We’ve dedicated a lot of energy to everything bad about the new training camp and preseason format. But this doesn’t mean it is a disadvantage for every player. For some guys, being the known instead of the unknown can really work to their advantage. Here are four members of the Pittsburgh Steelers who should benefit heavily from the changes to the offseason.
WR Ryan Switzer
Switzer came into the offseason squarely on the roster bubble. When the Steelers spent a second-round pick wide receiver Chase Claypool, his spot on the bubble got a little wobbly.
But make no mistake, Switzer has worked very hard in the offseason to come into camp in the best shape of his life and as a veteran, he is much less dependent on the preseason to get ready. Switzer also has the edge that he and Ben Roethlisberger have an excellent relationship and he could be a nice safety net for Big Ben.
EDGE Ola Adeniyi
Adeniyi should enter the season as the team’s primary backup to both T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree at outside linebacker. Down the road, Alex Highsmith might be a much better pro but thanks to Adeniyi’s time in the Steelers system, he should be able to hold off the talented rookie.
OT Zach Banner
There’s a real possibility that Banner is the team’s starting right tackle in the regular season. And if he does win the job, it will be his experience from being the team’s sixth offensive lineman last season that seals the deal. He and Chuks Okorafor are the top candidates for the job but Okorafor doesn’t have the film Banner does.
RB James Conner
Going into the final season of his rookie contract, there’s a lot of pressure on Conner to perform. He also has a few very good running backs right behind him anxious to get some reps in. But we all know that Tomlin is a creature of habit when it comes to the run game so a healthy Conner is a starter. And without any preseason action, Conner’s chances of heading into the regular season healthy go way up.
