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Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Training Camp Preview
Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Training Camp Preview
Another year of being middle of the road for the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, as the team finished 10-7 and lost in the wild card. Omar Khan went out and crushed the draft, but made the mistake of signing Russell Wilson to be the starter (assumed starter, that is). You know my feelings about Mike Tomlin, but with an adult at QB and an improved offensive line, can this team finally make a run in the postseason? We chat about that, position battles, and more in the Steelers 2024 training camp preview!
Three Position Battles To Watch
Quarterback: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields
I mentioned assumed starter, because the trade for Justin Fields should cause pressure for the starting role as the Steelers enter training camp. Wilson had two down years in Denver, and Fields was never really given a fair shot in Chicago given the lack of weapons and protection he had. I believe Fields would fit new offensive coordinator Arthur Smiths’ offense better, but his accuracy is a notable concern. Fields is the failsafe if things go wrong early for Pittsburgh, but could he steal the job in camp?
Center: Nate Herbig, Zach Frazier
The investments the Steelers have made on the offensive line are going to start to pay dividends this season. Pittsburgh went out and drafted both Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier in this year’s draft, and both could have a chance to start this season. Herbig did enough to earn and keep the center job last season, but Frazier was one of the best at his position coming out last season. It will be interesting to see if Tomlin takes the same approach with Frazier as he did with Broderick Jones last season.
No. 2 Wide Receiver: Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins, Calvin Austin III
After the departure of Diontae Johnson this off-season, there is a very noticeable hole as the WR2 on this team as George Pickens takes over the X. Pittsburgh used their third-round pick on Roman Wilson, they still have Calvin Austin who’s finally entering camp healthy and made a ton of signings for the room this offseason. Wilson and Austin have the higher ceiling out of anyone in that room, but Jefferson’s experience definitely plays a factor. To be fair, experience did not do any favors for Allen Robinson last season.
Ready To Breakout: Jaylen Warren
When will people realize that Jaylen Warren is significantly better than Najee Harris? Well, this season should be the proof. Warren averaged 5.3 yards per carry and nabbed four touchdowns on just 149 carries last season. This season under Smith, he can expect a bigger workload. This eventually will lead to Pittsburgh (hopefully) moving off of Harris at the deadline or letting him walk in free agency.
Rookie To Watch: Payton Wilson
If he can remain healthy, the pairing of Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen could become one of the best linebacker groups in the NFL. Wilson fell in the NFL Draft because of concerns about his injury history, but if he can shed that and remain on the field this will be viewed as one of the steals of the draft. Steelers training camp will be huge for Wilson.
Fantasy Sleeper: George Pickens
Yes, the WR1 for the Steelers entering training camp is the fantasy sleeper. The reason for this is that he’s currently going around ADP54, below names like Zay Flowers, Malik Nabers, and Deebo Samuel. Pittsburgh finally has an adult at QB, who will be looking his way on a week-to-week basis.
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