With less than two weeks to go until Pittsburgh Steelers training camp kicks off, the buzz among fans continues to increase. Pittsburgh enters the 2024 season expecting to be much-improved after a rollercoaster of a 2023 campaign. With a revamped quarterback room and a makeover to their offensive line, the Steelers offense should be better in 2024. They return all key players of their standout defense, and even added a few starters; combine that with an improved offense and Pittsburgh could make some noise in 2024.
While players like T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Isaac Seumalo, and other key veterans are known quantities at this point in their careers, there are a few younger, perhaps under-the-radar players to keep an eye on at Steelers training camp.
Top Players to Watch at Steelers Training Camp
Beanie Bishop, DB
Despite being an undrafted rookie, cornerback Beanie Bishop will be competing for snaps at a key position. After Cameron Sutton’s 10-game suspension was announced, the battle between Bishop and Josiah Scott for the starting slot cornerback spot has become the top position battle to watch at Steelers training camp. Bishop joined the Steelers after a highly productive career at West Virginia. There, Bishop was a huge playmaker both as a ballhawk and in run support. He has the tenacity and mean streak the Steelers typically expect of their slot cornerbacks. Bishop has reportedly had an impressive summer so far, so he may enter camp with a leg up over Scott for the starting spot.
Justin Fields, QB
It would be hard to talk about Steelers training camp without mentioning their two new quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. While Wilson enters camp as QB1, Fields is expected to be right on his tail. While his lows can get ugly, Fields has more upside than Wilson at this point in their respective careers. Whether that upside comes to fruition this year remains to be seen.
A strong showing at training camp would go a long way for Fields; it would both show that he is still improving and that he is ready to replace Wilson should the veteran struggle during the season. This isn’t necessarily a position battle; Wilson is almost certain to be starting come Week 1. But the performance of Fields is important to watch as it could have a huge effect on Pittsburgh’s long-term plans.
Cole Holcomb/Payton Wilson, LB
Cole Holcomb is an important player to keep an eye on at Steelers training camp due to his health status. He played very well in 2023 before a gruesome knee injury ended his season. There haven’t been any major updates on Holcomb’s status this offseason, so his health remains a bit of a question mark. If Holcomb participates at camp and plays well, he could insert himself right back into the starting group of a very good linebacker room.
If Holcomb does not participate much at camp, or if his knee still hinders his performance, rookie Payton Wilson becomes one of the most intriguing players to watch. Drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round, Wilson has the potential to be an every-down player sooner than later for the Steelers. He can do almost anything; he is a great tackler, has legit sideline-to-sideline speed, and even as a rookie, he could be the Steelers’ best linebacker in pass coverage.
Even if Holcomb is fully healthy, Wilson is still a player to watch to see how Pittsburgh plans to use him as a rookie. But especially if Holcomb isn’t quite ready, Wilson becomes perhaps the most important non-starter on the Steelers defense.
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