When the Pittsburgh Steelers get together for training camp, much of the roster and depth chart will be set. The 2019 version of the Steelers will look very different than the group that missed the playoffs in 2018. The Steelers have added multiple new players and some of those guys are going to create some heated training camp battles.
Here are the three we can’t wait to watch unfold.
Mason Rudolph vs Josh Dobbs
A late push in preseason last year not only kept Dobbs on the roster but earned himself the backup quarterback spot ahead of then-rookie Mason Rudolph. He wasn’t needed much with Ben Rothlisberger at the helm but it was a great story. We have hope this season the two of them can duke it out all camp long without Landry Jones in the mix and see which guy is looking to be the heir apparent to Roethlisberger.
Jaylen Samuels vs Benny Snell Jr.
There’s a tiny part of me that wanted to include James Conner in this battle. But if we assume Conner is locked in as the primary starter, the battle between Snell and Samuels is going to be great. Samuels has the advantage based on experience but Snell is a special talent. We hope the coaches can find ways to get all three involved but these two will make preseason fun to watch.
Steven Nelson vs Justin Layne
When Pittsburgh signed Nelson everyone assumed he would start opposite Joe Haden. And rightfully so. But then the Steelers drafted Layne in the third round and we had to hit pause on the assumption. Nelson has everything going for him as the starter but Layne’s size and athleticism could push him up the depth chart in a hurry. The Steelers need turnovers and Layne’s ball skills could give him an edge.
