Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Training Camp Preview

Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 Training Camp Preview

There is a lot to be excited about if you’re a Steelers fan entering this season. Second-year man Kenny Pickett will get his chance to lead this team from day one, the front office killed the draft and addressed a number of key positions of need in free agency. This team also has a number of nice young pieces from a year ago that will look to take the next step. In this article, we will be giving you the full Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 training camp preview and what to look for from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. 

Three position battles to watch

No. 3 Wide Receiver: Calvin Austin III vs. Allen Robinson 

When the Pittsburgh Steelers took Calvin Austin III in the fourth round in 2022, many thought he could step in and make an immediate impact, if healthy. He had a foot injury that would cost him his entire rookie season. Now healthy, he could look to crack the rotation. Standing in his way is Allen Robinson, who the Steelers acquired via trade with the Rams. It’s been tough sledding for Robinson as of late, having his last good season back in 2020. Robinson brings veteran leadership to this team but also has a chance to rejuvenate his career with a young quarterback. Both men have very different skill sets, so it might just come down to who could be more useful in this Matt Canada offense. I believe both guys can make an impact, with Austin having much more potential long-term in this offense. 

Defensive Tackle: Keeanu Benton vs. Montravious Adams

Our 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers training camp preview heads to the defensive side as we look at who wins the starting nod at Defensive Tackle. Rookie Keeanu Benton had a nice showing at the Senior Bowl and a decent day at the Combine. The Steelers liked what they saw, and chose him 49th overall in this past draft. He enters camp with a chance to win the starting spot early over Montravious Adams, who did play in all 17 games last season but was not a difference maker. On paper, this should be Benton’s job to lose, but you can never count out someone who has been in the system and knows the playbook as Adams does. 

Starting Left Tackle: Broderick Jones vs. Dan Moore

Our last position battle for our 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers training camp preview highlights one of the most important positions in the sport: Left Tackle. The Steelers have worked tirelessly to try and improve this offensive line and did so in spades in the 2023 NFL Draft by trading up to get Broderick Jones from Georgia. Jones has all the tools to be a day-one starter, but consistency early on will play a big role if he wins the job. He will have to beat out Dan Moore Jr., who was the starter last season. He didn’t play terribly in 2022, logging the third most snaps by a tackle and only allowing seven sacks. But it’s clear that Jones has far more upside than Moore. I think Jones should win the job in camp, and provide an upgrade on Kenny Pickett’s blind side. 

Ready To Breakout: George Pickens

Feed me all things George Pickens. Pickens had 52 catches for 801 yards and four touchdowns his rookie season, and many are expecting him to perform even better in his second year in Pittsburgh. Pickens had the second most 20+ yard receptions by a rookie ever at 16, just behind Mike Evans who had 18.  He also finished tenth in the NFL in yards per catch at 15.4. Many expect Pickens to take that next step and become the monster he has the potential to become. A second full year with Pickett in this offense will do both guys wonders in 2023. 

Rookie To Watch: Darnell Washington

I was tempted to go Cory Trice Jr. here, as there were lots of talks that he looked very well in volunteer OTAs, but I believe the rookie who might end up with the biggest impact is Darnell Washington. Washington was our TE1 entering the draft here at Vendetta, and Pittsburgh basically stole him in the third round. His skills in the run game should allow him to see the field early, and playing alongside Pat Freiermuth should help him develop his route tree. If Washington can get consistency in the passing game, Pittsburgh could have a two-headed monster at Tight End in 2023. 

I’m Buying All The George Pickens Fantasy Football Stock In 2023

Fantasy Sleeper: Kenny Pickett

While I believe that Najee Harris has a chance to find his rookie form again, there is no bigger potential to outperform his ADP than Kenny Pickett. Pickett currently sits as QB25 after finishing last year at QB28. Pickett finished in the top 20 in the last three weeks of the 2022 season, and with an improved offensive line and growth from his receivers, I believe he has a chance to crack the top-16 of fantasy QBs this year. Pickett may never become a top-five fantasy Quarterback, but he has the skills to make a major jump in 2023 compared to a year ago.

Linktree!