Dean Lowry, Logan Lee, DeMarvin Leal, and some other less likely candidates. That is going to be the group to keep an eye on once the team starts hitting.

Lee missed his entire rookie season in 2024 and is now fighting for a spot on the roster. Leal is looking to prove he belongs in the league. That group is going to be vicious during team periods, and they will be challenged by Tomlin.

What do you think of Tomlin's tactics? Let us know in the comments below!

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