The Pittsburgh Steelers roster for this upcoming training camp contains plenty of depth and continuity. The Steelers strongest position groups are undoubtedly their highly coveted Offensive Line and fan-favorite Linebackers.
Pittsburgh Steelers Strongest Position Groups
Offensive Line
The Steelers strongest position group on Offense features former Pro Bowlers Center Maurkice Pouncey, Left Guard David DeCastro, and Left Tackle Alejandro Villanueva. The right side of the Steelers offensive line is anchored by long-time Steelers Guard, Ramon Foster. Also, ten game starter in 2018, Tackle Matt Feiler, will get his chance to start alongside this elite bunch. This group will have its share of depth with the raw, young, Tackle Chukwuma Okorafor and versatile Guard/Center B.J. Finney returning as worthy veterans. Looking ahead, it is easy to see why this offensive line will rank as one of the best in the AFC North next season.
The new Steelers Offensive Line Coach, Shaun Sarrett, will have a few former SEC players to mold at training camp. UDFA Guard Garrett Brumfield, nicknamed “Bruiser” at LSU, is a player the Steelers will try to bring up to speed and work his way in to the punishing run scheme. We will also see the return of Tackle Jerald Hawkins, another LSU product, at camp this year. Hawkins has not completed a full season since being drafted four years ago but possesses the skill set of an NFL lineman when on the practice field. These are both lineman for fans to watch during the late quarters of the Preseason games coming up.
Linebackers
The Pittsburgh Steelers added Inside Linebacker Mark Barron on a two-year deal from the Los Angeles Rams after reaching the Super Bowl last season. A few months later, top-ten pick, Devin Bush was selected in the 2019 NFL Draft. Bush is coming off a stellar career at Michigan, however, he is considered to be undersized by his critics. T.J. Watt looks to be a rising star after a career best, 13 sacks last season. Bud Dupree will play this season on a fifth-year option deal. He switched over to rushing from the right side of the defense, where his speed allows him to get around lumbering Left Tackles. Steelers fans should also keep and eye out for Anthony Chickillo and Vince Williams in the normal rotation. This bunch has the ability to be one of the Steelers strongest position groups on defense.
This team has a few training camp darlings to watch out for at linebacker as well. Ola Adeniyi is entering his second year in the league with quite the buzz following him. However, he is not going to be taking any starting jobs away from Watt or Dupree just yet. Look for Adeniyi to be an x-factor, bringing energy off the edge this preseason. Sutton Smith is coming off an electric career at Northern Illinois, totaling almost 30 sacks in the last two years. Smith was a Running back in high school and will get the chance to have a utility role on the team. Expect to see him possibly get snaps at Fullback, Linebacker, and several Special Teams roles this preseason.
These two position groups have the right ingredients to lead this team to the Super Bowl. They are led by veteran players who have been in this system for several years. Equally as important, both groups have proven professionals and determined youth ready to step up in the face of adversity.
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