Training camp is just a small taste, but now we get our appetizers with the start of the NFL preseason. Preseason football means nothing to some. However, for others, it is their one chance to earn a starting job or roster spot. For fans, it is a good chance to find out who the Pittsburgh Steelers trust more, and who they want to get a look at. Who are five players who should see the field and will be under the coach’s observation?
Five Players to Watch in Pittsburgh Steelers Preseason Opener
T.J. Watt
Of course, everybody should be dying to see the first round pick in action for the first time in Black and Gold. On top of that, he should be seeing the field plenty. Watt and James Harrison will spell each other in the regular season. Harrison does not need to play in the preseason, leaving valuable snaps open for Watt. Watt is a player who has the physical tools but needs more experience at the position. This is a great opportunity to give him that. The Steelers depth at outside linebacker has been struck by injury and it leaves little sharing for Watt to do. Expect the Steelers to get a long hard look at Watt to start off the preseason.
Mike Hilton
An undersized slot cornerback from Ole Miss might be getting a lot of playing time on Friday and it is not Senquez Golson. Hilton was a teammate of Golson for three seasons, and now he is on the path to stealing his roster spot. Hilton is just 5’9”, but while Golson and rookie Cameron Sutton have missed valuable camp time, Hilton has been working the second team slot position behind William Gay. Gay is another veteran who does not need much preseason time. It should mean plenty of chances for Hilton to showcase his talents in the slot.
Brian Allen
Allen is a rookie who fell to the fifth round, mainly due to his inexperience. Still, from a measurables perspective, Allen has a lot to like. The Steelers should see these four preseason games as a chance to get tape on Allen and start to groom him into the type of cornerback they want him to be. He is a former wide receiver, with one year of experience at cornerback so it may take time. If he is getting burnt early in the preseason or looks lost, it is not a major issue. However, this is a great foundation point, and a chance to track his progression as he will absolutely get time in these games.
Justin Hunter
Hunter has been one of the sensations of training camp. However, camp is completely different than the preseason. Still, given the praise that has been heaped upon Hunter, and the hype that has built around him, the preseason is now a chance for him to shoot himself onto the roster. If Ben Roethlisberger does play any snaps, there is a good chance that Hunter will be on the field. Watch for the two to try to hook up deep early on in the game as Roethlisberger tests out what he has in game speed.
James Conner
Conner has missed a little over a week of practice, and while he has returned, there is a chance that he will not play much. Still, the Steelers almost have to give him some snaps, as they have little idea what exactly they have in Conner yet. Fitzgerald Toussaint and Knile Davis are known quantities. If Le’Veon Bell goes down, they should not be an answer. While the Steelers have some lower end shots in the dark, Conner is the player they will have to rely on. The team should get him on the field for at least a few carries, where Conner will get his chance to shine.
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